Vacancy Notice: Head of Agriculture
Salary of £60,000 per annum (tax free)
Additional benefits package which includes free housing, travel and medical cover including on-island treatment and evacuation to Cape Town.
About the role
We are looking for a suitably experienced hands-on working farmer who will head up the busy Agriculture Department on Tristan da Cunha. The postholder will work closely with all the staff in the Department to ensure good leadership and will assist the Government of Tristan da Cunha (GoTdC) in its strategic and business planning and prioritising.
Key Responsibilities
You will be expected to
- offer training where needed, such as improvements in grazing, managing livestock and horticulture
- general animal welfare of the stock including good housekeeping practice, inspections and observing of health issues
- some Veterinary experience on Cattle and Sheep
- advise on and introduce new ideas for improving growing more vegetables with knowledge/experience of Hydroponics
- maintain fencing
- deal with the Island Community
- set out new ideas to improve a Strategy for the Island's future
- deal with orders for bringing supplies
- adhere to all site Health & Safety, environmental and technical policies and procedures
- maintain accurate Records of all appropriate information
- be flexible and help with any other general farm duties that may arise
Job Requirements:
Essential
- Understanding of animal welfare and hygiene practices
- Positive can-do attitude is essential along with the ability to work to a high standard without supervision
- Caring, passionate, driven, enthusiastic, competent individual with excellent eye for detail.
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Experience in working within a fast pace environment
- Flexibility and willingness to learn
- Basic English and Maths
Desirable:
- Previous experience in livestock skills and in dealing with the day to day running of a farm
- Full Clean Driving licence
This document is designed for guidance only and is not exhaustive. Duties may change or be added and deleted to meet the changing requirements of the business.
What you'll bring
As an experienced practitioner, ideally with several years' operational experience in agriculture, the postholder will be someone who is highly motivated, knowledgeable, adaptable and resilient with a 'can do' attitude which is paramount to living and working on Tristan. You will also establish successful working relationships with a range of Government, International and local stakeholders.
What we offer
In addition to an annual salary of £60,000 (tax free), the role attracts an accompanied status, initial one-year contract with option to extend and the following benefits:
- an attractive benefits package which includes free housing; travel and medical cover including on-island treatment and evacuation to Cape Town
- an incredible environment to live and work in
- return flights and passage costs to and from the island
The appointment will be subject to:
- Satisfactory employment references
- Enhanced Criminal Records Check
- Satisfactory Medical and Dental Clearance
What's it like to work on Tristan da Cunha?
Tristan da Cunha is an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom (UKOT). It is the world's remotest inhabited island with a population of around 250 people, and lies 1500 miles west of Cape Town. The island has no airport and is only accessible by ship from Cape Town nine times a year. Opportunities to work in this unique environment and community are rare, and this particular role will offer the chance to develop a range of skills. To thrive here in this high-profile role, you must be resilient, adaptable and able to live and work in an incredibly small community with limited availability of perishable food, non-food items and internet connectivity.
To apply
If you would like to apply for this key position starting mid-2024, please send a copy of your CV and a letter of application clearly detailing your suitability for the post and how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria to Jean Caldwell, Project Manager to the following email address: jcaldwell@nico.org.uk.
You can Apply Online for this role - Closing date: 16th February 2024
Closing date for receipt of applications: 16th February 2024
Interviews: By Microsoft Teams or Zoom in late-February 2024 approx
Required start date: June/July 2024 (depending on the shipping schedule)
If you have any queries about the role, please email jcaldwell@nico.org.uk.