Volunteer Livestock Looker

Location: Various

Days/Times we'd like you to be available: One 1-2 hour visit a week in the mornings is usual, but this may vary depending on the individual site requirements. 

HIWWT Manager: Reserves Officer

Purpose of role: To assist in the regular livestock checks on land managed by the Trust in the Central Hampshire area. To initiate contact with a member of staff if there are any signs of illness or injury or concern. This will include regular visual checks of livestock (training provided) plus checking of water, fencelines etc.  

Tasks involved in this role:

• At agreed times to visit the site(s) and carry out a visual assessment of the wellbeing of the cattle and/or sheep.  

• To carry out a visual check of fences and gates used to contain livestock. 

• To report any serious livestock health problems to Trust staff by phone immediately. 

• To report any infrastructure issues to Trust staff by phone, text or email depending on the urgency. You will not be required to take any practical action yourself unless trained to do so. 

• Report routine observations on livestock blog typically before 1 PM. 

• Work in compliance with the Trust’s Health and Safety policy at all times, taking appropriate action and reporting back on potential hazards, accidents and other issues. 

• Ability to respond to emergency calls from the site manager if they need assistance from a looker. 

• Optional: assisting with the moving of livestock between grazing compartments.

Training

• Compulsory outdoor training session covering signs of health and ill health in cattle and sheep.

• Compulsory site(s) familiarisation visit with manager.

Skills and abilities needed

• Physically fit with good vision.

• Reliable.

• Interest in the natural world.

What's in it for you..!

• Get to visit and explore new wildlife sites in your area.  Help us ensure the safety of our grazing animals.

• Learn new skills or practice and hone your current livestock experience.

• This post could be combined with wildlife photography/sightings and wardening.

• Training will be offered.

Expenses

Reimbursement of out of pocket travel costs between home and location of volunteering and other reasonable expenses agreed with HWT manager. 

Apply now!