Senior Farm Operator

Senior Farm Operator

Help Build a Unique Mixed Farming Enterprise in the New Forest. This isn't a job where you simply turn up, follow a routine, and head home. It's an opportunity to help build an exciting and diverse farming enterprise from the ground up.

Based in the beautiful New Forest, we're developing a forward-thinking mixed farm that combines hazelnut orchards, agroforestry, arable production, woodland management, a thriving game shoot, and future livestock enterprises. We are looking for an experienced, practical, and ambitious Senior Farm Operator who wants to be at the heart of that journey.

If you enjoy variety, responsibility, working outdoors, and seeing the direct results of your efforts, this could be the role you've been looking for.

The Opportunity

This is a genuine hands-on leadership role with real responsibility from day one.

You'll work closely with the farm management team to establish new enterprises, improve infrastructure, lead day-to-day operations, and help shape the future direction of the business.

From drilling crops and planting orchards to managing drainage and developing livestock infrastructure, you'll play a key role in turning ambitious plans into reality.

We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys solving problems, and isn't afraid to get stuck in alongside the team.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading Operations
• Supervising and motivating a small team on the ground
• Planning and coordinating daily farming activities
• Maintaining high standards of safety, efficiency, and productivity
• Taking ownership of projects and seeing them through to completion

Arable & Orchard Development

• Operating and managing arable operations from cultivation and drilling through to harvest
• Preparing ground for new orchard establishment
• Planting, staking, mulching, and maintaining hazelnut orchards
• Monitoring tree establishment and implementing best-practice orchard management
• Assisting with agroforestry development across the estate

Irrigation & Infrastructure

• Installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting drip irrigation systems
• Managing estate drainage, ditches, culverts, and water infrastructure
• Conducting routine inspections and repairs to minimise downtime

Estate & Woodland Management

• Restoring and maintaining hedgerows
• Installing and repairing deer, rabbit, livestock, and electric fencing
• Coppicing, thinning, path maintenance, and general woodland management
• Carrying out estate improvement projects and site preparation work

Machinery & Maintenance

• Operating and maintaining tractors, telehandlers, excavators, sprayers, ATVs, and associated machinery
• Conducting routine servicing and mechanical repairs
• Maintaining records relating to maintenance, inventories, and operational activities

Livestock Development

• Supporting the introduction of livestock enterprises
• Assisting with future livestock infrastructure and day-to-day husbandry as the farm evolves

What You'll Bring

We're looking for someone who combines practical farming experience with a proactive, can-do attitude.

Essential

• Proven experience in farming, estate management, forestry, or a similar land-based role
• Strong machinery-operating skills, including tractors and agricultural equipment
• Experience with fencing, ditching, drainage, and hedgerow management
• Good mechanical knowledge and the ability to undertake maintenance and repairs
• Confidence using hand tools, power tools, and small machinery
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
• Physical fitness and resilience to work outdoors year-round
• A reliable, self-motivated approach
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Telehandler, excavator, chainsaw, ATV, PA1/PA2 or related certifications
• Experience installing or maintaining irrigation systems
• Woodland management experience
• Livestock handling experience
• First Aid qualification

Why This Role Is Worth Your Time

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Full-time permanent position
• Seasonal working pattern that reflects the realities of modern farming
• Ongoing training and support towards additional qualifications
• Significant responsibility and autonomy from the outset
• The opportunity to work across orchards, arable land, woodland, sporting operations, and livestock enterprises
• A chance to grow alongside an ambitious and expanding business
• A role where your ideas, initiative, and practical knowledge will genuinely make a difference
• Most importantly, you'll be joining at the beginning of something special. Rather than maintaining an established system, you'll help create one.

Come and See for Yourself

We know the best way to understand a farm is to walk it.

Informal site visits are encouraged and we'd be delighted to show prospective applicants around, explain our plans, and answer any questions before you apply.

Apply Today

If you're an experienced operator looking for more than just another farming job and want the chance to help build a diverse, innovative rural enterprise for the future, we'd love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a brief covering note outlining your experience and interest in the role.

Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Life insurance

Work Location: In person