Location
Epping Forest, London/Essex

Hours
Full Time with alternate weekend working; 3.5 hours on each second Saturday and Sunday followed by a full weekday off the following week. Residential appointment with on-call duties one week every six weeks.

Salary
£33,242 per annum

About the Role
Covering over 6,000 acres, this ancient Forest grazed wood-pasture, together with 1,700 acres of rural farmed estate (the Buffer Lands Estate), stretches 12 miles from Manor Park in East London to just north of Epping in Essex. Epping Forest is of national and international conservation importance with two thirds of its area designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is also surrounded by a special historic landscape including other protected sites, such as the Grade II* Registered Park and Garden of Copped Hall. Grazing is an essential element of the management of these designated sites.

This role offers a great opportunity to play a key part in the development of the current large pedigree breeding herd of English Longhorns for projects including carbon sequestration/storage and biodiversity gain. The herd ensures extensive grazing in one of England’s most prestigious conservation sites, with new and expanded grazing areas planned over the next five years under a recently updated and Trustee-approved Grazing Action Plan.

Grazing is carried out in this public open space using pioneering fenceless (virtual) grazing technology, employing the most up-to-date GPS system for year-round grazing across multiple sites alongside traditional fenced areas. You will be responsible for maintaining these systems and leading the winter calving operation. Additionally, you will ensure vital infrastructure is kept in good working order at all times.

Daily duties include liaising with Forest visitors and dynamically managing interactions between the public and grazing operations to ensure visitor safety and animal welfare, including adherence to the ‘Five Freedoms’. As part of the Conservation Section Team, you will keep the annual Forest Grazing Programme on track within the SSSI/SAC sites and ensure scheme-compliant and flexible grazing management of all other grasslands covered by agri-environment grants.

This is a full-time residential role with accommodation provided in a three-bedroom lodge on the Forest to support your duties. You will be based at the Warren Offices in Loughton and, during winter, also at the Great Gregories Yard cattle facility, travelling around the Forest, Buffer Lands Estate, and surrounding areas.

Experience
Proven practical knowledge of cattle management and breeding herd development is essential. Experience working with conservation grazing and managing livestock in a public open space environment is highly desirable.

About you
Hard-working and motivated by nature and landscape conservation, with enthusiasm for managing cattle. You will have excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with the public and team members. Ability to work independently and as part of a team is required. Flexibility to work alternate weekends and participate in on-call duties is essential.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in animal husbandry, agriculture, or conservation management are desirable but not mandatory. A full clean UK driving licence is advantageous due to travel requirements across multiple sites.