Farm Foreman / Lead Operator

Mertoun Estate Farms Ltd; Melrose; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable farming estate in the Scottish Borders seeks an experienced Farm Foreman / Lead Operator. This hands-on leadership role focuses on planting and harvesting seed potatoes while ensuring high standards of operation. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in arable farming and excellent technical skills, including servicing modern machinery. The role offers competitive pay, accommodation options, and opportunities for career progression within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Accommodation available

Pension scheme

Holiday entitlement

Qualifications

• Solid background in arable farming, preferably with potato experience.
• Ability to service and repair modern farm machinery.
• Sound understanding of health, safety, and environmental best practices.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to a positive and safety-conscious working environment.
• Planting and harvesting of 130 hectares of seed potatoes.
• Operate and maintain a fleet of machinery and precision farming systems.

Skills

Mechanical skills

Technical skills

Crop husbandry knowledge

GPS and precision farming

Team collaboration

Education

Full UK driving licence

Telehandler licence

Job description

About Mertoun Estate

Mertoun Estate, based near St. Boswells in the Scottish Borders, farms approximately 1,300 hectares in-hand, with a further 400 hectares managed under two neighbouring contract farming agreements. Cropping includes winter wheat, oilseed rape, barley, oats, seed potatoes, and green manures under the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS). Around 100 hectares of vining peas are also grown annually with Scottish Borders Produce.

Excellent infrastructure, well maintained machinery and an experienced team provide the ideal environment for efficient and high-quality arable production.

Role Overview

Mertoun Estate is seeking an experienced and motivated Farm Foreman / Lead Operator to take a key hands‑on role to support the Farm Manager ensuring effective teamwork and high standards of workmanship. A key focus of the role will be the planting and harvesting of approximately 130 hectares of seed potatoes, alongside the wider combinable crop rotation and estate.

This is a hands‑on leadership position, ideal for a skilled operator with strong technical and mechanical abilities. The role offers excellent scope for professional growth and increased responsibility, particularly within the seed potato enterprise, as the successful candidate demonstrates capability and commitment.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to a positive and safety-conscious working environment.
• Work collaboratively as part of a strong team to deliver daily operations across the estate.
• Planting and harvesting of 130ha of seed potatoes.
• Operate and maintain a modern fleet of machinery and precision farming systems.
• Relief operations including spraying.
• Support accurate and compliant records for crop operations and assurance schemes.
• Help maintain a tidy, organised and professional workplace including yards, buildings, machinery and the wider estate.
• Assist with grain drying, storage and loading out.
• Uphold high standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental care.
• Help train, motivate, and lead farm staff and seasonal workers.
• Deputise for the Farm Manager when required.

Qualifications & Experience

• Solid background in arable farming; potato experience beneficial.
• Excellent mechanical and technical skills; ability to service and repair modern farm machinery.
• Strong practical knowledge of crop husbandry and modern arable systems.
• Competence with GPS, auto‑steer, and precision farming technology.
• PA1 and PA2 (spraying) certificates desirable.
• Full UK driving licence essential; telehandler licence advantageous.
• Sound understanding of health, safety, and environmental best practices.

Personal Attributes

• Practical, reliable and motivated with a positive, proactive attitude.
• A hands‑on, team player with strong communication skills.
• Positive attitude towards Health & Safety.
• Ability to prioritise, problem solve and adapt.
• Mechanically minded.
• Takes pride in maintaining a tidy, well‑organised workplace.
• Detail‑focused, with pride in quality and efficiency.
• Forward‑thinking and eager to develop within the role, particularly within the seed potato enterprise.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary, based on experience.
• Accommodation available on the estate if required.
• Pension scheme and holiday entitlement in line with estate policy.
• A long‑term, team focused role with excellent opportunities for progression.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role by 23rd January 2026.