Pig Unit Assistant
Salary: Up to £36,974 per annum (inclusive of contractual overtime) (dependent on qualifications and experience)
Working pattern: Full time (rota based)
Location: Sparsholt Campus (Winchester)
Closing date: 3rd June 2026
Subsidised onsite accommodation available
Overview
The Pig Unit Assistant at Sparsholt College helps run a high-welfare, commercial-standard pig enterprise. Key duties involve daily stock husbandry, maintaining biosecurity, and supervising students during practical demonstrations. This dual-focused role balances modern farming practices with teaching the next generation of agricultural professionals.
Core Responsibilities
1. Pig Husbandry
o Execute daily stock tasks including feeding, breeding, farrowing, health monitoring, weighing, and sorting.
o Maintain rigorous biosecurity and hygiene standards across all accommodation areas.
o Ensure farm assurance standards and strict environmental regulations are consistently met.
o Assist in ordering feed, managing stock levels, and undertaking essential estate/facility maintenance (e.g., fencing, housing repairs).
2. Education & Student Supervision
o Supervise, mentor, and guide Agriculture and Animal Management students during practical on-farm duties and demonstrations.
o Collaborate with academic staff to deliver experiential learning linked to the curriculum.
o Act as a role model, adhering to professional standards and strict health and safety protocols while students are on the unit.
3. General Farm Duties
o Assist with recording of physical and financial data related to the operation of our farm business.
o Provide wider support across the College Farm as required, including relief duties for other livestock (e.g., dairy, sheep) or machinery operations.
Skills & Qualifications
* Experience: Hands‑on experience working on a commercial pig unit would be advantageous, with a solid understanding of modern, high‑welfare pig production.
* Education/Qualifications: Ideally Level 3 qualification (or higher) in Agriculture, Animal Management, or a related land‑based subject.
* Training: Ideally have relevant training/hold qualifications in Telehandler, Tractor, PA1/PA6.
* Communication Skills: Ability to instruct and inspire college students.
* Health and Safety: Must maintain and follow safety and safeguarding standards at all times, and demonstrate excellent levels of Animal Welfare.
* General: Must hold a full UK driving licence, have a proactive and adaptable approach to work and be flexible to participate in our rota‑based farm hours.
Benefits
* Eligibility to join the NEST Pension Scheme
* Free on‑site parking
* Occupational Sick Pay & Maternity Pay schemes
* Flexible Working Policy
* Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
* Free on‑campus gym at Sparsholt Campus
* Opportunity to purchase Sparsholt‑grown produce: plants, fresh fruit & veg, fish, and game
* Discounted hair treatments at the Andover campus salon
* Wide range of CPD events, plus support with professional qualifications
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.
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