General Farm Technician

The Role

This post will be based at Aberystwyth University Farm, Trawsgoed, Ceredigion and will work as part of a small team of Farm Technicians and Farm Enterprise Managers, under the Research Farm Manager. The post holder may also be required to carry out duties at other sites including Gogerddan and Aberystwyth and must be capable of working safely and reliably as part of a team or on their own.

The postholder is expected to have a good understanding of the agricultural industry, farm machinery, livestock care, health and nutrition. They will need to have excellent stockman skills to work with adult and growing dairy and beef cattle, ewes, rams and lambs. They will also need to be (or become) proficient in the use and maintenance of standard and specialised farm equipment and machinery. They will need to work with visitors, students and university staff, assisting with teaching and research activities, taking part in activities such as demonstrations and open days as required.

It is likely that there will be the opportunities for training and career progression for the right candidate as the farm seeks to enhance its operations and build resilience in the workforce. It is possible that on occasion additional overtime working at enhanced rates may be available.

There is also a possibility of on-site accommodation provided at industry standard (tied cottage) rates.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Adrian Ratter, Research Farm Manager, by email at adr24@aber.ac.uk or by calling 07773 663384

Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.

What you’ll do

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Enterprise Manager or the Research Farm Manager, the person appointed will be expected to perform the following duties:

• Support the day-to-day operation of all enterprises within the farm as directed by the Research Farm Manager (RFM) and Enterprise Managers (EM). This may include Robot Milking System operation and maintenance, lambing, calving and other livestock duties and work in all aspects of crop and grass production and harvesting.
• Be responsible for the care, health and welfare of all livestock, e.g., cattle, calves, sheep, lambs etc. reporting any concerns to a more senior member of staff or calling a vet if necessary.
• Drive farm vehicles and operate machinery and equipment in line with procedures and as required, undertake relevant training if necessary.
• Assist with general farm maintenance and upkeep e.g., building and fencing maintenance, cleaning and repairs.
• Ensure resources are not wasted and equipment and infrastructure are treated with the utmost care.
• Be responsible for his or her own health and safety and that of other colleagues, working safely and efficiently in the dairy and wider farm in accordance with COSHH, health and safety and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure that the environmental control procedures to prevent pollution and manage biosecurity risks are adhered to.
• Actively engage in teaching and research activities as and when required; helping with teaching and demonstration work; working with Home Office regulated animals and inspectors.
• Maintaining accurate, detailed records (manual and computerised) as instructed.
• Be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
• To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme.
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

The position is physically demanding therefore it is essential that the successful applicant has an appropriate level of health and fitness. Appointment to this position may be subject to a satisfactory fitness assessment.

Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required

Essential

1. Level 2 NVQ Certificate, Diploma or strong evidence of capability in practical livestock agriculture.
2. O-Level or GCSE qualifications in English/Welsh and Maths.
3. Full valid UK driving licence or equivalent right to drive in the UK.
4. Stock handling and efficient working on beef, sheep or dairy farms.
5. Working safely and responsibly on your own, taking the initiative when required.
6. Tractor driving and use of common farm machinery e.g., feeder wagons and slurry scrapers.
7. Detailed understanding of the care, health and welfare requirements of livestock.
8. Detailed understanding of farm health and safety including working with livestock and manual handling.
9. Excellent animal husbandry skills, including care of cattle and/or sheep.
10. Ability to recognise common animal ailments and illnesses, when and how to treat and when to ask for more skilled help e.g., from a vet.
11. Proficient in maintaining and repairing farm equipment and machinery.
12. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level A0. An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.

Desirable

1. Further/Higher education in an agriculture related subject.
2. Certificates of skill levels, e.g., telehandler, tractor, forklift, quad.
3. Trailer licence.
4. Working well within varied teams.
5. Working within a University environment.
6. Working with Home Office Named Persons or HO regulated animals.
7. Working on experiments and collection of scientific data.
8. Working unsociable hours and/or shift work.
9. Working knowledge of dairy processes, including dairy cow nutrition, health, welfare and record keeping.
10. Broad and detailed understanding of the agriculture industry.
11. Ability to calve and milk dairy cows and care for new-born calves.
12. Ability to lamb ewes and care for new-born lambs.
13. Excellent communication (including by email), organisation and interpersonal skills.
14. Basic use of Microsoft Office software.
15. Welding skills.
16. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level A2.

*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at:

https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welsh-standards/

How to apply

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.

Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy.
• 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles.
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days.
• Commitment to Professional Development.
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes.
• Staff recognition and reward schemes.
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free.
• Staff relocation bursary.
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave.
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.

Please keep reading

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.

We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Employment Visa

Under the UK Government’s points-based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.