Head Shepherd Position

Orchid Meadow Farm specialise in Organic Sheep Milk Production alongside organic cereals, lamb, and beef fattening enterprise. Our breeding ewes currently sit at 1300 in 6 breeding groups with a target to increase to 1800 in the very near future. We are a closed flock and currently breed 600 replacements a year and 1700 fat lambs.

We have an exciting opportunity for the position of Head Shepherd to join our motivated and forward-thinking team. The role will support the farm manager in ensuring the smooth running of the farm and its day-to-day tasks. This permanent position is well suited to someone who is passionate about the health, welfare, and nutrition of dairy sheep. You will be responsible for working with your team to ensure the welfare of all sheep is always to a high standard. Team members currently include Assistant shepherd, lamb rearing team and general farm workers.

Applicants would be expected to have these skills as a minimum
- *Ability to communicate and organise a team of staff/ contractors.

*High knowledge of sheep welfare.

*Good record keeping on paper and on our farm IT systems.

*Passion to business.

*Ability to work alone and with team members as required.

*Clean driving licence.

Desirable qualifications, but not essential as training can be provided:
*ATV/ RTV Certificate
- Telehandler Certificate
- Trailer licence / experience
- Short / long haul livestock movement Certificate

References are required.

**Salary**: From £28,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Referral programme
- Work from home

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Night shift
- Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Shaftesbury: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: One location

Application deadline: 02/02/2023