Senior Conservation Grazing Officer

We have an opportunity for a suitably qualified grazier and passionate ecologist to join us in this residential role, responsible for the Trust’s livestock at our Blue House Farm site, and other grazing areas across Essex.

The Senior Conservation Grazing Officer is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the
Trust’s county-wide grazing programme across its nature reserves and Nature Discovery Parks.
The postholder will assist the Grazing Manager in ensuring the annual completion of each nature
reserve’s grazing plan and provide good day-to-day liaison with the Ranger teams and volunteer
wardens throughout the grazing season.

Alongside this county-wide grazing programme support, the post holder is the lead officer for
the grazing infrastructure and grazing oversight at two large reserves, Blue House Farm (287ha)
and Langdon Hills Nature Reserve (181ha). The latter site is a complex SSSI grassland, scrub
and woodland mosaic with open public access, which is a priority for the introduction of
fenceless grazing. Liaising with the Langdon Hills Ranger team, the post holder is responsible
for the improvement of the Reserve’s grazing infrastructure through capital grant applications.
At Blue House Farm Nature Reserve, in addition to the grazing operation, the post holder will
promote a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, in liaison with the Senior Ranger (South
Essex).

The role will assist the Grazing Manager with the management of the health and welfare of the
in-house livestock throughout the year, in line with the ‘five freedoms’, and also the
management of the Blue House Farm infrastructure, the grazing machinery and all equipment. The
postholder will also assist the Conservation Grazing Manager, as and when required, in the
oversight and management of the Trust’s grazing licensees on other nature reserves.

Grazing in Essex

Grazing in Essex plays a critical role in maintaining the region’s landscapes and biodiversity.
Essex boasts a diverse range of habitats including grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and coastal
areas. Grazing animals such as cattle, sheep and ponies are often employed as an effective tool
for habitat management in these areas.

Essex’s varied landscapes support a wide array of wildlife, including rare and endangered
species. Grazing animals help to control vegetation growth, prevent the dominance of invasive
plant species, and create diverse habitats that support a rich biodiversity.

Residential post

This is a residential post for the postholder’s better performance of their duties, which
include shared responsibility, with the Conservation Grazing Manager, for animal welfare
throughout the year and at all times as required.

The role will require the postholder to be available on a call-out rota throughout the year (on
a rota with the Conservation Grazing Manager) to provide an emergency response and to be able
to oversee all livestock housed at Blue House Farm, and at out-wintering locations,
particularly during the calving and lambing seasons and for veterinary interventions. Options
for working dogs can be discussed at interview.

The position is a permanent role with a starting salary of £29,150.00 per annum plus
residential accommodation at Blue House Farm. The hours of work are 37.5 hours per week with a
team rota in place for grazing cover and call out. The rent deduction will be in line with the
HMRC accommodation offset rate.