Rural Recruits

04/10/2025

Rural Estate Foreman

Are you passionate about working outdoors, looking after Estate land and property as well as its commercial enterprises? The Blackpool and Start Estate in South Devon is looking for a Rural Estate Foreman with strong practical skills, a hands-on approach, and a keen eye for Estate maintenance and security. If you thrive in a varied role, this position is perfect for you.
Reporting to The Estate Owners and the Managing Agents (DixonSmith LLP)
Responsibilities
As a Rural Estate Foreman, you will play a key role in looking after and maintaining the Estate. You will ensure that the land, buildings and equipment are well kept. This is a varied role that requires practical skills, problem-solving ability and a proactive attitude. Your responsibilities will include,
• Attending to land maintenance, including woodland, grass meadows, fencing, public facilities, paths and drainage systems.
• Carrying out a wide range of gardening tasks such blowing paths, weeding, strimming, pruning and planting.
• Operating and maintaining machinery and equipment, such as tractors, mowers, forestry equipment and chainsaws.
• Carrying out general Estate maintenance, including minor repairs to buildings and infrastructure.
• Performing handyman tasks, such as pest control, painting and decorating and minor carpentry and plumbing as required.
• Supervising and coordinating contractors and suppliers.
• Ensuring health and safety standards are met across the Estate.
• Liaising with the Estate’s commercial operators and security people.
• To be open to flexible working patterns and weekend work throughout the year with seasonal peaks during summer plus supporting beach and Estate events.
Skills & Experience Required
We are looking for a self-motivated and reliable individual with a strong work ethic and experience in hands-on Estate or similar work. The ideal candidate will have:
• Strong knowledge of practical land management, including conservation works, fencing, and forestry.
• Machinery operation skills, with experience using tractors, mowers, excavators, chainsaws and other equipment.
• A practical mind-set with Estate maintenance skills, including basic plumbing and carpentry and general security.
• Good problem-solving ability and the initiative to handle tasks independently.
• A full UK driving licence (trailer towing experience is an advantage).
• Relevant certifications (e.g, chainsaw, PA1/PA2 spraying certificates) would be strongly preferred.
Benefits
We understand the importance of work-life balance and offer a supportive and rewarding working environment. As part of this role, you can expect:

• A competitive salary based on experience.
Salary Guide: £25,000.00 – £27,000.00/annum, commensurate with suitability and experience.
• Holiday Allowance: 30 days including public holidays
• Estate cottage included within employment package
• The opportunity to work in a stunning rural environment within a private commercial setting with a variety of tasks.
• Training and development opportunities to enhance your skills.
• The chance to work independently while being part of a small friendly team.
If you are a skilled, proactive, and practically minded individual with experience supporting a mixed-use Estate, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply by sending a covering letter and your CV to Jeremy Smith, in the first instance by email: [email protected]

04/10/2025

General Estate Worker

An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and reliable person to join our Estate team to assist in general estate maintenance on a large Estate in South West Scotland.

This is a new role, that will involve working across several departments including the gardens and in-hand farms, undertaking general Estate maintenance, including fencing, across the wider Estate.

Key Details:

• Location: Near Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway
• Position: Full-time, permanent
• Benefits: Accommodation may be provided under separate arrangement
• Remuneration: Subject to experience


Role Overview:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• General Estate maintenance, including fencing
• General farm work, including operating tractors and working with livestock
• Chainsaw work
• Assisting gardening team as required

Requirements:

• Strong work ethic and previous experience in a similar role
• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team
• Full UK driving licence
• Chainsaw licence an advantage and tractor and ATV licences beneficial, however training may be available.

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter to [email protected]

02/10/2025

Innishewan Farms, AUCHLYNE

KILLIN

1500 Breeding Ewes, 60 Breeding cows

4000 Hectares

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to manage a large-scale livestock farm comprising of 1500 ewes and an established and renown Highland and Shorthorn herd.



You will need to be pro-active, energetic and capable of undertaking the necessary practical work involved in this type of business, including the relevant record keeping requirements.



The successful candidate will manage all aspects in the day to day running of the livestock and be responsible for all farm seasonal and contracting teams. You will also be responsible for the grassland management of 200 hectares of inbye land and work as part of a team to deliver a large-scale AECS Scheme to complement the habitat works undertaken on the Estate.



Although a demanding role, it is an opportunity for the right individual to develop a strong career as part of a forward thinking and ambitious management team.



A generous financial package that reflects the responsibilities of this position together with a 3-bedroom house are available for the successful applicant.



All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. In the first instance, please email: [email protected]

02/10/2025

Poultry shed manager for 5 broiler sheds in Llanbister, Mid Wales.

There's over 200,000 birds, Buttercup Poultry Ltd. The manager will be expected to have previous experience managing broiler sheds so they're able to control the feed, water and heating systems. We're a family farm and help will be given for daily tasks such as littering and clearing dead. They'll also be expected to respond to alarms. Each cropping cycle is 7 weeks then there will be 7 days off. The first 3 weeks of the crop is lighter work.

An attractive 2 bedroom properly and large garden / stables can be provided after a trial period. Wage could be around £50,000 but this is negotiable and also happy to do a bonus scheme based on bird performance.

If you would like any further information or to apply please contact Lily Thomas on 07811805068 or email address - [email protected]

01/10/2025

General Farm Worker / Stock Person – Myton on Swale
We are looking for a full-time General Farm Worker to join our team at our large cattle finishing and arable farm.
The role is based in Myton on Swale (9 miles from Boroughbridge) on a modern farm with up-to-date machinery. The farm finishes around 3,000 cattle a year and farms 1,200 acres of land.
The candidate will undertake various farming tasks including cattle and tractor work.
The main responsibilities are:
• Feeding and bedding of cattle
• Administering vaccines to cattle and keeping records of these
• Mucking out of cattle sheds
• Maintaining farm machinery to a good standard
• Some other ad hoc duties during busy times (e.g. during Harvest)
The role will report directly to the Farm Manager and suitable candidates will have:
• Experience of driving agricultural vehicles
• Knowledge cattle husbandry desirable but not essential
• Forklift certificate desirable (training provided to the right candidate)
• Right to work in the UK
• A full UK driving Licence
The successful individual will be enthusiastic, reliable and happy to work outdoors in all weather. They should be polite, have good communication skills and a flexible approach to their duties. Hours: 8am-5pm Mon - Fri (1-hour daily breaks). Some weekend work / longer hours during harvest
28 days holiday, including bank holidays.
Salary: Competitive dependent on experience

Please send your CV to [email protected] or if you would like any further information on the role.

29/09/2025

Couples position from Mid May– October 2026 near Sutherland, Highlands

House cleaning a let property, 5 days pw for 2 hours daily. There is a rota of cleaners and the property has 10 bedrooms

Outdoor roles,

Taking dustbin to collection point (not on a public road). 2 x pw.

Assisting with cleanliness of the game larder. This is only August - October.

Possibly painting of properties or parts of properties.

Cutting firewood. The firewood serves 3 let properties, mostly wood burner stoves, also 2 open fireplaces. The firewood is supplied, it is only the log-splitting needed.

Potentially driving an ATV. The ATV is on-site.

A 3 bedroom bungalow, self-contained with its own lawn and fenced-off is provided with the position.
The house is available from mid-May 2026 for 6 months.

If you would like to apply please send over your CVs too [email protected]

27/09/2025

ESTATE HANDYMAN/WOMAN POSITION (ATTRACTIVE SALARY PLUS ACCOMMODATION)
Exciting opportunity for an Estate Handyman (or Handywoman) on a farming and sporting estate in the Lammermuirs, one hour south of Edinburgh. A family owned estate with several properties requiring regular reactive and proactive maintenance and repair.
The successful applicant must be be capable of working unsupervised and as part of a wider team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
This is a wide-ranging role which will involve
General all trades experience – e.g. building, joinery, decoration works
Identifying, highlighting and reporting issues to the office
Undertaking repair works to a high standard
Regular property inspections
Effective communication with the office
Coordinating and supervising external contractors
SKILLS:
Relevant experience in a similar role or trade
Practical knowledge of various repair and maintenance techniques
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
An attention for detail
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Good housekeeping and time management skills
Maintenance of equipment / tools / plant
Health & Safety Awareness
Clean valid driver’s license

The package offered will include a competitive salary, comfortable accommodation including reasonable bills paid for, and pension contributions.
If you’d like to be considered to be part of our friendly, growing and proactive team, please contact us with you CV and covering letter to [email protected]

22/09/2025

Individual required for the role of Estate Gardener/maintenance in South Ayrshire.

We are seeking a reliable and dedicated individual/couple to look after a 6-bedroom home with 1.5 acres of mature gardens.

Full-time role: Gardener/Handyman (gardening experience would help)


This is the owners’ main residence, shared with two adults, visiting grown-up children, and a much-loved dog. As the family travels, occasional dog-sitting will be required.

Main Duties include:

Security of the property
Driving (airport collections – clean driving licence essential)
Hands-on gardening – lawns, borders, hedges, pruning, and plant care
General household and garden maintenance
What we offer:

A two-bedroom cottage included with the role
A welcoming community with a shop and excellent local school nearby
This position would suit a practical, trustworthy, and self-motivated individual who enjoy rural life and take pride in their work.

c.v’s and references to [email protected]

22/09/2025

‼️ Due to the volume of applications this position is now closed - Thankyou to all who have shared

Gamekeeping Apprenticeship – Normanby Estate, North Lincolnshire
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated individual to join the Normanby Estate as a Gamekeeping Apprentice.
The Role:
Work alongside an experienced keeper, gaining hands-on skills in all aspects of game and wildlife management.
Assist with habitat management, pest control, and day-to-day estate duties.
Learn and develop practical countryside skills to build a career in gamekeeping.
Attend Bishop Burton College as part of the apprenticeship programme
What We Offer:
On-site accommodation in a static caravan
Full training and mentoring from an experienced gamekeeper
The chance to gain a recognised qualification while developing essential skills
A clear pathway to progress in countryside and gamekeeping careers
We’re looking for someone who:
Has a genuine interest in the countryside, conservation, and gamekeeping
Is enthusiastic, reliable, and willing to learn
Enjoys working outdoors in all weathers
Can work well within a team and independently
📍 Location: Normanby Estate, North Lincolnshire
🎓 Training: Bishop Burton College
🏠 Accommodation: Static caravan on site provided

19/09/2025

Gunroom Manager - Thimbleby Shooting Ground

Thimbleby Shooting Ground in North Yorkshire are looking to recruit a Gunroom Manager. This role consists of being responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the gun room. This is a hands-on role that requires strong sales acumen and people skills, excellent organisational ability and a passion for delivering exceptional customer service.
Responsibilities
1. Operations:

Oversee all aspects of gun room operations, ensuring efficient and smooth daily functioning.
Be proactive at generating sales of guns, cartridges and ammunition.
Develop long-term relationships with customers, providing them with the best possible experience.
Ensure all fi****ms licensing paperwork and RFD records are kept to the utmost standards to maintain absolute compliance with fi****ms licensing law.
Maintain and adhere processes across the gunroom, identifying opportunities for improvement and ensure any approved staff are fully trained in these when providing cover.
Utilise and update regularly online advertising software such as Guntrader to maximise sales exposure.
Contribute to online marketing with gunroom related content.

2. Financial:

Keep an up-to-date and accurate database of sales information for reporting purposes.
Analyse financial data and performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
Generate regular reports for senior management, highlighting key performance indicators and recommending strategies for growth.

3. Business Development:

Identify and evaluate opportunities for business growth.
Develop and execute strategic plans to increase revenue, attract new customers, and maximise the overall profitability of the business.
Maintain a professional and strong working relationship with suppliers..
Conduct market research and analysis to stay updated on industry trends and competitors, identifying areas for improvement and innovation.

Skills and Qualities:

Proven experience in sales and customer management. Experience in the shooting sector, namely gun sales would be preferred.
Experience in a shooting or outdoor recreation environment.
Strong business acumen and demonstrated success in driving revenue growth and achieving financial targets.
Ability to manage additional gunroom staff when our planned expansion is delivered in the near future.
Exceptional organisational and multitasking abilities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including customers.
Proficient computer skills, with the ability to use relevant software for electronic RFD management systems and Google Office suite.
Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays and occasional evenings as required by business operations.

Remuneration and Benefits

A competitive package, commensurate with experience
Increasing annual leave with length of service
Enhanced company pension scheme
Employee discount across a variety of sectors
Company events

If you possess strong sales experience and a key knowledge of shooting and fi****ms, and enjoy working in a dynamic and rural environment, we encourage you to apply for this challenging and rewarding role as our Gun Room Manager.

All enquiries will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. Please call our Shooting Ground Manager Philip Thompson on 07802 444151 for more information or an informal chat about the role. To apply for the role, please send your CV to [email protected]

18/09/2025

Live-in House Manager – Euston Hall, Suffolk
Euston is one of Suffolk’s Great Estates with Euston Hall being the historic seat of The Dukes of Grafton.
We are seeking an experienced and highly organised House Manager to oversee the daily operations of Euston Hall.
The successful candidate will ensure the smooth running, presentation and upkeep of the property, while managing household staff and coordinating with the estate team to deliver first-class service to the owners and their guests.
Duties will also include but are not limited to general upkeep and maintenance of the main house, handyman and maintenance jobs, feeding and walking the family’s dogs and security of the property.
The is a full-time live-in post with a 3-bedroom flat within the main hall complex. The role will include some evenings and two weekends every month.
Please see our website for full details of the role.

The Euston Estate is the private estate of The Duke and Duchess of Grafton and surrounds their private residence, Euston Hall. Euston is very much a family home and is used all year round by the family.

18/09/2025

Stock Person/Shepherd - Thimbleby Estate

We are looking for a Stockperson/Shepherd to join our team at Thimbleby Estate, set in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside. We have a large suckler herd with replacements bred in-house and finished prime stock sold through local markets. We also have a sizable flock of ewes, where lambs are sold through the deadweight market.
The main responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Daily checks of cattle and sheep
Feeding and bedding of cattle and sheep using a feeder wagon
Preparing and occasionally taking stock for market
Mucking out stock
Administering vaccines for livestock and recording these accordingly
Keeping all aspects of the farm and machinery clean and tidy

We are looking for the successful candidate to work full time Monday to Friday, plus every other weekend. Due to the nature of the role, the exact number of hours per week will vary throughout the year, so we are looking for somebody who can be suitably flexible.
The role will report directly to our Farm Manager. We are looking for someone with:

Proven experience as a stockperson/shepherd
Reliable, hardworking and enthusiastic characteristics
Ability to work both individually and as part of a small team
Genuine passion for livestock
Full UK driving licence
Calving and lambing experience
Flexible approach to duties
Honest and with a high level of integrity
Excellent attention to detail
Good communication skills and a pleasant and polite personality
Ability to ride a quad bike
Relevant quad bike/loadall training (desirable - training can be provided)
Right to work in the UK

Remuneration and Benefits

A competitive salary, commensurate with experience
Potential for accommodation to be part of package if required
Increasing annual leave with length of service
Enhanced company pension scheme
Employee discount across a variety of sectors
Company events

All enquiries will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. Please call our Farm Manager Stephen on 07802444138 for more information or an informal conversation about the role. To apply for the role, please send your CV to [email protected]