Livestock Officer

Livestock Officer – Sustainable Upland Collaboration Project

Location:

Rhug Estate and surrounding upland project areas, Berwyn Moorland.

Contract:

Fixed term (July 2026 – September 2028)

Hours:

Part‑time, approximately 21 hours per week

Salary:
Competitive, depending on experience and qualifications.

Start Date:

Successful candidates should be available to commence employment as soon as possible to support project delivery from 1 July 2026.

Rhug Charitable Trust is seeking a skilled and motivated Livestock Officer to support the delivery of the Sustainable Upland Collaboration Project, funded through the Integrated Natural Resources Scheme (INRS).

The Livestock Officer will play a key role in implementing conservation grazing across the Berwyn uplands using precision grazing techniques, including GPS No Fence collars. Working closely with participating farmers, landowners, veterinary professionals and project partners, the successful candidate will help deliver sustainable livestock management that improves habitat condition, supports biodiversity recovery and maintains high standards of livestock health and welfare.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an innovative landscape scale conservation project, demonstrating how sustainable farming and nature recovery can work together to benefit wildlife, farming businesses and rural communities.

• Deliver conservation grazing using GPS collars to manage livestock movements and grazing pressure across participating farms.
• Undertake general livestock husbandry for cattle and sheep, including livestock handling, welfare monitoring and routine husbandry tasks.
• Monitor grazing patterns and adjust livestock movements to achieve agreed conservation objectives.
• Ensure livestock grazing protects environmentally sensitive habitats, including important breeding areas for ground nesting birds.
• Work with veterinary professionals and participating farmers to develop and implement collaborative livestock health plans.
• Monitor livestock health and welfare, ensuring high standards of husbandry are maintained.
• Support the installation, maintenance and operation of water infrastructure to provide reliable livestock water access whilst protecting sensitive habitats.
• Assist with the operation and maintenance of livestock handling facilities for cattle and sheep.
• Maintain accurate livestock, grazing and monitoring records to support project reporting, evaluation and compliance with Welsh Government funding requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the Project Manager, Project Officer, participating farmers, landowners, contractors, conservation partners to support successful project delivery.
• Promote and support the use of the Welsh language in project delivery, engagement and communications where appropriate.

• Practical experience in livestock management and livestock husbandry, including cattle and sheep, ideally within upland or extensive grazing systems.
• Good knowledge of cattle and sheep husbandry, grazing management, livestock handling and animal welfare.
• Experience working alongside veterinary professionals or supporting livestock health planning.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including experience working with farmers and landowners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Full UK driving license.
• Experience with in conservation grazing, agriculture, environmental management or land based projects.
• Experience of organic farming systems and an understanding of organic livestock production.
• Knowledge of habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation or sustainable land management.
• Experience using GPS livestock technology, precision grazing systems or livestock monitoring software.
• Understanding of protected landscapes and environmental designations including SSSI, SAC and SPA sites.
• Experience supporting publicly funded projects.

Rhug Charitable Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to supporting and promoting the Welsh language and encourage applications from Welsh speakers.