Job Opportunity at Secret Lands Farm

As a vital member of our team at the sheep dairy farm, your primary responsibilities involve the attentive care of our flock. This job opportunity includes feeding, ensuring an adequate water supply, monitoring the health and well-being of the sheep, and providing necessary assistance during lambing or other reproductive events. You will maintain meticulous records to track the health and productivity of individual animals and the herd.

Given that we are a sheep dairy farm, it’s important to note that we milk our sheep for approximately 6-7 months each year. In addition to the hands-on care of the sheep, your duties encompass the administration of medications when required to maintain the health of the flock.

Beyond direct animal care, you’ll play an essential role in maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of animal housing areas. This includes regularly cleaning pens and enclosures, ensuring proper ventilation, and making necessary repairs to facilities. Your attention to detail in these tasks contributes significantly to the overall health and comfort of the sheep.

Your commitment to the welfare of our animals, combined with your ability to maintain organized records and uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, is crucial in supporting our mission of sustainable and ethical sheep farming.

Daily Activities:

Performing General Physical Activities: Your job demands significant physical exertion, including activities like lifting, carrying, and moving supplies, equipment, and feed. This includes tasks such as cleaning pens, herding sheep, and maintaining the farm’s infrastructure.

Handling and Moving Objects: You’ll frequently use your hands and arms to handle, position, and move materials essential for sheep care, including feed, water containers, and medical supplies.

Controlling Machines and Processes: While not heavily reliant on machinery, you’ll engage in hands-on activities to manage processes related to sheep care, such as shearing, milking, and equipment maintenance.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Vigilance is key as you continuously monitor sheep behavior, health, and the farm environment. You’ll be responsible for identifying any issues or concerns promptly.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Regular equipment and facility inspections are essential. You’ll need to identify and report any maintenance or repair needs promptly to ensure the safety and comfort of the sheep.

Getting Information: Observing the sheep, interacting with colleagues, and staying informed about best practices in sheep farming are vital aspects of your role. You’ll gather valuable information from various sources to enhance sheep care.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Your ability to assess the condition and well-being of the sheep is critical. You’ll also evaluate the quality of feed, bedding, and other materials used in their care.

Processing Information: You’ll compile and organize data related to sheep health, feeding schedules, and other essential aspects of farm management. This information ensures the smooth operation of the farm.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: You’ll apply your knowledge and judgment to ensure that all farm activities, including sheep care, adhere to industry standards and regulations. Maintaining high standards of animal welfare is a top priority.

Skills Required for this job opportunity:

Active Listening: In your role, active listening is essential. You must give your full attention to fellow farmworkers, veterinarians, and other team members, ensuring you understand instructions and concerns. Asking questions when needed and showing respect for others’ input is crucial.

Critical Thinking: Critical thinking skills come into play as you assess situations on the farm. You’ll use logic and reasoning to evaluate the health and well-being of the sheep, identify potential issues, and determine the best course of action.

Monitoring: Monitoring is a central skill as you continually assess the performance and condition of both the sheep and the farm environment. This includes observing sheep behavior, tracking their health, and identifying any deviations from the norm. Your vigilance helps maintain the overall welfare of the herd.

Coordination: Coordination with other farmworkers and team members is vital for seamless farm operations. You’ll need to adjust your actions and communicate effectively to ensure tasks like feeding, milking, and cleaning are carried out efficiently.

Operation Monitoring: While not heavily reliant on machinery, you’ll still be responsible for watching over equipment and systems related to sheep care. This includes monitoring milking machines, water systems, and climate control systems to ensure they’re working correctly and addressing any issues promptly.

Physical Requirements needed:

Static Strength: You’ll need to utilize static strength in your daily tasks, such as lifting bales of hay, bags of feed, or equipment. This ability allows you to exert maximum muscle force to handle heavy objects safely.

Manual Dexterity: Your role will often require quick and precise hand movements. Manual dexterity is crucial for activities like milking, where you’ll need to manipulate machinery and handle delicate tasks with the sheep.

Problem Sensitivity: Recognizing when something isn’t quite right on the farm is a valuable skill. While you may not always be responsible for solving problems, being sensitive to issues like a sick sheep or equipment malfunction is essential for maintaining the well-being of the herd.

Arm-Hand Steadiness: Keeping a steady hand and arm is important when performing tasks that require precision, such as administering medications, grooming, and milking. This ability ensures the safety and comfort of the sheep.

Dynamic Strength: Your work on the farm may involve continuous physical exertion, such as herding or manual labor. Dynamic strength, which includes muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue, enables you to perform these tasks effectively over extended periods.

Knowledge, Experience, and Education Requirements

Biology: A solid understanding of biology is essential for working on a sheep dairy farm. This includes knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, and how they interact with each other and the environment. This understanding is vital for the care and well-being of the sheep.

Food Production: Familiarity with food production techniques and equipment is necessary. This includes expertise in planting, growing, and harvesting food products, both from plants and animals, for consumption. Additionally, knowledge of proper storage and handling techniques is crucial to ensure the quality and safety of the farm’s produce.

If based on the requirements outlined that you believe you have the strength, knowledge and skills to work for us at Secret Lands Farm we’d like to invite you to please send your resume and cover letter to us at: [email protected]