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Shepherd

Posting date:	05 August 2025
Salary:	£30,431 to £34,092 per year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	04 September 2025
Location:	EH260PE
Remote working:	On-site only
Company:	SRUC
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	REQ0354-62309

Summary

About the organisation:

SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) is a specialist higher education institution delivering tertiary education, research and consultancy. SRUC’s principal purpose is to advance education, science, research, and environmental protection and improvement in rural and land-based industries, both domestically and internationally.

About the team:

SRUC farms 4,312ha of land in Scotland in the following locations:

• Bush Farms, Edinburgh
  
• Oatridge Campus, Edinburgh
  
• Craibstone Campus, Aberdeen
  
• Hill and Mountain Research Centre, Crianlarich
  
• Barony Campus, Dumfries
  
• Crichton Royal Farm, Dumfries
  

  SRUC Farms manage enterprises in Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Arable Crops and Farm Diversification supporting SRUC Research, Teaching and Consultancy.

  About the opportunity:

  We are looking for a Hill Shepherd/Stockperson to join our Easter Howgate Research Farm near Edinburgh to manage our 1000 ewe Scottish Blackface flock located at that site and which graze the Pentland Hills.

  In this role you will:

  • be responsible to the Farm Manager for the day to day operations of our 1200 ewe Scottish Blackface Hill Flock, a large part of which is used for research
    
  • be responsible for small numbers of low ground sheep which are used for small trials
    
  • maintain a high standard of animal husbandry regarding the daily health and welfare of the flock, flock replacements and progeny
    
  • liaise with the Research Technician on a daily basis regarding research requirements
    
  • be responsible for the implementation of routine flock treatments and project protocols
    
  • be responsible for the maintenance of statutory and management records as required by the Farm Office and Farm Manager
    
  • Carry out other duties as requested from time to time by the Farm Manager such as fencing etc.
    
  • be a key member of the Easter Howgate Farm Team
    
  • provide occasional instruction to students in sheep production and livestock husbandry during on farm practical sessions.
    

    For the full details of the requirements of this role and the full person specification, please download and fully read the Job Particulars document before you apply for the role.

    Minimum qualifications:

    The ideal candidate will possess relevant professional experience.

    Experience and knowledge required:

    • National Certificate/Diploma in a related agricultural subject would be ideal
      
    • Handling and care of livestock
      
    • Skilled in all aspects of sheep husbandry
      
    • Skilled sheep dog handler
      
    • Experienced ATV operator
      
    • Experience in the care and management of sheep
      
    • Natural stockperson abilities.
      
    • Lambing stock selection for breeding
      
    • Animal Health and Livestock records
      
    • Livestock tagging regulations
      
    • A working understanding of Health and Safety
      
    • A flexible approach to working in changing work situations
      
    • Own dogs
      

      Eligibility for Sponsorship

      This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. If you are a migrant worker, you will need to ensure you have an appropriate visa to evidence the necessary right to work in the UK.

      Admin ref: AJN/FARM/022/25

      Why work for SRUC?

      • Generous annual leave
        
      • Enhanced pension contributions (5% employee and 10% employer)
        
      • Cycle to work scheme
        
      • Discounted RAC Membership
        
      • Generous family leave
        
      • Hybrid working solutions (in some areas)
        
      • Tailored investment in and individuals' learning and development
        

        How to Apply:

        Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”. You must fully read the Job Particulars document before applying.

        SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy.

        SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

        SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.