Herdsperson

Herdsperson - College Dairy Unit

💰Salary: Up to £36,974 per annum (inclusive of contractual overtime) (dependent upon qualifications, skills and experience) 

🕒Working Pattern: Full-time (rota based)

📍Location: Sparsholt Campus, Winchester 

📅Closing Date: 2nd August

🏡Subsidised onsite accommodation available 

Are you passionate about dairy farming, livestock welfare and inspiring the next generation of agricultural professionals?

Sparsholt College Hampshire is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Herdsperson to join our College Dairy Unit, working closely with the Head Herdsperson to maintain the highest standards of animal care, herd management and dairy production while supporting an outstanding learning environment for students.

About the Role: 🐄

As Herdsperson, you will play a key role in the day-to-day management of the College dairy herd, helping to deliver excellent standards of animal welfare, hygiene and husbandry. Working alongside the Head Herdsperson, you will contribute to the smooth operation of the dairy unit while providing valuable support to students undertaking practical agricultural and animal science studies.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine hands-on dairy farming with education, helping students gain real-world experience in a commercial farming environment.

Key Responsibilities: ✅

• Assist with the daily management of the dairy herd, including milking, feeding, health monitoring and fertility management.

• Maintain exceptional standards of animal welfare, ensuring all livestock are cared for in accordance with industry best practice and relevant legislation.

• Monitor livestock health and promptly identify and report any welfare concerns.

• Support calf rearing and youngstock management programmes.

• Ensure the dairy unit, parlour and livestock housing are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene and biosecurity.

• Assist with herd record keeping and data collection to support management decisions and educational activities.

• Work collaboratively with the Head Herdsperson to support the efficient operation of the dairy enterprise.

• Participate in routine farm maintenance and machinery operation where appropriate.

• Engage positively with students during practical sessions, demonstrations and farm-based learning activities.

• Promote safe working practices and act as a positive role model for students.

About You: ✨

We are looking for someone who:

• Has practical dairy farming experience and a genuine passion for livestock management.

• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to animal welfare and high standards of husbandry.

• Understands the importance of hygiene, biosecurity and milk quality within a modern dairy operation.

• Enjoys working with young people and can confidently support student learning in a practical setting.

• Possesses excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Is proactive, reliable and capable of working both independently and as part of a team.

• Holds relevant agricultural qualifications or equivalent practical experience (desirable).

• Has experience operating agricultural machinery and equipment (desirable).

Why Join Sparsholt College? 🌱

Sparsholt College is recognised nationally for excellence in agriculture, animal management and land-based education. Our dairy unit provides a unique environment where commercial farming, research and education come together to develop the agricultural professionals of tomorrow.

By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to:

• Work with a progressive and well-managed dairy herd.

• Contribute to the education and development of future farmers and agricultural professionals.

• Be part of a supportive and knowledgeable farm team.

• Access ongoing professional development opportunities.

• Enjoy working within a leading land-based educational institution set in the Hampshire countryside.

Our Farming Standards: 📋 

At Sparsholt College Hampshire, we are committed to:

• Outstanding animal welfare

• Excellent hygiene and biosecurity standards

• High-quality student learning and engagement

• Sustainable and progressive farming practices

• A safe, inclusive and supportive working environment

If you are passionate about dairy farming, take pride in maintaining exceptional welfare and hygiene standards, and enjoy sharing your knowledge with students, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and help shape the future of agriculture at Sparsholt College Hampshire.

College Benefits: 🎓

• Eligibility to join the NEST Pension Scheme (defined pension scheme) 

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme 

• Free on-campus gym at Sparsholt Campus 

• Wide range of CPD events, plus support with professional qualifications 

🌈Join us in making a difference! 

Make a real difference every day – help students grow, thrive, and reach their potential! 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.