Dairy Herdsperson

The University of Edinburgh - Large Animal Research and Imaging Facility

Location: Edinburgh

Salary: £26,093 to £28,778 per annum (based on a 35 hour work week) Plus 15% Variable Hours Premium

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Placed On: 13th August 2025

Closes: 2nd September 2025

Job Ref: 12897

Full-Time: 35 hours per week, Plus 6 hours weekly contractual overtime (Regular overtime offered in addition to the 6 contractual hours)

Open-Ended (permanent)

The Opportunity:

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies are looking for a keen Herdsperson to work within a small team on the University of Edinburgh’s teaching and commercial dairy farm located 15 miles from Edinburgh city centre.

Key responsibilities will be to carry out all day-to-day routines associated with the running of a large 240 cow, high yielding 11,000 litre dairy herd and associated young-stock.

The farm has a range of purpose-built dairy sheds, as well as other youngstock accommodation. We are installing a new 28:28 parlour with feeders, ACR’s, meters, auto ID and auto shedding autumn 2025.

The successful candidate must have previous experience in a similar role, be able to think for themselves and work with the existing team.

In return we offer a competitive salary, 3-bedroom family accommodation which is on-farm, centrally heated, double glazed and is free from rent. Good local schools, and the opportunity to be a key part in a successful and progressive business.

Your skills and attributes for success:

You will be responsible for the day-to-day cleaning, milking, welfare and husbandry of the dairy herd therefore, you must be committed to animal welfare and have sound skills in animal handling and animal care / welfare.

Other duties such as basic tractor/telehandler driving, feeding, bedding, fencing and maintenance will provide variety to the role

You must have good working knowledge and recent experience of dairy cows including recognition of ill health and common problems and also experience of Calf and Heifer rearing

The ability to work in a physically demanding environment is essential.

Ability to work regularly over weekends and holidays as part of a rota and from time to time work extra hours in evenings as required by the farm manager.

Apply Before: 02/09/2025, 23:59