Dairy Herdsperson at The University of Edinburgh

Open-Ended (permanent)

The Opportunity:

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies are looking for a keen Herdsperson to work within a small team on the University of Edinburgh’s teaching and commercial dairy farm located 15 miles from Edinburgh city centre.

Key responsibilities will be to carry out all day-to-day routines associated with the running of a large 240 cow, high yielding 11,000 litre dairy herd and associated young-stock.

The farm has a range of purpose-built dairy sheds, as well as other youngstock accommodation. We are installing a new 28:28 parlour with feeders, ACR’s, meters, auto ID and auto shedding autumn 2025.

The successful candidate must have previous experience in a similar role, be able to think for themselves and work with the existing team.

In return we offer a competitive salary, 3-bedroom family accommodation which is on-farm, centrally heated, double glazed and is free from rent. Good local schools, and the opportunity to be a key part in a successful and progressive business.

Your skills and attributes for success: 

• You will be responsible for the day-to-day cleaning, milking, welfare and husbandry of the dairy herd therefore, you must be committed to animal welfare and have sound skills in animal handling and animal care / welfare.
• Other duties such as basic tractor/telehandler driving, feeding, bedding, fencing and maintenance will provide variety to the role
• You must have good working knowledge and recent experience of dairy cows including recognition of ill health and common problems and also experience of Calf and Heifer rearing
• The ability to work in a physically demanding environment is essential.
• Ability to work regularly over weekends and holidays as part of a rota and from time to time work extra hours in evenings as required by the farm manager.