Work with us

We’re in the exciting position to be looking for an Assistant Farm Manager to join us on the farm. Full job description below…
 
This is a new role on the farm as we look to transition responsibilities and expand our business further. A great opportunity to gain new skills as well as career progression to Farm Manager within three years. 
 
There are two sides to our business of which will both be covered within this role:

• Free-range turkeys for Christmas (our core business). Main responsibilities will be to assist in the management of turkey brooding from May – August and turkey rearing until the end of November. We brood five flocks of day old chicks to six weeks over the season and will see 70,000 turkeys come through the farm over the entire season from May through to November. 

• We have recently transitioned our 250 acre arable farmland into herbal lays of which we holistically graze with our 60 head Aberdeen Angus suckler herd. We are continually working to improve organic matter and ecosystems above and below ground. We have the potential to grow the herd and are looking to improve all aspects of our beef production. We engage with the public on farm walks and strive to improve the reputation red meat has with consumers. 

The ideal candidate will have three years minimum experience in animal husbandry – in particular poultry, a real passion for; improving soil, animal production/health and holistic grazing. We are looking for someone with a willingness to learn, adapt and excellent communication skills are a must. Training can be given where needed for the right candidate. 

Both sides of our business are growing and this is a rewarding opportunity to join a forward thinking family farming business. 

Assistant Farm Manager main duties: 

• Supporting the day to day running of the farm to produce turkey and beef of the highest standards

• Managing the farm while the Farm Manager is on holiday or rest day

• Ensuring the welfare of turkeys and cattle are maintained at all times

• Ensuring ventilation, feed, vaccinations and conditions are kept at optimum levels you will also be required to maintain accurate records 

• Maintain accurate records

• Manage and monitor ventilation, heating, feed, water, litter and lighting within the agreed standards, ensuring the highest quality conditions are provided

• Manage and control Visitors/Contractors on site ensuring that work is carried out to required specification and quality and work is carried out in a safe manner 

• All day to day management of the livestock. The health and welfare of the livestock is a key priority

• Liaise with other farm staff

 
Requirements of candidates:
 
Essential:

• Experience of working with machinery; telehandlers and tractors.

• 3 years+ experience in animal husbandry – in particular poultry.

• Full driving license and own transport due to rural location

• Excellent communication skills

• Numerate and literate to record farm data

• Proactive and positive approach to work

• Demonstrable skills in efficient ways of working

• Excellent attention to detail

• Humble and mindful approach to work. The demonstrable ability to admit mistakes and work reflectively and collaboratively 

 
Desirable:

• A passion for regenerative farming and soil management

• Experience with cattle

  
Assistant Farm Manager benefits:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience with additional performance bonus

• Good opportunities for career progression and personal growth within the business based on performance, enthusiasm and reliability. 

• Pension

• Housing allowance or accommodation to be arranged for the right candidate if re-location required

• Career progression to Farm Manager (within 3 years) £30k+

  
Summary of contract terms:

• Full-time, permanent (expectation 2 years minimum)

• £25,000 – £28,000 per year / dependent on experience

• 48 hours per week. Flexible to reflect seasonal nature of the job. Weekends on rotation (2 hours per day)

• Work authorisation, United Kingdom (required)

• Reporting to Farm Manager

• 31 days holiday which includes statutory bank holidays

• Work location Chelmsford, Essex. The farm is situated in a very pleasant village called Great Waltham, 20 mins from the centre of Chelmsford. There is a good primary school 1 mile from the farm and nearby secondary schools, post office and shops. 

• 6 month probationary period

If you are looking for a rewarding role and can offer a solid foundation of stockmanship, consistency and attention to detail; please contact Sam Squier 07786 621944 for an informal discussion or send your CV to kate@humphreysfarm.co.uk