Farm Manager And Instructor

An exciting opportunity offered within the Military Corrective Training Centre (MCTC) Farm. Although this role is administered and managed by the Education Department, the Farm Manager is technically a standalone role solely responsible for the MCTC Farm.

Are you passionate about animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, and ensuring compliance with regulations? Join our team as a Farm Manager and play a pivotal role in being responsible for our farm's operations! The Farm Manager role is both varied and gratifying.

Responsible for the management of the farm estate and the efficient delivery of farm related courses. You will be joining a fun and friendly team of dedicated military and civilian support staff. We look forward to welcoming you.

MCTC is an establishment that provides corrective training for service personnel sentenced to periods of detention; it is not a prison. The Education Department predominantly provides resettlement opportunities including trade training and civilian life preparation for those of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force who are to be discharged after their sentence.

The position offers 37 hours per week.

This post will suit a highly motivated individual who is keen to take the initiative and influence learners as well as the future of the Farm. There will be training and mentoring to support this as part of the role.

We will encourage you to efficiently provide the day-to-day management of the farm estate; including management of buildings, animals, medicine administration, stock & agriculture ensuring that all processes and activity is aligned with relevant legislation.

To achieve this, you will need to be proficient in the use of IT and Microsoft Office. We need someone with validated administrative skills, knowledge and experience combined with strong verbal and written communication skills! These are key to success in this role.

The nature of the job ensures variety, MCTC is a Tri-Service establishment that requires Civil Service support to deliver key objectives, Education being a main valued goal. We receive individuals who have been awarded a detention period from 14 days to 2 years. We are here to support those individuals throughout their sentence within a custodial and educational environment.

Versatility will be required to work in a collaborative working environment, the ideal candidate will need to possess external liaison communication ability underpinned by a desire to deliver an effective and efficient level of animal care. The Farm Manager is the face of the MCTC Farm. The Farm’s specific tasks are to:

• Contribute to purposeful activity for detainees through provision of meaningful work.
• Provide a therapeutic release for detainees who find other education and training difficult to cope with, through working outdoors alongside staff, colleagues and animals.
• Contribute to the resettlement of detainees through provision of qualification earning vocational training.

Duties and responsibilities within the MCTC Farm can be varied and this requires a positive approach! Flexibility and willingness to prioritise tasks in a methodical order.

The department promotes a positive, professional, and friendly image to all our customers and visitors and therefore candidates should maintain an appropriate and professional standard to reflect their position at all times.

Duties of the role include but are not limited to:

• Supervise and manage day-to-day farm operations, including animal care, feeding, and health management.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant UK legislation and industry standards concerning animal welfare, health, and safety.
• Develop and implement efficient farming practices to optimise productivity while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Develop and implement the Farm Action Plan to ensure the Farm is continuously evolving and improving to meet the needs of the detainee and staff cohorts.
• Oversee and maintain accurate records, including animal health, inventory, and regulatory compliance documentation.
• Train and supervise farm staff, ensuring adherence to proper protocols and safety measures.
• Develop and implement emergency response plans for potential crises, such as disease outbreaks or extreme weather conditions.
• Deliver, assess and initiate farm related courses for detainees and other individuals as directed by the SEO; actively analyse provision offered at the farm and propose/organise the changes require.
• Monitor detainee behaviour, dress, conduct and performance, completing the detainees’ reports in detail for those on prescribed courses; reporting issues and concerns promptly to relevant personnel.
• Monitor detainee development and ensure purposeful activity and direction is catered to individual needs.
• Remain qualified and up to date with current and emerging Civil and Military legislation pertinent to the task. This may include attendance at meetings or courses as appropriate.

Essential:

• The ideal candidate will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to positively influence and manage students on an individual and group basis to account for learners’ preferred learning styles.
• A self-starter who can generate new insights and approaches of Farm management and course delivery.
• Exhibit personal qualities and behaviours which are a role model for others – being open to receive challenge and feedback; value diversity and difference; and to work as part of a team to get the job done.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications and a good level of IT literacy.
• Be a standout colleague, ready to jump into the role and not be afraid to ask questions. We all work closely together, so collaboration is key.

Desirable:

• Previous instructional experience with a recognised qualification in further education.
• Experience in farm management or a related agricultural field.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, welfare, and agricultural regulations, in the UK.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and farm management software/tools.
• Experience of working in an educational environment or practice of supporting others.
• An understanding of the purpose of employability, resettlement, education and training to support those leaving the Military Services.
• European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) level of Level 2 IT skills or equivalent.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service

As a civil servant working alongside the Army, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects and a job that makes a difference.

The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other benefits for Army civil servants include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Highly competitive pension scheme
• Personal and professional development of skills
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities
• Free on-site parking
• Access to excellent gym facilities

Learning and Development

We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking a modern apprenticeship as part of your role.

A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your current role and pave the way for your future career. Most of the training will be ‘on-the-job’, with the remaining ‘off-the-job’ training delivered by an external training provider. This means minimal disruption to your work alongside a big developmental opportunity.

Professional qualifications which can be achieved through an apprenticeship range from Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs/ broadly equivalent to Scottish National 5s(N5s)), Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Levels//broadly equivalent to Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher (H/AH)), and Levels 4 -7, which can give you a foundation degree, a full Bachelor’s degree, or a Master’s degree. They normally last between 12 months - 3 years, depending on the level of the apprenticeship.

Anyone can undertake an Apprenticeship and everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from developing their skills in an accredited way. Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post.

A Great Place for Veterans to Work scheme which was introduced by the Government in 2020 under the Veterans Strategy Action Plan which included the commitment of making the Civil Service a great Place to Work for Veterans. To be eligible for this scheme in the Civil Service, candidates must meet the minimum standard for the role being applied for and:

• Have served for at least one year in His Majesty’s Armed Forces (as a Regular or Reserve); this includes time spent training
• Be in transition from, or ceased to be a member of, HM Armed Forces
• Not already be a civil servant, or be employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body
• There is no maximum time limit from when you left HM Armed Forces to be eligible for this initiative. Discover my benefits- outlines the range of benefits available to MOD Civil Servants.

The post does not offer relocation expenses (move of home, excess fares or temporary transfer). Non Standard move applicants will be eligible for the full package, subject to eligibility.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment by 31st December 2022. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

Job contact :

Name :
Sarah Brown, Senior Education Officer
Email :
sarah.brown769@mod.gov.uk
Telephone :
01206 816742

Recruitment team

Email :
DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk