THE NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN OF WALES
24,000 per year
Llanarthne in Carmarthenshire
Full-time
National Botanic Garden of Wales Job Description Job title Department Reports to Salary Responsible for Level (if applicable) Hours per week Farm Assistant/Worker Horticulture, Learning, Nature NNR and Farm Manager £24,000 per annum n/a n/a 37.5 hours per week, including evening and weekend cover when required About the Garden The National Botanic Garden of Wales, located in Llanarthne in Carmarthenshire, is a nationally significant charity dedicated to biodiversity conservation, lifelong learning, science, research, and sustainable practices. The mission of the Garden is to advance and share knowledge in the science of plants and inspire people’s appreciation of flora, Welsh culture and heritage to enrich lives. Spanning 568 acres, the estate includes curated gardens, living collections, woodlands, conservation areas, a grade 2*listed historic landscape, and a working organic farm alongside the Waun Las National Nature Reserve (NNR); which is a key focus of NBGW’s commitment to regenerative agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. The site’s on-site facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, library, herbarium, and the National Seed Bank of Wales, further support NBGW’s mission to drive research, education, and ecological innovation. Waun Las NNR plays a central role in advancing agroecology and environmental stewardship, offering a unique opportunity to develop a modern, progressive, and sustainable farm that integrates cutting-edge conservation practices. The Garden employs c.70 FTE employees and benefits from over 230 volunteers who contribute 27,000 hours each year and form a vibrant community dedicated to making an impact with everything we do. The 11,000 Members are advocates for the Garden and enjoy many benefits. Description of Role The NNR Farm and Assistant will support the NNR and Farm Manager in the day-to-day care of livestock, land management, machinery operation, and estate maintenance. This role ensures the farm operates to the highest standards and regulatory requirements of animal welfare, an organic accredited farm, conservation grazing, and habitat protection. This is an exciting and varied role, perfect for someone passionate about farming, conservation, and nature reserve management. Page 1 of 4 Main Duties and Responsibilities 1 Livestock Management and Conservation Grazing • Daily care of livestock, including feeding, bedding, health checks, and cleaning. • Assisting with calving, lambing, tagging, and general livestock husbandry. • Supporting livestock movement within the farm and between conservation grazing sites. • Recording livestock data using paper and digital systems to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Land and Habitat Management • Assisting with grassland restoration, reseeding, and hay production. • Supporting wetland and woodland habitat restoration projects. • Carrying out routine land management tasks, including fencing, hedge laying, and scrub clearance. • Helping maintain public footpaths, visitor access areas, and biodiversity zones. Machinery and Equipment Operation • Operating farm equipment, including tractors, telehandlers, and ATVs (training available if required). • Maintaining and repairing farm machinery, fencing, gates, and buildings. • Ensuring safe and responsible use of tools and machinery to support conservation and farm operations. Professional Engagement & Learning Support • Assist with guided site visits for professional stakeholders including government, conservation organisations, community and land management groups. • Support learning visits from colleges and universities, facilitating educational meetings on sustainable farming, conservation, and biodiversity management. Estate and Woodland Management • Supporting woodland management activities such as coppicing, tree planting, and charcoal production. • Assisting with biochar, log cutting, packaging, and timber processing. Compliance, Health and Safety Page 2 of 4 2 3 4 5 6 • Adhering to health and safety policies, risk assessments, and COSHH regulations. • Supporting biosecurity measures and best practices in livestock and land management. • Ensuring farm and reserve operations align with organic standards, conservation goals, and sustainable land management principles. 7. Additional Responsibilities • Undertake Duty Manager responsibilities on a rotational basis, ensuring the smooth operation of the NBGW site during weekends, holidays, or special events. • Act as the point of contact for operational issues, visitor queries, and emergency situations when on duty. • Ensure health and safety procedures, site security, and visitor experience standards are maintained during Duty Manager shifts. • Additional recompense will be provided for Duty Manager responsibilities in line with NBGW policies. Person Specification Method of Assessment Essential Desirable n o i t a c i l p p A t n e m s s e s s A w e i v r e t n I Qualifications NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Agriculture, Land Management, or Environmental Conservation. Tractor driving / telehandler licence/tickets Knowledge, skills and abilities Experience in livestock handling, farm work, or conservation land management. Practical experience in fencing, hedge laying, woodland work, and estate maintenance. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of administration of cattle and sheep medication. Experience in statutory livestock recording processes. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Page 3 of 4 x x x x x x x x x x x Basic knowledge of farm machinery operation and maintenance. Livestock vet and med certificate. Knowledge/ experience of legal requirements relating to livestock husbandry and management and farm operations. Full UK driving license (required for remote farm locations). Relevant training tickets/ qualifications e.g. tractor. telehandler, ATV, chainsaw, 1st aid (training can be provided if necessary). Experience Experience with organic farming, conservation grazing, or nature reserves. Knowledge of habitat restoration, wetland management, or biodiversity conservation. Experience of sheep and beef enterprises Familiarity with Welsh Government farm grants, farming schemes, or sustainable farming initiatives. Personal qualities Team player as well as willingness to work on own initiative Positive attitude and willingness to learn Good time keeping and reliability Flexible attitude to working hours Attention to detail and cleanliness Additional Information Weekend and flexible hours required, including holiday cover. Training provided for relevant skills, machinery operation, and conservation techniques. Opportunities for career progression and further professional development. Ability to converse confidently in the medium of the Welsh Language x x x x x x X X x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x X Page 4 of 4