Full time: 35 hours per week, plus 6 contractual overtime hours per week (regular overtime is provided in addition to 6 contractual hours)

Open-ended (permanent)

The Royal Veterinary College (DEC) is looking for an enthusiastic calf breeder to work within a small team at the University of Edinburgh’s teaching and commercial dairy farm located 15 miles from Edinburgh city centre.

The main responsibilities will be to take responsibility for the breeding, health and welfare of all calves up to 4 months old. Involved in all daily routines associated with running a large 240 cow, high production dairy herd of 11,000 litres, and associated small stock including milking and feeding the cows.

The farm has a range of purpose-built dairy barns, as well as other accommodation for youngsters. We are installing a new 28:28 parlor with feeders, ACR units, meters, auto ID and auto separation for fall 2025.

The successful candidate must have previous experience in a similar role, be able to think for themselves and work with the existing team.

In return we offer a competitive salary and 3 bedroom family accommodation on the farm, centrally heated, double glazed and rent free. Good local schools and the opportunity to be a key part of a successful and progressive business.

Your skills and qualities for success:

• Responsible for the rearing, health and welfare of calves up to 4 months old. This includes hand feeding all calves for 96 hours after birth to ensure adequate colostrum feeding. Cleaning and maintenance of automatic calf feeding machines. This includes awareness of their health, and the ability to spot ill health and take appropriate action accordingly. Dispose of sheds and bedding.
• Support the shepherd with responsibility for the health and welfare of the dairy herd. Being part of Milking rotaBirth, rearing and health care of the dairy herd. This includes awareness of their health, and the ability to spot ill health and take appropriate action accordingly.
• Feeding cows using a Keenan Feeder Wagon on alternate weekends and covering annual leave. The ability to follow different feeding and feeding regimes for different parts of the herd is essential; This requires attention to detail (weighing, careful mixing) and record keeping.
• Other duties such as basic tractor driving/remote handling, feeding, bedding, fencing and maintenance will provide variety to the role.
• Ability to work regularly over weekends and holidays as part of the work period and from time to time work additional hours in the evenings as required by the Farm Manager.

Apply before: 10/21/2025, 23:59