JOB SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE
AREA OF WORK
Assistant Herdsperson
SALARY
Farms
BENEFITS
In line with AWB rate. £6.89 per hour
basic and £10.34 per hour overtime
based on Grade 3.
Average hours 55 per week (opt out form
applicable)
LINE MANAGER(S)
Farm Foreman
Local Government Pension Scheme
35 days holiday including Bank Holidays
and including up to 4 days at the
discretion of the Principal to be taken
between Christmas and New Year.
House.
LINE MANAGER FOR
Students allocated to the Worker for
Practical Instruction / Experience
BRIEF OUTLINE
The College Farms are managed commercially and provide for the education and
training needs of students. The special needs of education and training must always
be a priority. As a member of the farm staff the postholder will be required to
communicate accurately and assist with the training and assessment of students. The
postholder will undertake tasks allocated in a responsible, effective and efficient
manner. The postholder will be involved in, and required to assist with, the practical
work of students and its assessment as required which may be varied from time to
time.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a team member the postholder will be required to ensure that care and welfare of
the dairy herd at Myerscough Lodge Farm is carried out to the highest level to
ensure the efficient milk production of the herd.
The postholder will be required to assist in the milking of the 240 cow dairy herd and
to care for the 240 dairy replacement followers.
The postholder will be required to undertake other related stock tasks as illustrated
in the duties below.
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DUTIES
To be responsible for the production of clean milk from the College herd.
Milking the cows at times to be agreed with the Herd Manager.
Efficient milk production requires a good management environment and good
stockmanship. The postholder will be required to care for livestock in a responsible
manner and ensure that any welfare issues, ill health, damage or other problems
are brought to the attention of the manager as soon as possible or where necessary
take appropriate remedial action.
To abide by the codes of recommendations for the welfare of livestock – cattle.
To keep technically up to date in all aspects of dairying.
Attention to detail is required at all times.
Observation of the cows and calves including night checks.
Liaison with others to ensure that the herd is healthy and that feet and udders are in
good condition.
Observations of the cows to cover the fertility of the herd are essential. Ensuring the
cows are back in calf within an agreed calving interval.
Observation of cows suitable for culling.
Feeding of calves and young stock.
To assist in the planning of the calf requirements i.e. feeding, penning, weaning, and
other calf rearing operations.
Record keeping and the supply of information to the manager and farm secretary.
To assist in the maintenance of all cow records on the computerised and manual
systems.
To assist in the maintenance of all calf rearing records.
In compliance with our statutory obligations the postholder will be required to complete
the veterinary medicine records book.
Agriculture is in a process of rapid change as regards legal requirements on
paperwork. As is deemed necessary additional records may be required to be kept.
As a college we provide a shop window for prospective students and visitors.
To keep tidy all areas at any time. The cleanliness of the parlour, dairy and yards is of
utmost importance and as a member of the team it is expected that these areas are
clean and tidy at all times.
The policy of Good Housekeeping should be adhered to.
Attention to detail is required.
Promote the College values:
- Respect for yourself, each other and the environment
- Welcoming, honest and open
- Safe and supportive culture
- Inspiring learners and staff
- Positive and dynamic attitude
Promote College sustainability policies and strategies by personal commitment and
lead by example.
E:Personnel/JobDRotas/UptodateSpecs/AssistantHerdspersonDec11
DUTIES
Active involvement in carbon reduction, embedding of carbon reduction practices
(lights off, heating down etc.)
To be vigilant in relation to the College’s approach to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
ethos.
Take an active role in all team activities to ensure full compliance with agreed safety,
quality and environmental standards and expectations.
Participate in staff review and development in line with College needs. Agree
objectives with the Line Manager and ensure they are achieved.
Maximise effective use of time and personal ability.
Be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children, young people
and vulnerable adults at all times in line with the College’s own Safeguarding Policy
and practices.
Work flexibly within own range of competence, undertaking the appropriate training
and development to extend skills and abilities to meet the needs of the College.
The postholder must be committed to working towards the implementation of equality
of opportunity in both service delivery and employment. The College’s mission and
strategic objectives directly support this aim. All employees are required to support
this aim and its implementation pro-actively.
The postholder must be thoroughly aware of College Health and Safety policies and
ensure that employees within his/her responsibility are also. He/she must also seek
to ensure appropriate implementation of such policies across all areas of his/her
responsibility.
Any other duties that may reasonably be required by Line Management and the
Principal.
Location of work
You may be required to work at or from any building, location or premises of
Myerscough College, and any other establishment where Myerscough College
conducts its business.
Variation to this Job Description
This is a description of the job as it is at present, and is current at the date of issue.
The job description will be renewed and updated as necessary to ensure that
appropriate revisions are incorporated, and that it relates to the job to be performed.
This process is conducted jointly with your Line Manager. You are expected to
participate fully in the review and, following discussion, to update your job
description as is considered necessary or desirable. It is our aim to reach
agreement on reasonable changes. However, if such agreement is not forthcoming,
Management reserves the right to insist on changes after consultation with you.
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EMPLOYEE SPECIFICATION
(A)
(P)
Assessed via Application form
Assessed via Presentation in interview
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
Personal Attributes
Presentable and professional appearance (I)
Ability to work as part of a team (A/I)
Ability to work to quality standards (A/I)
Good command of the English language (A/I)
Capable of working long hours (I)
Attainments
Appropriate qualification in a land based discipline (A)
Evidence of suitable practical experience of milking cows
(A)
General Intelligence
Good level of intelligence (A/I)
Herd management potential (A/I)
Logical thinker (A/I)
Special Aptitudes
A natural stockperson (A/I)
Attention to detail (A/I)
Enthusiastic (A/I)
Able to work as a member of a team, trustworthy, ability to
communicate and be able to undertake all tasks allocated
in an efficient and effective manner (A/I)
Interests
To be of an outgoing nature and able to share interests
(A/I)
Disposition
Excellent interpersonal skills (I)
Good communication skills (I)
Approachable (I)
Person centred approach (I)
General
An understanding of health and safety requirements of a
working environment (A/I)
An understanding of equal opportunities issues within an
educational context (A/I)
An understanding of “safeguarding” and its importance
within the College * (A/I)
Circumstances
Willing to apply for Criminal Records Bureau clearance at
Enhanced level (A/I)
Ability and willingness to work flexibly (I)
Current driving licence (A)
(I)
(T)
Assessed via Interview
Assessed via Test
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
Interest in students and their education
(A/I)
Certificates in ATV operation and loadall.
(A)
*Interviews will explore issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including motivation to
work with and ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and
young people together with emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours and attitudes to use of
authority and maintaining discipline.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS
JOB TITLE
AREA OF WORK
Assistant Herdsperson
SALARY
Farms
HOURS OF WORK
In line with AWB rate. £6.89 per hour basic
and £10.34 per hour overtime based on
Grade 3.
Average hours 55 per week
(opt out form applicable)
ANNUAL LEAVE ENTITLEMENT
PENSION (FINAL SALARY)
35 days holiday including Bank Holidays
and including up to 4 days at the discretion
of the Principal to be taken between
Christmas and New Year.
Local Government Pension Scheme
Up to £12,900 pa 5.5% Employee
£12,901 - £15,100 pa 5.8% Employee
£15,101 - £19,400 pa 5.9% Employee
£19,401 - £32,400 pa 6.5% Employee
£32,401 - £43,300 pa 6.8% Employee
£43,301 - £81,100 pa 7.2% Employee
£81,101 plus pa 7.5% Employee
13.1% Employer
You will automatically become a member
of the LGPS unless you elect to opt out
PROBATIONARY PERIOD
DRESS CODE
A probationary period of six months
applies to new entrants to the College
All post holders are expected to be of a
professional and presentable appearance
REFERENCES / MEDICAL CLEARANCE / DISCLOSURE
The appointment is subject to the receipt of satisfactory references, medical clearance
and Criminal Records Bureau check/ISA (if applicable).
Occupational Sick pay is not paid during the first four months of service and thereafter is
subject to the College’s Sick Pay Scheme
COLLEGE VALUES
Promote the College values:
- Respect for yourself, each other and the environment
- Welcoming, honest and open
- Safe and supportive culture
- Inspiring learners and staff
- Positive and dynamic attitude
E:Personnel/JobDRotas/UptodateSpecs/AssistantHerdspersonDec11