Forge Mill Farm is based at Sandwell Valley Country Park and has recently expanded in size and operation with a new farm trail, improved facilities, and new animals. The farm is an approved rare breed centre, and is expected to welcome over 70,000 visitors this year. Alongside further improvements, as well as the addition of an education and school visits offer, Forge Mill Farm is aiming to become a centre of excellence in animal welfare and a destination visitor experience for the West Midlands, as well as serving the residents of Sandwell with access to farm animals and animal welfare knowledge.

This new role will be at the heart of the action and development at Forge Mill Farm. Working for the Forge Mill Farm Manager, you will supervise a team of farm operatives, apprentices, and volunteers in maintaining excellent animal welfare, complying with national farm and animal welfare standards and legislation, and ensuring our farm is maintained to the highest standards for both our animals and visitors.

As well as this, you will support the Forge Mill Farm Manager in the development of Rabbit Village at Sandwell Valley Visitor Centre – a unique home for rescued rabbits – and advise on animal welfare policies and interventions at Sandwell Council. This is also a role where your ideas and innovation doesn’t just count – it is expected. A unique opportunity for a farming professional is also passionate about education and visitor experience.

You will be:

• Experienced in animal welfare and farm management.
• Experienced in a visitor / education focussed farm environment.
• Passionate about animal welfare and farm education.
• Prepared to work a rota, which will include some early starts, weekends and evening work.

You will have:

• A degree in farm and / or agriculture management.
• Experience and knowledge of animal welfare and farm legislation and best practice.
• Level 3 supervisory qualification, or appropriate management experience and willing to gain this qualification.
• Full, current driving licence and ability to drive tractor and farm machinery.

You will also be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.

Hours

37 hours per week

Our Values; Trust, Unity and Progress make us unique, they define how we do things and are reflected in the way we behave. They are important to us, guiding and shaping our organisational culture. Our values are key to us achieving Sandwell’s Vision 2030 and also guide us when we recruit.

We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to their advertised date if we receive a large number of applications. Therefore, you are strongly advised to complete and return your application as soon as possible. When completing your application please refer to the supporting documents attached.

If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application, or have experienced a problem whilst applying for a position, please contact the Resourcing Team on 0121 569 3300 or via e-mail to: hr_resourcing@sandwell.gov.uk

For more information about working for Sandwell Council, our recruitment process and our offer to you please visit https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/200233/jobs

Supporting documents
Information for applicants
Personnel Specification
Job Description