Under Keeper - Ref 1754 Date: March 16, 2026

Hatfield Park - Under Keeper

Job title: Under Keeper

Location: Hatfield Park Estate, Hertfordshire

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 39 hours per week, worked across 7 days

Reporting to: Hatfield Estate Head Keeper

Start date: TBC

BACKGROUND AND PLACE OF WORK

Hatfield House, the historic home of the Marquess of Salisbury, sits within

Hatfield Park, the centrepiece of the Hatfield Park Estate in Hertfordshire. The Estate is a vibrant business primarily focused on let residential and commercial property, along with farming, forestry, development, tourism, leisure and

hospitality. Hatfield Park is open year-round to members, with the House and

Gardens open to the public from Easter until the end of September. In addition to day visitors, the Estate hosts events, filming projects, parties, weddings and

functions across various locations on the Estate.

Gascoyne takes a long-term approach to business and is committed to delivering high-quality economic, social and environmental value. A long-term sense of

responsibility is fundamental to the way in which the Estate is managed.

SUMMARY OF THE ROLE

This is an exciting time to join Hatfield Park, as we continue to transform our

approach to estate management. The Under Keeper reports to the Head Keeper, and works closely with Lord Salisbury when planning and managing shoot days. Occasional travel will be required to accompany Lord Salisbury to other shoots when necessary. Collaboration with other teams, including Park & Gardens,

Forestry, Events and Filming, will be essential to ensure the smooth operation of the Estate.

The Estate farm, largely arable, is managed in-hand on a contract-farmed basis. Other let farmland is farmed in an arable rotation. The woods are managed

in-hand with a consultant forester and in-house foreman, and are in the early

stages of conversion to continuous cover principles.

There is an enclosed formal Deer Park within Hatfield Park, managed to maintain a historical link to medieval deer parks at Hatfield and to provide an appropriate level of privacy for the main House. The shoot has been a private family shoot for the last 15 years, providing 8-10 days of sport for the family per season, with the

potential for let days in the future.

Conservation is a vital part of the role, involving the implementation of habitat improvements and wider biodiversity measures to balance the semi-wild nature of the shoot.

The shoot comprises approximately 3,000 acres, which includes:

•370 acres of formal parkland.

•865 acres of woodland.

•1,700 acres of farmland.

There is a further shoot in North Hertfordshire that is currently independently keepered full-time and run as a partridge and pheasant shoot. The Under Keeper will be required to provide assistance on shoot days as and when necessary.

OBJECTIVES, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Roles and responsibilities:

•Assist the Head Keeper with the day-to-day management of the shoot in accordance with agreed policies and procedures.

•Stringent control of all vermin and ground game.

•Control of deer (principally muntjac) outside the formal, fenced fallow Deer Park.

•Conservation of wild bird populations.

•Close liaison with other departments, including Security, farm contractors, and the Forestry Foreman.

•Ensuring security of the Park and its boundaries, which is an important aspect given the semi-rural nature of the Estate.

•Keeping kennels and the family’s dogs (as required).

•Cleaning and maintaining the employer’s guns and those of his guests.

•Keep an accurate record of all game and vermin killed, available for inspection.

•Any other related duties, particularly those relating to vermin control and security.

Education / certification:

•Competence certificates in spraying, chainsaw operation, brush cutting, quad bike use and other equipment are desirable (training will be provided if needed).

•A full UK driving licence.

•Shotgun Certification (SGC) and/or Firearms Certification (FAC), plus DSC.

Personal qualities:

•Enthusiastic and passionate approach to conservation.

•A naturally practical person who leads by example.

•The ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

•A minimum of three years’ keeping experience is required, preferably within a private estate or similar environment.

•We are seeking someone who is conservation-minded and committed to encouraging English partridge and other wild bird populations on our semi-wild shoot.

•Able to balance their workload within a busy, active Park, while controlling vermin for the forestry and farms departments and managing the security needs of the wider Park.

•Proven ability to communicate effectively with everyone from Estate principals and staff to visitors of the Estate.

•Skilled in managing difficult or non-compliant members of the public.

DISCRETIONARY BENEFITS

House – accommodation will be provided within the Estate grounds.Perquisites relating to this role include: one shooting suit every other year, and one set of waterproofs or boots in the alternate year; ammunition and cartridges required in the course of your employment for the proper performance of your duties; and feed and reasonable veterinary costs of your working dogs.Pension, via salary exchange.Life cover.Private medical insurance, with the option to add family members at the employee’s cost.25 days’ holiday each year plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to three additional days each year.Cycle to work scheme.Electric Car leasing scheme.WeCare – Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support and virtual GP appointments, available 24/7.Season ticket loans.Eye test reimbursement.Programme of wellbeing events and offerings throughout the year.Staff recognition programme.Additional holiday days offered at long-service milestones – 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 years’ service.Charity policy with a paid leave day for volunteering.Complimentary or discounted events tickets, including tickets for other Treasure Houses.Retail discounts in Stable Yard shops, within the grounds of Hatfield Park (including 50% discount at The Coach House Kitchen and 10% discount at The Oak House and others).

JOIN OUR TEAM

This is your opportunity to be part of Hatfield Park’s evolution, playing a crucial role in transforming our approach to farming and land management while contributing to the growth and stewardship of one of the UK’s most recognised Estates.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter by email to Holly Banfield at h.banfield@gascoyne.org.

Closing date: 20th March 2026.

PRIVACY NOTICE

Please visit https://www.hatfield-house.co.... to read our Privacy Notice on how we process the personal information you supply with your

application. In addition to the third parties detailed in the notice, we will also share your application with a consultant who is assisting us with the recruitment

process.