Biodynamic Land Manager – Sheffield - #1670166

Biodynamic Land Manager, High Riggs
40 hours, 52 weeks per year
Salary Range From: FTE £30,841 – £42,489 dependent on qualifications and experience
Applications are through our website http://www.rmt.org/jobs/ or enquiries can be directed to me at *************@rmt.org

This is an exciting opportunity offered by Freeman College, part of Ruskin Mill Trust for a Biodynamic Land Manager. The post holder will manage the day-to-day running of a farm and garden and organise appropriate work for students and staff, using biodynamic principles and methodologies and integrate them into all aspects of the operation of the farm.

High Riggs is a 9-acre biodynamic market garden where students grow and harvest vegetables to use in our residential homes, cafe and college kitchen. In addition, a successful community veg box scheme is run out of High Riggs, and students help with harvesting and preparing the vegetables and ensuring the boxes are ready for collection.

In order to ensure sufficient care of the animals, you will be expected to relocate to within very close proximity of the High Riggs site, and you will be given support toward your accommodation with the expectation that you will feed the animals at the weekends.

1. Managing the day-to-day running of a biodynamic market garden and small husbandry stock and work with the team to organise appropriate work for students, staff and volunteers.


2. A genuine interest in applying the biodynamic (BD) principles and methodologies and integrate them into all aspects of strategic planning and operation of the biodynamic land, production, product distribution and environmental issues.


3. To give high regard for the production of vegetables and other food items, take an active part in linking the produce from the land for the residential services and Trust kitchens.


4. To maintain a good standard in Demeter quality assurance requirements and maintain certification.


5. To ensure the health and welfare of all stock on the farm, which includes livestock breeding, rearing and finishing and also to be responsible for production of vegetables, fodder and cereal production for farm and educational use. Ensure compliance with Government legislation and maintain accurate record keeping.


6. To support students in their understanding of animal husbandry and aid them to work towards recognised qualifications as well as review and supervise apprentice’s progress.


7. To co-ordinate biodynamic events, open days and volunteers’ days in conjunction with appropriate staff.


8. To deliver training in biodynamic principles for staff and members of the public.


9. Being part of the Senior Management Team of Freeman College and attend regular meetings and to provide regular updates for High Riggs.

1. Have experience of animal husbandry to at least a small holding level.


2. Desirable to be a recognised Biodynamic practitioner – if not, accredited training will be provided.


3. Desirable to have a teaching qualification L4 or above.


4. Desirable to have management experience.


5. Have knowledge of specialist education and ideally working with learners with learning difficulties and/or learning disabilities.


6. Have excellent communication, organisational and resilience skills.


7. A full driving licence with access to a vehicle.

Ruskin Mill Trust is committed to professional development for staff and the successful candidate will be required to attend Ruskin Mill Trust training programme in Biodynamic agriculture if you are not already trained.

Working at Ruskin Mill Trust is incredibly rewarding and in return, we offer competitive salaries, with progression in pay once qualified and an auto-enrolment pension scheme. In addition, staff receive:

• A comprehensive and interactive induction, extensive training and development plan to include Autism, Attachment, Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE), CPI (Safety Intervention) training and much more.


• Free organic meals when working on shift during term time.

The post is subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for both Adults and Children, a medical check, evidence of qualifications, plus verification of the right to work in the UK. Freeman College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.