Conservation Farm Manager

WildLand Limited; Lairg; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization in Scotland is seeking a Conservation Farm Manager to oversee sustainable farming and conservation operations at Eriboll Farm. The role involves managing livestock and implementing ecological objectives while ensuring high standards of animal health and welfare. The successful candidate will live on-site in provided accommodation and will be part of a dynamic team committed to impactful habitat restoration. This opportunity offers competitive pay, benefits, and the chance to contribute to biodiversity enhancement in a unique landscape.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Health Cash Plan

Life Assurance

Income Protection Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Highlife Gym Membership

Qualifications

• High level of knowledge in cattle and sheep husbandry.
• Competence in land management tasks related to grazing.
• Understanding of health, safety, and welfare requirements in farming.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day farming and conservation operations.
• Manage grazing plans and implement ecological objectives.
• Partner with conservation teams on operational plans.

Skills

Ecological knowledge relating to grazing

Animal husbandry for cattle and sheep

Project management skills

Competent IT skills

Education

Experience in sustainable farming

Full driving license

Tools

ATV and Tractor Tickets

Job description

One Wild Team

“In nature, nothing stands alone. The whole supports the parts, and at the same time, the parts support the whole. And they do so effortlessly.”

The Role

You will demonstrate our values and align with our Purpose, Vision and Brand, as well as the behaviours of One WildLand Team and One Wild Way.

You will oversee the day-to-day farming and conservation operations at Eriboll Farm as our Conservation Farm Manager, honouring our sustainable, low-input and biodiversity-enhancing farming ethos.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering large-scale and impactful conservation grazing and habitat enhancement across Eriboll Farm. As we are still early in our habitat restoration journey, this role offers the rare chance to contribute from project inception. Eriboll sits within an extraordinary landscape renowned for its unique habitats and wildlife.

The estate is also demonstrating strong native woodland regeneration on the hill ground, and we have removed all sheep from the hill within the past 12 months to align with our wider deer reduction. We intend to use NoFence technology to deliver ecological land management using cattle, ensuring grazing occurs in the right places at the right times.

We aim for Eriboll farm to demonstrate innovative techniques in habitat restoration, sustainable agriculture and upland management, and we intend to invest generously in enabling this for many years to come.

Key elements of the role include managing the grazing plan, implementing the ecological objectives of the management plan for the benefit of priority species (such as wading birds and pollinators), maintaining high standards of livestock health and welfare, and ensuring the farm is kept in excellent condition both structurally, practically and visually.

Who You Are

We are looking for an organised, open-minded, committed and passionate individual to lead our conservation and biodiversity enhancements at Eriboll Farm. This varied and rewarding role offers a genuine opportunity to make a meaningful difference for nature, using farming as the main driver.

To thrive in this position, you will be a capable livestock manager who is comfortable working across a wide variety of tasks. You will combine strong nature conservation understanding with practical farming skills to deliver the best outcomes for priority habitats and species, while championing sustainable farming that produces positive by-products such as beef, lamb, wool and guest experience opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Be an exceptional team player.
• Partner with the Sutherland Nature Team to ensure good governance, reporting, and effective implementation of the Operational Plans.
• Be a role model for WildLand teamwork.
• Align with our People Ethos and Health & Safety requirements.
• Operate day-to-day in collaboration with the wider Nature team across a broad range of tasks, including but not limited to:

1. Animal husbandry and care of approximately 200 North Country Cheviots and 30 head of Aberdeen Angus cattle (numbers to increase and breeds to diversify).
2. Pasture management.
3. Day-to-day farm operations.
4. Tractor and machinery work.
5. General farm maintenance.
6. Working with the Land & Conservation Coordinator on projects including field‑to‑fork production, wool processing and biodiversity enhancement.
7. Identifying opportunities to continually improve our farming and habitat enhancement methods.
8. Participating in WildLand management systems and processes that support a sustainable business.
9. Liaising with the Buildings & Maintenance team on upkeep, repairs and improvements.
10. Record keeping and data management.
11. Attending and contributing to team and operational meetings.
12. Providing a positive example of how good agricultural management enhances biodiversity and supports the restoration of modified habitat.

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• Ecological knowledge relating to grazing as a management tool.
• High level of knowledge in cattle and sheep husbandry, including recognising and responding to animal health and welfare issues.
• Understanding of risk management and compliance requirements related to agricultural and environmental legislation.
• Strong knowledge of the correct operational use, repair and maintenance of farm machinery and associated equipment.
• Understanding of health, safety and welfare requirements in farming (e.g., risk assessments).
• Competence in land management tasks associated with grazing operations (fences, gates, water systems, livestock pens, etc.).
• Good project management skills and a willingness to solve practical problems.
• Competent IT skills, including use of Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
• You will have experience of farming to a high standard and be eager to advance your work into more sustainable, low-input and biodiversity-focused farming.
• A full driving licence is essential.
• Tickets such as ATV and Tractor are desirable, but training can be provided.

Additional Information

• This role is based in a remote rural location; the successful candidate will be expected to live on-site in the accommodation provided within a cost 3‑bedroom self‑contained cottage (living off‑site will not be considered).
• Hours: 40 hours per week; permanent; full time.
• Regular weekend and evening work will be required.
• The role is physically demanding and involves working with and handling livestock.
• Knowledge of essential record‑keeping requirements, including animal identification, movements, veterinary treatments and health, is required.
• You will ideally have 1 or more trained livestock dogs.

Our Offer

This position is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and results driven team within a growing company. Alongside competitive pay and pension, we offer a range of benefits including:

• Private Medical Insurance.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Life Assurance.
• Income Protection Insurance.
• Critical Illness Insurance.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Highlife Gym Membership (after qualifying period).
• Online Clothing Discount.

Becoming part of WildLand is an opportunity to make an active and meaningful contribution to a beautiful part of Scotland. Come and make a difference with us.