Assistant Farm Manager
PAY POINT:
Band 4, points 16-19
Package – Salary £19,100 - £20,800, plus overtime, plus three
bedroom house rent free, 30 days holiday, Local Government
Pension Scheme.
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE:
Business Support
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Farm Manager
LINKAGE:
General Farm Worker
Regardless of a specific job title and role, for all employees at this College their primary role is:
‘To Help Learners Succeed’
JOB PROFILE
The Assistant Farm Manager will work with their Line Manager to ensure that the South Staffordshire
College is recognised for excellence in all that it does. The post holder will make a major contribution to
the delivery of its agreed purpose and underpinning core principles, these being:
“To work together to raise aspirations and success through excellence in all that we do whilst striving to
achieve the best sustainable practices.”
Core Principles:Togetherness - Respect and value all those we come into contact with
Standards - Consistently deliver the highest quality in all that we do
Sustainability - Promote the protection of our environment in our business activities
Customer Care - Put learners and customers at the heart of everything we do
The post holder will work towards supporting the College’s Strategic Aims and Objectives, Operating
Statements and Business Plans.
The post holder will ensure that the area of their accountability provides a high quality service that meets
the learning needs of the domestic and business communities of Southern Staffordshire and beyond.
Scope of Responsibilities
Working as part of a small team under the direction of the Farm Manager, the Assistant Farm
Manager will assist the Farm Manager is the successful and efficient running of the College Farm,
and will take direct responsibility for the care of all livestock with special responsibility for the
preparation and showing of Rodbaston Hereford Pedigree Beef Cattle.
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Assistant Farm Manager – March 2014
Specific Responsibilities

To schedule work and supervise the Farm Team and contractors to ensure a high level attention to
detail.
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To assist with the planning, costing and implementation of work associated with the various
enterprises on the College farm and ensure compliance with statutory obligations.

To obtain quotations and tenders from suitable contractors and suppliers where appropriate.

To advise on, and support the process of the annual self-assessment of the farm and support a plan
to improve provision and services.
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Recording and monitoring of enterprises, with special attention to the livestock enterprises

Having regard to the needs for conservation and management; ensure records are kept, site is
monitored and reports issued as necessary

To be proactive in regard to the College’s environmental and sustainability policy, ensuring on site
waste disposal and recycling adheres to College policy and procedures.

To liaise with staff within the College, giving agricultural related advice, preparing reports and
attending meetings as required.

Ordering of stocks and supplies to meet operational requirements and obtain “best value” from
suppliers and contractors.

Monitoring budgets, raising purchase orders and authorising invoice payment.

Engaging and liaising with external contractors and agencies

Schedule and participate in the provision of weekend and holiday cover, participate in lambing and
calving and respond to emergency ‘call outs’ as required.

To work with the Health and Safety Advisor to ensure all health and safety, security and fire safety
regulations relating to the farm are strictly observed by all staff, learners and contractors and to keep
accurate records.

To include training and staff development and effective inductions for department staff.

Liaise with other departments and provide cross campus assistance where necessary, such as
provision of equine facilities and resources.

Be willing to undertake further training relevant to the position and changing legislation e.g. first aid,
evacuation and health and safety training.

To be the principal person responsible for care, health, welfare, nutrition and breeding of a full range
of livestock on the College farm, and carry out associated administration tasks.

To be responsible for all aspects of livestock management such as water, fencing, grazing,
grassland management.

To be responsible for the breeding, rearing, preparation and showing of award winning Rodbaston
Hereford Pedigree Beef Cattle

To be responsible for daily maintenance of machinery in general farm use, safety checks on farm
machinery and ensuring the tractors and machines are routinely serviced through the College
workshops.

To carry out minor repairs to machines as and when required

To assist with the daily routines associated with the agitation, collection and disposal of farm slurry
and dirty water.

Assist with the repair and maintenance of all farm and field boundaries, fences and gates, ditches,
hedges and drains, public footpaths, rights of way and farm roads.

To assist in the training and supervision of apprentices, learners, work experience and volunteers on
the College farm

Collection and delivery of stock as required.

Instructing, demonstrating commercial and practical skills to learners and visiting groups, and
assessing groups of students in order to pass on skills, when required.

To maintain a clean, tidy and safe working environment at all times.

To be a 1st aider.

Any other duties that may be required commensurate with the post that may arise from time to time.

It must be noted that these are the duties of the post in the first instance and may be subject to
change as the demands on the College require.
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Assistant Farm Manager – March 2014
Accommodation
The post holder will be required to live on site at Rodbaston in a College property in order to carry out
their duties, which will be let under a short hold tenancy agreement and be relinquished at the
termination of employment.
The accommodation will be free of rent to enable on-call cover for the farm. The accommodation will be
subject to council tax and utility charges.
General Responsibilities

The post holder should, as far as is practical, ensure that rules and regulations relating to the
following requirements are being fully observed and implemented by him/herself in the areas of
employment law / finance / Health and Safety / Equality and Diversity and Disability
Discrimination.

Expected to update own CPD training annually

Ensure neat personal appearance at all times and wear uniform or other corporate clothing as
required
General Organisational Responsibilities
For all posts at the College there is a corporate objective of ensuring post holders have an understanding
of organisational priorities and the nature of the College in relation to its business.
All support staff and academic staff contribute to the success of the organisation and as such post
holders will be provided with information about the College from their induction as a new employee and
during their period of employment through issue of staff newsletters, information on the intranet and from
the internal communications that exist.
The following is an indication of the corporate areas and activities the College would like all postholders
to have an awareness of and understanding. Some activities will be more specifically relevant to some
roles than others.
Purpose
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1
To make a contribution to the creation and maintenance of an ethos and inclusive culture of
high quality and continuous improvement to develop the College to be the major provider of
learning, education and training for the communities it serves across Southern Staffordshire
and beyond.
To make a contribution to the creation of a single responsive college that will provide easy
access to a range of outstanding provision for adults, young people and businesses, whilst
promoting social inclusion and supporting economic prosperity for stakeholders within
Southern Staffordshire and beyond.
To make a significant contribution to the creation and maintenance of an ethos that promotes
equality of opportunity for both staff and students.
Key Awareness in relation to:
Governance and Management

To be aware of the strategic planning processes within the College set by the Board.
Academic and Business Development



To be aware of the academic and vocational provision and business development of the
College.
To be aware of the development of “e-learning” to facilitate new methods of teaching and
learning.
To be aware of the development of student support processes and procedures that ensure
that all learners have effective tutorial support, ensure their additional support needs are met
and have access to appropriate enrichment activities.
Quality Management
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Assistant Farm Manager – March 2014
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To be aware of corporate strategies, systems, policies and procedures.
Human Resource

To be aware of the College’s commitment to the creation of a culture that encourages
debate, rewards innovation and fosters inclusiveness and productive team working.
.
Physical and Financial Resource Management
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2
To be aware of the development of the Financial Memorandum and the College’s Financial
Regulations and Procedures.
To be aware of the development of the College Estate Strategy to ensure the
accommodation meets the evolving needs of learners.
To be aware of the effective management of risk through the implementation and monitoring
of related policies and procedures.
To support the College in the implementation of health, safety and security policies,
strategies and mechanisms which meet legislative and other best practice requirements and
which provide a welcoming and safe learning environment in all College premises and
campuses.
External Links and Partnerships


To be aware of the College’s commitment to strengthen supportive partnerships and
alliances with local communities, stakeholders, other education providers, employers,
professional bodies and appropriate Government departments.
To be able to support the College in its commitment to develop a dynamic, innovative and
entrepreneurial culture.
Marketing and Recruitment of Students
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
3
Contribute and support the College’s marketing activities in order to achieve recruitment targets.
Support the College in its enrolment process.
Support for Students
To be aware of the range services available for supporting learners’ financial, personal and
emotional needs, and lines of referral.
To be aware of the additional learning support provision available to support individual learners’
needs and lines of referral.
4
Sustainable Development
South Staffordshire College is committed to a policy of best practice to assist in building a
sustainable way of life by taking a positive, solutions-orientated approach. All post holders are
encouraged to contribute through their roles to improving the environment, for the College, our
stakeholders and the wider community. Details of policy, information and the staff development
supporting the policy on environmental sustainability will be promoted through the website and
various College communication channels
5
College Safety
As part of your role and a condition of your employment, your Manager may require you to
undertake responsibilities of a Nominated First Aid Officer and, or Fire Marshall Duties, including
how to operate Evac Chairs. Appropriate training will be provided as part of your CPD
programme to support your specific duties.
6
Other Duties
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To support where appropriate the preparation for and during the inspection period.
To undertake such other duties as your Line Manager may, from time to time, determine in
consultation with the post holder to ensure the continued existence, viability and progress of
the College.
Assistant Farm Manager – March 2014
2020 Behaviours
All employees have a role to play in creating and maintaining a positive experience for all our learners,
staff and clients, and as such, all employees will be asked to display the 2020 behaviours that have been
developed in consultation with our learners and staff. The behaviours are:
Togetherness
For all staff:
 Be role models
 Contribute ideas to quality improvement
 Ensure standards of conduct and communication are upheld by all
 Put learners first – empathising with their experiences
 Develop strategies to encourage team working in learning
 Celebrate success
 Support each other in a timely manner in achieving excellence
Standards
All staff should:
 Develop learning sessions that engage and inspire
 Seek and provide timely and constructive feedback to support learning and quality
improvement
 Support learners in setting and achieving stretching targets
 Be punctual
 Innovate
 Use resources effectively to enhance the learning experience
 Participate in training and development activities
 Ensure Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Equality, Diversity and Inclusiveness
measures are maintained in full
 Actively support and contribute to quality improvement measures
 Embrace new technologies
Sustainability
All staff should:
 Organise and engage in volunteering activity
 Utilise ILT to reduce paper consumption
 Avoid resource waste
 Embed sustainability in curriculum
 Share ideas and best practice to reduce consumption
 Share transport where possible
 Use recycling facilities.
This specification is current at March 2014 and is representative of the range of specific
duties/responsibilities expected of the post. The duties and responsibilities are neither static nor
exhaustive and are liable to variation to reflect any future changes required of this post, as determined by
your Line Manager.
The general organisational responsibilities may change from time to time to reflect organisational
developments and/or further education related issues.
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Assistant Farm Manager – March 2014
Assistant Farm Manager - Person Specification
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications

Educated to National Diploma Level,
however HND or BSc a distinct
advantage

NPTC Tractor Driving, Vet & Med,
Forklift, ATV would be an
advantage, but full training will be
given
Experience

Minimum of 3 years’ experience with
a range of farm livestock
Experience of record keeping to a
high standard.
IT skills

Experience of preparation and
showing of cattle would be an
advantage
Experience with a range of farm
machinery including cultivation,
planting and grass harvesting
equipment
Experience of maintaining farm
boundaries to a high level
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Knowledge

Extensive knowledge of all
aspects of livestock production
methods, animal health and
nutrition.
Knowledge of pedigree breeding
and show stock preparation an
advantage
.
Personal Attributes
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Skills
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Safeguarding
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Ability to maintain a clean and tidy
working environment
Ability to work in a team.
Effective in problem solving
Personal warmth, openness and
sensitivity.
Highly motivated to personal and
team achievement and able to work
on their own initiative.
Company loyalty.
Innovative and creative.
Ability to use logic and information to
achieve goals.
Effective use of business tools and
IT (this may be desirable for some
posts)
Able to prioritise work to ensure
achievement of targets.
DBS clearance
Motivation to work in an environment
with children and young people.
Ability to form personal boundaries
in an environment with young people
and vulnerable adults.
To be sensitive, and to apply
yourself appropriately, in an
education environment.


Emotional resilience in working with
challenging behaviour.
Willingness to use authority and
maintain discipline in an educational
environment.
Assistant Farm Manager – March 2014