- Location
- East Sussex, England
- Sector
- Agriculture Fishing & Forestry
- Salary
- £28,901.00 to £32,630.00 per annum
- Benefits
- Accommodation + Benefits
Herdsperson
Herdsperson - £32,630 - East Sussex + Accommodation + Benefits
The Job:
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Herdsperson to join a progressive dairy operation managing a 250 cow Holstein herd.
Working as part of a three person dairy team and reporting to the Farm Manager, you will play an important role in the day to day management of the herd, supporting high standards of animal welfare, milk quality, herd performance and operational efficiency. The dairy operates a combination of robotic and conventional parlour milking systems, providing an excellent opportunity to work with modern automated milking technology alongside traditional dairy management practices.
This is also a working teaching farm, so the successful candidate will regularly work alongside students, apprentices and visitors. You will be expected to act as a positive professional role model and help develop students' practical skills and understanding of modern dairy farming.
Key Responsibilities:
- Carry out daily husbandry tasks across the dairy herd and youngstock, including milking, feeding, health monitoring, weighing and cattle movements
- Maintain high standards of cattle health, welfare, mobility, fertility and nutrition
- Monitor robotic milking systems, respond to alerts and exceptions, interpret robot data and support improvements in robot efficiency and cow performance
- Contribute to herd performance monitoring through accurate recording, observation and communication
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date farm and livestock records
- Assist with foot care, stock selection, performance monitoring and general herd management
- Support biosecurity procedures and maintain appropriate standards across livestock facilities, equipment and machinery
- Work alongside students and apprentices, supporting practical activities and demonstrating professional standards and safe working practices
- Contribute to wider farm duties and development projects when required
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute positively to the wider farm team
- Participate in training, professional development and performance review processes
- Follow all relevant health and safety, welfare and farm policies
- Undertake other reasonable duties as required by the Farm Manager
The Candidate:
- Previous experience working on a dairy unit
- Excellent cattle husbandry skills and a strong commitment to animal welfare
- Experience with milking and feeding cattle
- Competence in foot trimming
- Ability to maintain accurate and reliable records
- Telehandler certificate
- AI trained, or willing to undertake AI training
- Experience with robotic milking systems
- Knowledge of the InterHerd recording system, or willingness to learn
- Experience operating a TMR feeder
- Previous experience teaching, training or instructing others
- Livestock transport certificate for short journeys
Working Pattern
The basic working pattern is 05:00–17:30 on an 11 days on / 3 days off shift pattern. Flexibility is required to meet the needs of the dairy operation, including some evening and weekend work for departmental or wider organisational events.
This is a permanent, all year-round position.
The Package:
- Salary £28,000 - £32,630 per annum DOE
- On site accommodation
- 26 days' annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
- Additional efficiency days, subject to organisational arrangements
- Membership of the LGPS pension scheme, including life assurance
- Employer pension contribution
- Free on site car parking
- Competitively priced dining facilities
- Access to relevant training and professional development opportunities
- Opportunity to develop experience across both robotic and conventional dairy systems
- The chance to work in a modern teaching-farm environment and support the development of future dairy professionals
Please email your CV to James Caspersen, Recruitment Delivery Consultant at JCaspersen@agriRS.co.uk.
Candidate Requirements
All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.
Stay Connected
Keep up to date with the latest opportunities from Agricultural Recruitment Specialists by registering at www.agriRS.com and following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
About Agricultural Recruitment Specialists
Agricultural Recruitment Specialists is a market-leading, specialist recruitment partner connecting top talent with leading organisations across the agriculture, farming, food and fresh produce, horticulture, environmental, and rural sectors.
Why Work With Us?
With deep industry knowledge and an extensive global network, we are uniquely positioned to connect high-calibre professionals with forward-thinking organisations. Our consultative approach ensures we deliver not just candidates, but long-term value.
Get in Touch
Visit www.agriRS.com or speak to our specialist team on +44 (0)1905 345 155 to find out more.
Connecting outstanding talent with leading organisations worldwide.