ESTATE WORKER - Ref 1910 Date: September 3, 2026

Dunesslin

JOB VACANCY - ESTATE WORKER

Key member of a small team.

This is a varied and satisfying long term opportunity for a practical and enthusiastic estate worker to be a part of a small team managing a farmed hill estate in Dumfriesshire.

Tasks would include grounds and buildings maintenance, light forestry, dyking, fencing, vehicle and equipment maintenance, and vermin control. Positive attitude will be key, as will a full UK driving licence and chainsaw competence. Training will be available for the right candidate.

A competitive package, including a three/four-bedroom family house, is available.

List of jobs commonly (but not exclusively) required

Guardian of buildings and their immediate surroundings, including dealing with the burglar alarm if owners are away.

• Estate maintenanceo extracting and logging fallen trees, branches etco burning branches and waste woodo occasionally felling, extracting and logging standing treeso repairing dykeso assisting with repairing or replacing fencing and gateso clearing ditcheso routine maintenance of small tractor, winch and other toolso general DIY on houses, farm buildings and shedso routine painting of externalso clearing gutters, channels, gullies and drains as necessaryo clearing leaves etc from edges of the main drive o dealing with tradesmen (e.g. plumbers, electricians etc) when required• Dunesslin House and Cottageo clearing gutters and drainso chopping, storing and supplying logs and kindlingo sweeping chimneys when necessaryo support with strimming round and mowing principal lawnso support with clearing up leaves and sticks from principal lawnso routine maintenance of garden machineryo support with tending the vegetable garden and greenhouseo ordering fuels when needed• Garrieston Farm – occasional support with maintenance and gardening• Vermin control (when requested), including deer, foxes, moles and grey squirrels• Looking after hens, dogs and ponies if required. Occasional driving

Typical week

No week is the same and there will be a wide variety of jobs to do depending on the time of year, weather, and how you choose to prioritise them. It could, however, look a little like this:

MONDAY

· Chainsaw sharpening and maintenance· Re-hang gate with new post· Check kerosene levels for re-ordering

TUESDAY

· Routine maintenance on tractor and winch· Clear away fallen beech limb and fell damaged young tree· Repair damage to dyke· Clear ditch and drain from fallen branches and leaves

WEDNESDAY

· Move, log and stack beech limb into log shed· Work with gardener to strim and mow lawns around house and tidy edges· Check road drains

THURSDAY

· Winch three thinned larch trees out of wood for gate posts· Restock log sheds at Dunesslin· Clear weeds etc around steading

FRIDAY

· Arrange mower maintenance· Repair quad bike trailer· Clear gutters around steading· Prepare workshop door for repainting

Employment package

Benefits:

· Hours and wage negotiable depending on experience; full-time salary from £25,000· Statutory pension· Three/four-bedroom house, well-suited to a young family· 29 days holiday (including public holidays) or equivalent pro rata· Training· Free supply of logs for personal use· Potential additional opportunities for a partner

House:

· Three/four bedrooms· One bathroom and second separate WC / wash room· Large living room with wood-burning stove and dining area· Large kitchen with modern Raeburn cooker, electric oven and induction hobs· Larder· Boot room· Recently re-insulated including double-glazing· Two external sheds and a kennel · Large garden

To apply please send your CV to dunesslin@gmail.com