8 January 2014
Dear Applicant
Thank you for your interest in the vacancy of Livestock and Education Mentor
at Hackney City Farm.
In order to apply for this vacancy you will need to send us your CV and a
covering letter of no longer than 2 pages.
Please make sure that you refer to the job description and the criteria in the
personal specification when writing the covering letter.
Please send your completed application to the above address or by email to
charlotte@hackneycityfarm.co.uk by 5pm Monday 3 February. Interviews for
the position are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12
February.
Please provide details of two referees, one of which must be your current or
most recent employer.
This position is subject to a DBS (formally CRB) check.
If you would like further information about the role, please ring on the above
number or email farm@hackneycityfarm.co.uk
Yours faithfully
Hackney City Farm
Supported by:
Livestock and Education Mentor
Job Descriptionand Personal Specification
Job Title
Livestock and Education Mentor
Reporting to
Farm Manager
Background and Job Purpose
Over the past twenty five years, Hackney City Farm has evolved from a
derelict haulage yard into a thriving, popular community resource. Set up by
volunteers in 1984, local involvement has remained at the heart of the Farm.
We offer children and adults the opportunity to get up close to a range of
farmyard animals; see, smell and plant vegetables; and learn new skills to live
a healthier, happier life with a lower environmental impact.
The Livestock and Education Worker will be responsible for all aspects of
animal husbandry and the day to day operation of the farmyard.
Additionally this post will manage yard volunteers and the work experience
programmes which will include all practical aspects as well as assisting with
work experience diaries, feedback sheets and ‘follow on’ signposting.
There is also a special emphasis on working with young people with special
educational needs to gain animal husbandry experience, confidence and
enhanced social skills.
The Livestock and Education Mentor will also be responsible for keeping all
administration up to date, accurate and organised in relation to volunteers and
the livestock, as well as responding to emails, letters and phone calls relating
to the Farmyard and potential yard volunteers
Salary
£25,000pa
Hours
37.5 per week
Work place
Hackney City Farm
Supported by:
Main Duties in Livestock Work
To manage all routine animal husbandry tasks including regular animal health checks
Organising the feeding regime and animal breeding programme
Manage all aspects of animal record keeping; including livestock books, Animal
Movement Licences, veterinary and medicines records and any other information
required by DEFRA.
Inspecting animal housing and grazing areas and carrying out maintenance tasks as
required
Stocking and re-homing animals when necessary
Ensuring animals are healthy and happy and acting quickly, efficiently and calmly in
any emergency situations
Ensuring high standards of health and safety practice is maintained in all matters
relating to the animals and farm users.
Taking animals off site for visits, shows and TV work and managing all aspects of
animal welfare, transport and safety considerations.
Being available for occasional out of hours work in case of emergencies and during
lambing
Main Duties in Education and Mentoring Work
To encourage the inclusion of disadvantaged people in the community by developing
their confidence, motivation and social skills through farmyard work.
Coordinating, mentoring and developing all farmyard volunteers providing
encouragement and feedback.
Managing the work experience programmes
Maintain and develop relationships with local SEN schools to provide placements
schemes for pupils.
Helping to plan, organise and deliver all educational activities relating to the Farm’s
livestock
Organising and delivering trips and opportunities for volunteers
Mapping volunteer development through a range of medias for feedback to funders
Providing a friendly and informative face of the farm
Supported by:
Personal Specification
Knowledge
Essential:
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Relevant qualification or relevant experience with a range of large and small
animals
Knowledge of animal welfare standards and current legislation and policy
Knowledge of child and vulnerable adult protection policies and safeguarding
procedures
Current first aid certificate or willingness to complete training
Experience
Essential:
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Experience of working in an outdoor environment
Experience of managing own workload in a busy environment
Experience of keeping records up to date and accurate in a timely manner
Experience of managing or supervising a range of people including sessional
and part-time staff.
Experience of working with either young people, SEN students, vulnerable
adults or those with physical disability or learning difficulty
Experience of carpentry and general ‘can do’ attitude to maintenance
Desirable:
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Experience of organising and supervising trips and activities
Experience of delivering workshops
Skills
Essential:
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Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills
Proven interpersonal and communication skills and able to communicate
appropriately with a range of people.
Excellent time management skills
Self-motivated and ability to enthuse and empower others.
Ability to work in a mature and positive manner with people from a diverse
range of backgrounds
Current driving licence (preferably with trailer and animal transportation
experience)
Supported by:
Supported by: