Herdsperson

• Company: Plumpton College
• Closing Date: 14-08-2026
• Location: Plumpton, Lewes
• Hours: Up to £32,630 per annum, plus accommodation
• Contact Email: recruitment@plumpton.ac.uk

Description

Benefits: onsite accommodation (value £24,000 p.a), Local Government Pension Scheme with 15% employer contributions, access to our Electric Vehicle scheme, Cycle to Work scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, generous annual leave entitlement of 26 days plus 8 statutory days, TOTUM card, eligibility to apply for a Blue Light Card, and more 

Join our progressive dairy team and help shape the future of sustainable farming 

Plumpton College is seeking a practical, committed and enthusiastic Herdsperson to join our dairy team. 

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a forward-thinking college farm where high welfare, sustainable farming, and food production are at the heart of everything we do. Working within our 250-cow dairy herd, you will play an important role in the daily running of the unit while contributing to the development and delivery of the College’s sustainable farm strategy. 

You will join a dedicated three-person dairy team where every member has an important role to play in maintaining high standards, improving performance, and developing the future of the farm. 

This role would suit someone who is passionate about dairy farming, takes pride in excellent cattle husbandry, and is looking to develop their skills and knowledge. We are particularly keen to hear from someone with ambition to progress towards a future role as a Dairy Manager or Team Leader. 

The opportunity 

At Plumpton College, we believe in investing in people. This role provides the opportunity to: 

• Develop your practical dairy skills and knowledge within a progressive commercial herd
• Build experience across herd health, fertility, nutrition, and youngstock management
• Contribute to improving sustainability and environmental performance on the farm
• Develop leadership skills and confidence working with colleagues and students
• Be supported through continuous professional development and career progression opportunities 

What you'll be doing 

You will play a key role in the day-to-day operation of the College’s 250-cow dairy herd, including: 

• Supporting herd health, milking routines, and youngstock rearing
• Carrying out daily husbandry tasks including milking, feeding, stock health work, record keeping, cattle movements, weighing, and selection
• Maintaining high standards of cow welfare, including mobility, fertility, and nutrition
• Assisting with stock control, biosecurity, and maintaining a clean, safe, and organised working environment
• Supporting the maintenance and tidiness of equipment, machinery, and dairy facilities
• Helping deliver practical student activities, including supervising students during routine duties and supporting practical classes
• Contributing to general farm duties across the wider College Farm when required
• Communicating effectively with colleagues and contributing to team meetings
• Following College health and safety requirements and promoting best practice
• Contributing to farm development planning and working collaboratively across the College Estate
• Taking part in appraisal and continuous professional development activities 

What you'll bring 

Essential 

• Previous experience working on a dairy unit
• Excellent cattle husbandry skills with a proven commitment to high welfare standards
• Competence in foot trimming
• Experience working with cattle, including milking, and feeding
• Ability to maintain accurate and reliable records
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and students
• Telehandler certificate
• Ability to work independently and manage your own time effectively
• High professional standards in both work and behaviour 

Desirable 

• Understanding of the InterHerd recording system, or willingness to learn
• Competence operating a TMR feeder
• Previous teaching or instructing experience
• Artificial insemination certificate
• Transport of livestock certificate for short journeys 

About you 

You will be someone who shares Plumpton College’s values and is: 

• Ambitious and progressive
• Professional and reliable
• Passionate about dairy farming and animal welfare
• Supportive and willing to share knowledge with others
• Keen to develop yourself and those around you
• Able to set an excellent example to students and colleagues 

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants more than just a job on a dairy farm; someone who wants to be part of developing a modern, sustainable farming business and supporting the next generation of agricultural professionals. 

Working pattern 

This is an all-year-round post. 

Basic working hours are 05:00 to 17:30 on a shift pattern of 11 days on and 3 days off. Flexibility will be required to meet the needs of the business, including some evening and weekend working to support departmental and whole-college events. 

We reserve the right to call candidates to interview/withdraw this vacancy at any time if there is a good level of response. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application as soon as possible.     

Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis.     

Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.