Farm and Livestock Manager - Almond Valley Heritage Trust

The Company:

Welcoming over 160,000 visitors each year, Almond Valley is a much-loved family attraction and heritage charity of purpose, anchored in the community and reaching a wonderfully diverse audience who are drawn to the simple, joyful appeal of our extraordinary heritage centre. As custodians of much of natural, built and cultural heritage of national significance, and Scotland’s only Rare Breed Survival Trust approved farm park, we are a charity of real purpose and value. A central feature of the Almond Valley Heritage Centre, the farm is home to an incredible array of rare breeds including Clydesdale horses, North Ronaldsay sheep, Bagot goats, and several rare breeds of poultry. It provides a perfect environment to inspire wonder, interest and an enduring passion among our visitor base for our animal friends. We have recently implemented a new, bold and ambitious 5-year master plan that sets out to transform the way in which our visitors connect and engage with the heritage in our care, including our rare breed farm. Over the next 5 years we will emerge as a dynamic, resilient, sustainable and relevant cultural beacon for the region; a valued sanctuary for learning and discovery, welcoming the broadest possible audience. We’re looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable Farm & Livestock Manager to lead our Farm team and help bring this vision to life.

The Candidate:

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Substantial relevant and practical experience of animal husbandry in a farm park or zoo environment, including rare breed knowledge
• Experience establishing robust health monitoring practices and overseeing a breeding program
• Proven experience as a manager and people leader.
• Sound knowledge of budget management
• Experience and knowledge of land management and stock rotation
• Comprehensive and up to the minute regulatory and compliance knowledge and track record of establishing systems and protocols that ensure adherence
• Extensive experience in animal care, including feeding, health monitoring, and general husbandry practices particularly with rare breed knowledge Heritage Breed Sheep
• Experience in leadership roles, managing and developing teams

Desirable:

• Relevant qualifications at a degree level would be desirable
• Excellent organisational abilities, and familiarity with the regulations and record keeping associated with the management of an animal-based attraction
• Experience working in a visitor attraction, museum, or heritage setting
• Experience delivering public engagement at farm-based events/experiences
• Marketing or events experience, especially in a family-focused setting

The Package:

• Holiday allocation 32 days per annum including bank holidays (pro rata for part time staff)
• Automatically enrol team members into our workplace pension operated by Royal London
• Free on-site car parking
• Staff Pass provides access to the site for free
• Team members have access to The Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions card which allows free entry to a huge range of visitor attractions throughout Scotland
• Discount in the cafe and gift shop

For more information or to apply for the role please email your CV and cover letter to jobs@almondvalley.co.uk