Apprentice Farm Worker

Company: CAFRE – College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise
Apply for the Apprentice Farm Worker
Location: Northern Ireland
Job Description:

Overview

We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Apprentice Farm Worker to join our agricultural team, with a hands‑on learning role focusing on livestock management in particular cattle, sheep, daily animal husbandry tasks, and supporting the smooth running of the farm. General working hours are Mon – Fri from 8am – 5pm. This is an amazing opportunity to learn from an award winning UK stockman of the year.

Glenarm Castle Estate farm is a diverse Beef & Sheep farm producing some of the best known beef in the world, working in partnership with Hannan Meats in Moira supplying high end retailer Fortnum & Masons, restaurants and Hotels in London & Europe. Glenarm Estate farm is an innovated work place where equine animal husbandry skills combined with the simplest technologies delivers outstanding results.

Key Responsibilities

  • Feeding and watering cattle and other livestock according to set schedules
  • Monitoring animal health, behaviour, and welfare, reporting any concerns to management
  • Assisting with calving, tagging, and routine livestock handling procedures
  • Assisting with quality control and assessment of cattle on our shorthorn scheme, supporting record keeping and scheme standard compliances while visiting our participating farms/farmers.
  • Moving and managing cattle safely between fields, sheds, and handling facilities
  • Cleaning and maintaining animal housing, feeding areas, and general farm infrastructure
  • Operating basic farm machinery and equipment (training provided if needed)
  • Assisting with fencing, field maintenance, and general agricultural duties as required
  • Supporting seasonal tasks such as silage, muck spreading, and harvest work
  • Following strict animal welfare, health & safety, and biosecurity procedures

Requirements

  • Previous experience with livestock (cattle preferred) is beneficial but not essential
  • Good work ethic and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Ability to follow instructions and work independently or as part of a team
  • Physical fitness suitable for manual labour and farm work
  • Basic understanding of animal welfare standards
  • Full driving licence (preferred but not always essential depending on location)

Working Conditions

  • Outdoor and indoor work in varying weather conditions
  • Early starts, occasional weekend and seasonal overtime required outside of general working hours of Mon – Fri 8am – 5pm.
  • Physically demanding role involving manual handling and livestock interaction

What We Offer

  • Training provided for the right candidate
  • Opportunity to gain hands‑on livestock and machinery experience
  • Stable, long-term farm employment for the right person
  • Supportive working environment on a diverse working farm

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Posted: June 12th, 2026