Nucleus Flock Sheep Technician

Innovis Limited; Hawick; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holidays

Job summary

Innovis Limited, based in Scotland, is seeking a team member to engage in cutting-edge research in the sheep industry. The role involves responsibilities such as data capture management, sheep shepherding, and compliance with legislative records.

Essential skills include animal husbandry and communication, with a degree or equivalent required. The position offers a salary based on experience, including a pension scheme contribution after three months.

Qualifications

• Strong animal husbandry and technical skills are essential.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills needed for effective dealing with stakeholders.
• A full clean driving license is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with annual data capture using EID equipment.
• Manage data capture for funded research projects.
• Assume responsibility for all legislative record keeping at Southfield.

Skills

Animal husbandry

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree or equivalent

Job description

The role will involve working as part of a small, dynamic team engaged in cutting‑edge research and innovation within the sheep industry. This position plays a key role in the development of new performance traits and the application of modern technologies, including EID, DNA parentage assignment, CT scanning, feed efficiency measurement, portable accumulation chambers (PAC) for methane recording, and wool micron testing.

Reporting to: Nucleus Flock Manager, and liaising with Innovis Technical Services Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with annual data capture in the nucleus flock with EID equipment including outdoor lambing responsibilities in April
• Manage all data capture associated with funded research projects at Southfield:
  • Set up and record feed intake data on batches of lambs annually
  • Assist with rumen sampling animals for micro-biome analysis
  • To undertake regular grass height measurements (using a plate meter) and data
• To assume responsibility for all legislative record keeping at Southfield and affiliated holdings:
  • Livestock movement records
  • Medicine and treatment records
  • Farm Assurance records
• To assist with shepherding and general farm work:
  • To check livestock every third weekend (part days).
• General responsibilities:
  • Carry out duties with reasonable skill, care and diligence.
  • Protect the assets, livestock, equipment and reputation of the farm.
  • Work cooperatively with the Employer and professional advisers.
  • Undertake any other reasonable duties consistent with the role as may be required by Innovis from time to time.

We place a strong emphasis on growing people and training will be provided for the key elements of the role and for personal development.

Essential requirements for the role

• Excellent animal husbandry & technical skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills and meticulous attention to
• Good interpersonal skills to deal effectively with farmers, stakeholders, and team
• A degree or equivalent
• A full clean driving licence

As an agricultural employee, the terms of employment will be compliant with the Agricultural Wages (Scotland) Order with 33 days holidays annually.

The normal contractual hours of work will be 39 hours per week, worked over five days. In addition to the normal working week, the successful candidate will be required to participate in a weekend rota shared with another farm worker.

All working time will be subject to applicable working time legislation, including the Working Time Regulations 1998, and will be paid in accordance with applicable statutory and Agricultural Wages provisions with the submission of timesheets at each month end.

No accommodation will be provided as part of the role.

The salary will be based on experience and a 4% contribution to the Company’s Stakeholder Pension Scheme after 3 months work.

For more information or to discuss the role further, contact Dewi Jones on 01970 828236. Interviews will be held at Southfield on Monday 1st June with the role to commence as soon as possible thereafter.

To discuss the role, please call Dewi on 01970 828236. Closing date: Midnight 24 May 2026