Conservation Farmer: Appleton Mill & Low Carr

Context

The Trust operates throughout the traditional county of Yorkshire (i.e. all of the Yorkshire and Humber region except North Lincolnshire) from the Humber to the Pennines and from the Dales and Moors to the urban conurbations of the south. It is the second oldest of the 47 Wildlife Trusts which work in partnership together covering the whole of the UK. Our purpose is to lead the way in achieving our vision of a Yorkshire rich in wildlife for everyone through pursuing our mission of creating Living Landscapes and securing Living Seas in Yorkshire. We will do this by being passionate leaders and natural partners whose objectives are to:  demonstrate how nature works  inspire people and communities to value and take action for wildlife  champion wildlife and our work and to enable this by:  growing our resources through inspiring people to value our work  knowledge sharing, cooperation, flexibility and effectiveness and  ensuring excellent governance.

The Trust seeks to realise this vision through the objectives identified in the Development Plan and Business Plan. Activities that the Trust undertakes to achieve the plans are nature reserve management of 95 reserves covering more than 2,500 hectares scattered across the region, specialist projects in river and wetland management, community development and environmental education activities, publicity and promotion and campaigning and policy work.

The Trust employs more than 106 staff (equivalent of 86 F/T staff) and, crucially, enjoys the support of 40,000 members. The staff work through four teams: support services; development; and two conservation delivery teams – north & east and south & west. Each team has a director who reports to the Chief Executive who is responsible for the operations of the Trust and, in turn, reports to the Board of Trustees who govern the organisation.

The conservation delivery teams are then divided into regional teams which are led by a Regional Manager who reports to the Director of the relevant team.

The Trust engages more than 900 dedicated volunteers and voluntary trainees in its work. They make a huge contribution by giving time, skills, knowledge, enthusiasm and local ownership to our vision. All employees are expected to encourage, develop and support volunteer involvement wherever possible. The Northern Region approximates to the districts and boroughs of Craven, Richmondshire, Harrogate, Scarborough and Ryedale. At present the Trust is engaged in five main activities in the Northern Region - managing reserves, delivering the Yorkshire Peat Partnership, delivering the Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership programme, managing YWT’s grazing operation and managing Appleton Mill Farm in partnership with the owner.

Appleton Mill Farm is on the edge of the North York Moors and is being managed to demonstrate that conservation farming can work both environmentally and economically. The farm is managed under a partnership arrangement with Jonathan Allison Farms (JAF). The staffing, following the retirement of a key member of staff, is now to consist of the proposed Conservation Farmer, living at Appleton Mill, supported by the YWT Grazing & Farming Manager and other members of staff as necessary. Appleton Mill is also an operational centre for other YWT Northern Regional staff.

The farm is a diversified operation comprising over 100 beef cattle, 90ha of grass and arable land and 47ha of woodland. It is covered by a detailed Environmental Stewardship Scheme (both ELS and HLS). YWT also rents an office and accommodation for two trainees from JAF. A mixture of YWT and JAF owned machinery and equipment is used on the farm. YWT have also linked the management of the farm to the management of its nearby Low Carr Farm property and to the wider YWT grazing animals project. There have been a number of recent developments to the way the farm is managed (e.g. major fence replacement programme, changes in grassland management) and these are working well with Natural England describing the farm as one of the best examples of conservation farming they have seen. The woodland is managed under a separate arrangement between YWT and Jonathan Allison.

We are looking for an experienced and innovative farmer to live in the recently renovated farmhouse at Appleton Mill Farm to continue to manage the farm, deliver further improvements and consolidate the link with Low Carr Farm and the wider YWT grazing operations. Conservation Farmer: Appleton Mill & Low Carr

Job Description

Responsible to: Grazing & Conservation Farming Manager

Responsible for: Up to 2 members of staff. Volunteers, voluntary trainees and contractors

Based at: It is a requirement that the Conservation Farmer will live at Appleton Mill Farm.

Line management and supervision

 At present there are no staff to be directly line managed by the Conservation Farmer but they will be responsible for coordinating and managing farm work and maintenance at Appleton Mill and Low Carr, utilising YWT staff as appropriate and as available in conjunction with the YWT Grazing & Conservation Farming Manager.

Appleton Mill and Low Carr farm management

 Develop and deliver annual work programme and budget including the management of a Farm diary in accordance with HLS and ELS agreements including accurate record keeping and making claims in a timely manner. This includes crop production, haylage making, sowing, harvesting, fertiliser & manure spreading, crop spraying, weed control, hedge & boundary management, maintenance of water supplies and other land management tasks.

 Carry out daily livestock management tasks such as checking, feeding and bedding up and ensure all livestock are in excellent health and well looked after including ensuring 24 hour emergency cover. To assist YWT staff with livestock transport to and from reserves or in meeting other emergency situations, subject to the Farm enterprise priorities.

 To provide assistance to the owner at his request.

Buildings and machinery

 Oversee the maintenance of all Farm buildings (including YWT rented Annex and Offices) and yards and ensure that repairs and maintenance are carried out and ensure a clean and tidy farm at all times.

 Establish and maintain pesticide store and farm tool, equipment & machinery store and ensure that all tools, equipment & machinery are stored appropriately and maintained in good working order.

Other

 Promote the Trust and the partnership with JAF whenever possible.

 Undertake other duties as requested by your line manager. Conservation Farmer: Appleton Mill & Low Carr

Person Specification

Experience

 Direct experience of managing a productive farm enterprise, ideally Essential with a focus on conservation farming and managing cattle plus other livestock, including welfare requirements and livestock production

 Experience of staff supervision and working with contractors, Essential assistants and apprentices

 Experience in farm building maintenance & management Essential

 Experience in the use and maintenance of range of agricultural Essential equipment and machinery

Knowledge and Understanding

 An understanding of animal health issues, diseases and treatment Desirable

 Knowledge of grazing and arable systems and their management Essential

Skills and Qualifications

 At least a HND/ND or equivalent in a relevant subject or with an Essenti equivalent level of training and technical experience al

 Able to use email, word-processing and spreadsheet software Essenti al

 Able to use countryside and farm management software Desira ble

 Trained and certified (if relevant) in using farm machinery & tools. Essenti al

 Full driving licence and licenced to tow trailers over 750kg Essential

Personal Qualities

 Commitment to and passionate about conservation farming Essential

 Willing to work weekends and outside normal hours for which time Essential off in lieu will be available

 High level of self-discipline and time management skills Essential Conservation Farmer: Appleton Mill & Low Carr

Terms and Conditions

Salary: £21,500 p.a.

Hours: 39 working hours per week, Monday to Friday. The nature of the post’s duties will from time-to-time require evening and weekend work and the ability to respond to farm needs at any time. Paid overtime is not available, but time off in lieu will be given.

Holidays: 25 working days per annum in addition to normal public holidays.

Pensions: You will be eligible to be auto enrolled into the Trust’s Group Flexible Retirement plan. The Trust will contribute to this plan on your behalf at a rate set by the Trust’s Council. The rate is currently 3% of your basic salary. However, if you choose to make an employee contribution the Trust will make an employer contribution of up to 9% depending on the amount you choose to contribute as an employee. Written terms of the scheme are available on request form finance.

Childcare The Trust operates a Childcare Voucher Scheme. Details of which are Vouchers: available on request.

Employee The Trust provides paid staff with access to an Employee Assistance Assistance Programme. This is a confidential service which aims to provide staff with Programme: support for a range of issues. Further details are available from the HR and Training Manager.

Notice Period: Generally 4 weeks.

Place of Work: The post will be based at Appleton Mill Farm, Appleton-le-Moors with accommodation provided on the farm at a rent of £200 per month. Being resident at the farm is a requirement of the post.

Travel: Public transport is encouraged although pool vehicles are available. In exceptional circumstances the use of the officer’s own vehicle may be necessary for business use for which a mileage rate of 27.5p per mile will be paid.

Training: The Trust is fully committed to personal development and training.

Closing date: Noon on Friday 5 February 2016.

Interview dates: Sometime week beginning 22 February 2016.

150908 Conservation Farmer Appleton Mill & Low Carr Farms job description TT