Overview

Based on 132 acres of organic farmland and nature reserve, the Magdalen Environmental Trust provides outdoor environmental education to children and adults, and therapeutic / respite opportunities to people with more complex needs. You can learn a lot about us from our website: www.magdalenfarm.org.uk

In 2021 we started a major shift in our land management away from standard organics and into a wilder landscape, with maximum biodiversity as our aim.

We are now seeking a Lead Farm Ranger to carry out a mixture of farming, rewilding and other nature conservation initiatives, and to act as the lead for our small farm staff team.

In part, the vacancy is for a replacement of our Farm Hand. However, we are taking the opportunity to change the focus of the role, and to adapt it to developments and growth at Magdalen.

The role focuses on:

  • The care and management of farm animals on Magdalen Farm
  • Wildlife conservation, both traditional and rewilding, and conservation grazing
  • The support and management of the Farm team (2 horticulture staff, weekend animal care staff and volunteers)

Responsibilities

  • To line manage the horticulture staff (currently 2 people), to support them in their work and to liaise with the Learning & Wellbeing Manager about their teaching commitments.
  • Working with the horticulture staff, recruit, supervise and support volunteers doing various tasks on site, including horticulture and nature conservation tasks, to increase the volume of our volunteering programme and ensure its efficacy. To establish new conservation-volunteering opportunities.
  • To undertake land management / nature conservation tasks in accordance with the Bioresilience Framework, Countryside Stewardship agreement and conservation practices on Magdalen Farm.
  • To care for the outdoor spaces on Magdalen Farm, with an eye to tidiness and ensuring safety of visitors and good access throughput.
  • Take responsibility for hand tools and power tools, their storage and sharpness.
  • To take a lead in maintaining and improving outdoor facilities, fences, gates, paths etc.
  • To create appropriate teaching resources according to the needs of the Learning and Wellbeing Team.
  • On occasion, to deliver educational activities related to farm animals and conservation, and to ensure the safety and welfare of visitors in your charge

The successful candidate will be required to provide a DBS disclosure at the appropriate level.

How to apply

We are taking applications by CV and covering letter, emailed to info@magdalenfarm.org.uk