Farm Manager/Game Keeper & Holiday Let Assistant - Ref 1537 Date: June 4, 2025

Farm Manager/Game Keeper & Holiday Let Assistant

(A couple or two part time positions), East Sussex

Location: Based on a scenic small farm in Sussex. We’re looking for an experienced and motivated couple or two individuals to manage all aspects of farming, forestry, game-keeping, general housekeeping of the holiday let and main residence, and some gardening. This is a varied and rewarding role on a small, well-established farm.

Key Responsibilities: Farm, Woodland and Garden Maintenance:

· Upkeep of farmland & woodland, including fencing, rides, hedges, trees and ponds/streams;

· Woodland management includes diseased/dead trees, felling, log splitting & drying, sales.

· Management of crops and hay. Handling seeds, fertiliser, hay making and hay sales;

· Maintenance/cleaning of various farm outbuildings;

· Maintenance of plant and equipment, ensuring all tools are in safe and operational condition;

· Upkeep of gardens, orchards, hedges, maintenance of soft and hard landscaping;

Game-keeping:

· Lead the management of 7-10 days of driven game shoots annually, overseeing all logistics, preparation and activities, including shoot lodge.

· Implement predator control and habitat management strategies to promote the health of wildlife and game on the estate.

· Co-ordinate and work alongside shoot-related contractors and tradesmen all year round.

Holiday Let & Main Residence Property Management:

· Plan and execute maintenance and gardening around guest arrivals and departures.

· General Housekeeping, including cleaning, stock management and laundry/pressing.

· Carry out regular and necessary repairs in the holiday let and main residence.

· Potential for additional work during shooting season for hospitality duties (inc cooking);

Additional Responsibilities:

· House/farm sitting, including dog sitting/walking and holiday-let care-taking;

· Operate farm machinery, including tractors, trailers, ATVs, attachments, chainsaws, etc., ensuring their safe and efficient use.

· General security duties around the estate.

· Maintain a professional and friendly approach when interacting with guests and other staff.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

· Experience in operating tractors and other farm plant/machinery, forestry experience in tree management, felling, ride management, fencing, chain sawing, log splitting, etc.

· Experience in organising and managing driven game shoots. Experience & knowledge of predator control, habitat management, game husbandry, and game-keeping best practices.

· Experience in property maintenance, housekeeping, gardening, hedge trimming and border management. Good knowledge of garden upkeep, including using & maintaining machinery.

· Personal Skills: must be tidy, clean, manage effectively multiple responsibilities and prioritise tasks around the farm’s diverse land and properties and seasonal demands, ensuring a smooth operation. Able to self manage, work independently and within a team.

· Certifications: A current full UK driving licence. Chain saw certificate, tractor & trailer license (on and off road). A valid Firearms Certificate (FAC) and Shotgun Certificate.

· Professionalism & Communication: Great interpersonal skills to interact effectively with clients/guests, contractors and colleagues. We are looking for a trustworthy, driven team player with high standards of professionalism, a “can-do” attitude, an animal and dog lover, and a passion for the countryside.

What We Offer:

· Attractive salary (self employed), commensurate with experience.

· Average of 30-40 hours per week, flexibility required for seasonal and additional work, evenings and weekends – in high seasons around the farm/shoot/holiday let/house sit, etc.

· Potential to lead to full time work.

· A charming self contained annex for occasional use, on site, as and when needed.

Please apply with your CV and covering letter to mail@ruralrecruits.co.uk