Farm Manager

National Trust; Wimborne Minster; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading conservation organization as a Farm Manager, overseeing livestock management and conservation efforts on a historic estate. You'll work with a passionate team to ensure high welfare standards and contribute to nature recovery initiatives while enjoying benefits like accommodation and a substantial pension scheme.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Holiday entitlement up to 32 days

Flexible working options

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust locations

Qualifications

• Experience in farm and livestock management.
• Managing pedigree native cattle and sheep to high standards.
• Operating a grass-fed livestock system.

Responsibilities

• Manage pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon Cattle and Portland sheep.
• Lead conservation grazing across 250-acre Grade II listed parkland.
• Monitor activities, manage budgets, and ensure compliance.

Skills

Farm Management

Livestock Management

Relationship Building

Conservation

Education

Relevant Qualifications

Tools

Livestock Records Software

Job description

We are looking for a dynamic Farm Manager to fill this unique role. The farm manager will lead the management of our pedigree livestock to deliver the highest animal welfare standards and innovative nature conservation. Managing an assistant Farm Worker and working collaboratively within the Countryside Management team at Kingston Lacy, you will provide valuable conservation grazing in varied habitats. We seek an experienced livestock manager who excels at working with people and building relationships to ensure the successful delivery and progression of ambitious nature recovery targets.

A cottage on the estate will be provided as part of this role. You will be part of an out-of-hours team responsible for locking up and alarm response outside normal working hours.

Accommodation is provided to the postholder for the proper or better performance of duties in accordance with Trust criteria and HMRC rules.

What it's like to work here

As the Farm Manager at Kingston Lacy, you'll join a passionate team to become a voice of our landscapes, a conservation champion, and an outdoor enthusiast. You will work with a motivated team at the forefront of the National Trust’s ambitious nature recovery initiatives. The estate spans 8,500 acres, including land grazed by our livestock and land leased to tenant farmers, featuring diverse habitats such as parkland, woodland, chalk downland, and heathland. The estate is crossed by numerous footpaths and bridleways. The estate's art collection and Italian-inspired mansion with rare artifacts are major attractions. Given its rural location, personal transport is likely necessary.

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy.

What you'll be doing

You will manage our pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon Cattle, Portland sheep, and a pig, ensuring the highest welfare standards. Maintaining the pedigree and heritage bloodlines of our horned cattle, which are part of the National Trust collection, is essential. You will lead conservation grazing across our 250-acre Grade II listed parkland and the wider estate, ensuring compliance with accreditation schemes and stewardship agreements. Responsibilities include monitoring activities, managing budgets, financial reporting, and compliance. You will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, sharing information and influencing stakeholders, including local communities, statutory bodies, and funders, to achieve results. This role is hands-on, varied, and dynamic within an innovative team.

Who we're looking for

To succeed, you should have experience in:

• Farm and livestock management with relevant qualifications and competency with machinery
• Managing pedigree native cattle and sheep to high standards
• Operating a grass-fed livestock system
• Managing livestock in public areas
• Using software for livestock records (births, movements, vet meds)
• Wildlife, habitat, and soil monitoring techniques
• Working within protected landscapes like National Nature Reserves
• Natural process-driven conservation
• Managing a Farm Worker and volunteers

The package

The National Trust values diversity and strives to create an inclusive culture. We welcome everyone and aim to reflect the communities we serve. Our benefits include:

• Substantial pension scheme (up to 10% of basic salary)
• Free entry to National Trust places for you and a guest/children under 18
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts (gym memberships, shopping, cinema)
• Holiday entitlement up to 32 days plus holiday purchase scheme
• Flexible working options
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust locations