Kingshay specialises in providing independent and practical advice to dairy farmers and in particular to our farmer, vet and associate members throughout the UK. The range of services includes:
• Provision of management and technical information through regular publication of ‘Farming Notes’ and Reports that are based on practical farm-based research, field scale evaluations, surveys, product comparisons and tests
• Telephone support from the team of dairy specialists
• One-2-One on-farm consultancy advice
• Training workshops
• Dairy Manager costings which provide analysis of herd performance and financial margins for herds throughout the UK
The person appointed will have a key role in an enthusiastic team where there is ample opportunity for a self-motivated individual to develop existing and new skills.
Preferred applicants will have:
• Practical experience of dairy farming and an agricultural qualification, preferably to degree level
• A keen interest in forages and their relevance to dairy cow management
• An enquiring mind with a desire to develop knowledge through trial work
• Commitment to improving personal skills and understanding of the dairy farming sector
• Competent computer ability
• Good organisational and verbal and written communication skills
• A good team player but with the initiative and drive to work on their own
An outline of the main responsibilities is given below. The precise specification of the role will be defined as appropriate to the skills and experience of the successful candidate.
Outline of Main Responsibilities:
Writing Practical Notes
Twice monthly mailings of Farming Notes are at the core of the membership offer. These technical bulletins are produced by the Technical Team with input from a range of sources. A substantial proportion of your time will be committed to the planning, research and writing of these notes.
Trials Work
The successful applicant will have a desire to develop knowledge through trial work and will be involved in a wide range of practically based farm trials. Working with your colleagues in the technical team you will be expected to:
Plan and set up research and demonstration projects such as:
Evaluation of commercially available products, e.g. cubicles, silage additives or machinery
Surveys of the members on machinery, livestock or management topics
Evaluating grass and forage varieties in large-scale field trials
Run projects and record data
Membership Support
An important part of our offer is the provision of individual advice to farmers. As part of the Technical Team you will be required to:
Provide telephone support to Members with technical queries
Research technical information required by Members
Personal Development and General Duties
The Job Holder will be part of the team coordinated by the Technical Manager but may be expected to work with all sections of the business.
In addition to the role outlined above the successful applicant will be expected to:
Develop a wide range of technical knowledge relevant to dairy farming, and the wider agriculture sector, that will be of value to the farmer Membership
Develop skills to enhance their contribution to the provision of technical information to the Kingshay Membership and other farmers and organisations. This includes:
Concise and accurate writing skills using Microsoft Word to produce a maintain the high standard of Technical publications and reports
Data input in Excel and Access databases and data analysis using statistical methods
Presentation skills to present results to sponsors and members on visits and at meetings
Take an active role in membership recruitment at shows and events
With a small team all members are expected to share in administration, telephone answering, and assist on various tasks
Employment conditions
Place of work
The job holder will be based at Kingshay’s head office at Bridge Farm, near Glastonbury and will be expected to live within 25 miles of the office. The position involves some UK travel and occasional nights away from home.
Hours of Work
The formal timing is based on a 39½ hour week working between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm (5.00 pm on Fridays) but as with all farming related work flexibility outside these hours will be expected at busy times.
Training
Kingshay has Investor in People recognition and a training and development programme will be tailored to the individual’s needs to fulfil the role
Holidays
20 days (pro rata) in the first calendar year plus Bank Holidays, increasing with years of service to a maximum of 25 days.
Salary
A competitive salary is offered appropriate to the calibre and experience of the person we seek. A Stakeholder Pension Scheme is available which you are welcome to join.
Medical
Appointment is subject to a pre-employment health check.
This role maybe suitable for recent graduates or for those with several years’ experience post-graduation
Are You Interested?
Please call for a discussion about your suitability for this exciting career opportunity.
Grace Nugent on 01684 310208. You can e-mail your enquiry or CV (in Word or RTF format please, not PDF) to grace@delacyexecutive.co.uk
Please be assured that all calls are treated in complete confidence.
Thank you.