Senior Conservation Grazing Officer
| Posting date: | 28 March 2024 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £29,150.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Residential Role at Blue House Farm |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 27 April 2024 |
| Location: | Blue House Farm Chase, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6GU |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Essex Wildlife Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
The Senior Conservation Grazing Officer is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Trust’s county-wide grazing programme across its nature reserves and Nature Discovery Parks. The postholder will assist the Grazing Manager in ensuring the annual completion of each nature reserve’s grazing plan and provide good day-to-day liaison with the Ranger teams and volunteer wardens throughout the grazing season.
Alongside this county-wide grazing programme support, the post holder is the lead officer for the grazing infrastructure and grazing oversight at two large reserves, Blue House Farm (287ha) and Langdon Hills Nature Reserve (181ha). The latter site is a complex SSSI grassland, scrub and woodland mosaic with open public access, which is a priority for the introduction of fenceless grazing. Liaising with the Langdon Hills Ranger team, the post holder is responsible for the improvement of the Reserve’s grazing infrastructure through capital grant applications. At Blue House Farm Nature Reserve, in addition to the grazing operation, the post holder will promote a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, in liaison with the Senior Ranger (South Essex).
The role will assist the Grazing Manager with the management of the health and welfare of the in-house livestock throughout the year, in line with the ‘five freedoms’, and also the management of the Blue House Farm infrastructure, the grazing machinery and all equipment. The postholder will also assist the Conservation Grazing Manager, as and when required, in the oversight and management of the Trust’s grazing licensees on other nature reserves.
Grazing in Essex
Grazing in Essex plays a critical role in maintaining the region's landscapes and biodiversity. Essex boasts a diverse range of habitats including grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and coastal areas. Grazing animals such as cattle, sheep and ponies are often employed as an effective tool for habitat management in these areas.
Essex's varied landscapes support a wide array of wildlife, including rare and endangered species. Grazing animals help to control vegetation growth, prevent the dominance of invasive plant species, and create diverse habitats that support a rich biodiversity.
Residential post
This is a residential post for the postholder’s better performance of their duties, which include shared responsibility, with the Conservation Grazing Manager, for animal welfare throughout the year and at all times as required.
The role will require the postholder to be available on a call-out rota throughout the year (on a rota with the Conservation Grazing Manager) to provide an emergency response and to be able to oversee all livestock housed at Blue house Farm, and at out-wintering locations, particularly during the calving and lambing seasons and for veterinary interventions. Options for working dogs can be discussed at interview.
Closing date and how to apply
The position is a permanent role with a starting salary of £29,150.00 per annum plus residence at Blue House Farm. The hours of work are 37.5 hours per week with a team rota in place for grazing cover and call out. The rent deduction will be in line with the HMRC accommodation offset rate.
To apply for this opportunity, please submit an application via People First by 9:00am on Monday 29 April 2024. Interview date to be confirmed.
Alongside this county-wide grazing programme support, the post holder is the lead officer for the grazing infrastructure and grazing oversight at two large reserves, Blue House Farm (287ha) and Langdon Hills Nature Reserve (181ha). The latter site is a complex SSSI grassland, scrub and woodland mosaic with open public access, which is a priority for the introduction of fenceless grazing. Liaising with the Langdon Hills Ranger team, the post holder is responsible for the improvement of the Reserve’s grazing infrastructure through capital grant applications. At Blue House Farm Nature Reserve, in addition to the grazing operation, the post holder will promote a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, in liaison with the Senior Ranger (South Essex).
The role will assist the Grazing Manager with the management of the health and welfare of the in-house livestock throughout the year, in line with the ‘five freedoms’, and also the management of the Blue House Farm infrastructure, the grazing machinery and all equipment. The postholder will also assist the Conservation Grazing Manager, as and when required, in the oversight and management of the Trust’s grazing licensees on other nature reserves.
Grazing in Essex
Grazing in Essex plays a critical role in maintaining the region's landscapes and biodiversity. Essex boasts a diverse range of habitats including grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and coastal areas. Grazing animals such as cattle, sheep and ponies are often employed as an effective tool for habitat management in these areas.
Essex's varied landscapes support a wide array of wildlife, including rare and endangered species. Grazing animals help to control vegetation growth, prevent the dominance of invasive plant species, and create diverse habitats that support a rich biodiversity.
Residential post
This is a residential post for the postholder’s better performance of their duties, which include shared responsibility, with the Conservation Grazing Manager, for animal welfare throughout the year and at all times as required.
The role will require the postholder to be available on a call-out rota throughout the year (on a rota with the Conservation Grazing Manager) to provide an emergency response and to be able to oversee all livestock housed at Blue house Farm, and at out-wintering locations, particularly during the calving and lambing seasons and for veterinary interventions. Options for working dogs can be discussed at interview.
Closing date and how to apply
The position is a permanent role with a starting salary of £29,150.00 per annum plus residence at Blue House Farm. The hours of work are 37.5 hours per week with a team rota in place for grazing cover and call out. The rent deduction will be in line with the HMRC accommodation offset rate.
To apply for this opportunity, please submit an application via People First by 9:00am on Monday 29 April 2024. Interview date to be confirmed.
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