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)

Opportunity:

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

The main responsibilities will be to carry out all daily routines associated with running a large 240 cow, high production dairy herd of 11,000 litres, and associated young stock.

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:

• You will be responsible for the daily cleaning, milking, welfare and rearing of the dairy herd, so you must be committed to animal welfare and have sound animal handling and animal care/care skills.
• Other duties such as basic tractor driving/remote handling, feeding, bedding, fencing and maintenance will provide variety to the role
• You must have a good working knowledge and recent experience of dairy cows including recognition of ill health and common problems as well as experience in heifer and heifer rearing
• The ability to work in a physically demanding environment is essential.
• 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.