General Farm Worker

Salary: £24,886 / year

General Farm Worker
Application Deadline: 19 September 2024

Department: Farm Services

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Gelli Aur Campus

Reporting To: Farm Manager

Compensation: £24,886 / year

DescriptionThe Corporate Board is committed to appointing staff who will display initiative and enthusiasm, and further enhance the reputation of the College through a commitment to working as a team member and producing work of high quality. The post provides an exciting and challenging opportunity for a pro-active and innovative person.

The commercial farming operation within Coleg Sir Gar, Carmarthenshire College, is primarily (but not exclusively) centred around Gelli Aur Farm. The Herd Manager will be responsible for the day to day management of the herd that represent the nucleus of the commercial farm enterprise Agricultural Research Centre at Gelli Aur. It is essential therefore that the Farm Worker is an integral member of a successful team which includes the Farm Manager and other farm staff.. Established in 1997, the Gelli Aur Agricultural Diversification and Technology Centre isfundamental in supporting Gelli Aur as a “Centre of Excellence” in land based studies. The development of the Gelli Aur Centre has ensured that facilities at the farm represent excellent working conditions and reflect the current “state of the art”. It is essential that the Farm Worker is capable of working at the highest technical level while contributing to the training and dissemination outcomes associated with the Centre.

Whilst the Farm has clearly identified targets and performance indicators of its own, it's success is inextricably linked to that of the Faculty of Landbased studies and the effective delivery of training and development programmes in Agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the day to day management of the Dairy Herd unit ensuring that all stock are cared for to the highest standard of husbandry and welfare. Carry out a range of tasks involved in the daily milking routine which will differ during the season which will include:-

-Organising groups as required for milking.
-Allocating correct grazing areas during the grazing season.
-Feeding cows to a high standard during winter months and implementing an agreed feeding strategy.
-Cleaning and bedding the herd during the housing period and ensuring a good environment which will contribute towards excellent dairy hygiene standards
-Assist with Youngstock management during the calving seasons which will include a range of Calf rearing and husbandry skills.

• Carry out general farm maintenance and ensure all Farm equipment is in good working order;
• Carry out a range of record keeping in order to monitor performance of a range of farm resources;
• Undertake a range of tractor work at Gelli Aur Farm and any other land managed by Coleg Sir Gâr;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the farm based investigations and the discussion of outcomes with students, guests and visiting groups;
• Manage the storage and application of effluent and ensure compliance within the Code of Good Agricultural Practice;
• Ensure that operational procedures reflect good practice and have a high regard for essential H&S measures;
• Ensure the farm is at all times an outstanding example to visitors. All aspects of Unit's appearance must be permanently in order;
• Co-operate and liaise with project partners;
• Manage their time and work routine in order to achieve the performance targets within an agreed annual time allowance;
• Keep up to date with current farming practice, attend relevant courses and give feedback to other members of staff;
• Communicate regularly with the farm management and participate in all policy discussions and decisions that affect the profitability of the unit;
• Undertake routine stock tasks associated with the operation of the College's commercial sheep enterprise;
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and be organised;
• Co-operate and liaise with Faculty staff and be a Team Player;
• Work with, supervise and instruct students.

Skills Knowledge and ExpertiseEssential Criteria:

• Appropriate Qualifications
• Good communicator with diplomacy and tact
• Good interpersonal and organisational skills
• Ability to work harmoniously with colleagues
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Good presentational skills
• Competence in the use of a range of IT systems and packages
• Good stock skills and competence within dairy farming systems in general
• Competence in the use of a range of farm equipment and processes
• A current driving licence

Desirable Criteria:

• Fluency in Welsh (Conversational Level Only Required)
• Proven track record of undertaking farm based work

Welsh Language Requirements:

• Welsh Oracy (Listening/Speaking) - Level 0/1
• Welsh Literacy (Writing/Reading) - Level 0/1

See detailed language descriptions attached.

Persons are welcome to apply for posts in Welsh and applications made in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.

For a full job description, please click attached.

Benefits

• You will receive 28 days holiday, plus bank holidays and five closure days which totals at 41 days holiday per year. You also receive an additional 4 days after 5 years service.
• Extremely generous pension scheme with employer contributions of 20%.
• Award-winning professional learning and development programme.
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site car parking
• Online and instore retail discounts