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 in 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, Epping Forest is an ancient wood-pasture and rural farmed estate of national and international conservation importance, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This role offers a unique opportunity to manage a large pedigree breeding herd of English Longhorn cattle, supporting projects including carbon sequestration, storage, and biodiversity gain. You will oversee extensive grazing across prestigious conservation sites using pioneering fenceless (virtual) grazing technology alongside traditional fenced areas. Responsibilities include maintaining day-to-day grazing operations, leading the winter calving program, and ensuring vital infrastructure is kept in good working order.

As part of the Conservation Section Team, you will manage the annual Forest Grazing Programme within SSSI/SAC sites and ensure scheme-compliant grazing management of other grasslands under agri-environment grants. The role involves dynamic interaction with Forest visitors to maintain safety and animal welfare standards, including adherence to the ‘Five Freedoms’. You will be based at the Warren Offices in Loughton and, during winter, at the Great Gregories Yard cattle facility, travelling across the Forest, Buffer Lands Estate, and surrounding areas. Accommodation is provided in a 3-bedroom lodge on the Forest to support your duties.

Experience
Proven practical knowledge of cattle management and breeding herd development is essential. Experience working in nature and landscape conservation is highly desirable.

About you
Hard-working and motivated by nature and landscape conservation, with enthusiasm for managing cattle. Ability to manage interactions between the public and grazing operations to ensure visitor safety and animal welfare. Flexible and committed to working alternate weekends and on-call duties as part of a residential team.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications in animal husbandry, agriculture, or conservation management are advantageous but not explicitly stated. A commitment to ongoing learning and adherence to health and safety standards is required.