Rural Recruits

04/09/2026

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04/09/2026

Live-in Couple Required: Housekeeper/PA and Groundskeeper/Handyperson Private farm near Fordingbridge, New Forest National Park Two part-time positions, one-bedroom flat included. Start December/January 2027.

A private family is looking for an experienced couple to look after their farm in the New Forest, taking over from a couple who have been in the role for two years and are moving on.

The farm is 50 acres, with a main house, an annexe flat, workshop and outbuildings, grazing let to a local sheep farmer, and public footpaths crossing the land. The family are in residence for around a month over Christmas and for three months in the summer. For the rest of the year the property is quiet and the roles will require independent management and initiative.

The Housekeeper/PA takes care of the house and the family's day-to-day admin. Cleaning, laundry, shopping, help with food, correspondence and errands, and keeping things running when the family are away.

The Groundskeeper/Handyperson looks after the land, the buildings, the machinery and the vehicles. Hedges, grass, fencing, repairs and painting to the outbuildings, footpath stiles and gates, servicing and repair of farm equipment, arranging servicing and MOTs for the vehicles, and the chickens and cat.

Hours. Two separate positions, each contracted at a minimum of 20 hours per week averaged over the year, around (1,100) hours a year each. The work is seasonal rather than steady. During the roughly 17 weeks the family are in residence, expect 30 to 40 hours a week each, with both of you available and on site for most of that period. Across the remaining 35 weeks the work drops back considerably, often to 10 to 15 hours a week, leaving room for other local work.

Accommodation. A self-contained one-bedroom flat, included as part of the package. Water, council tax and heating are covered. Electricity is metered separately and is not included. The flat is provided under a service occupancy agreement, so it goes with the job. Non-smoking.

Terms. Two separate contracts of employment and two separate salaries, one for each of you. Overtime beyond the agreed hours is paid. Workplace pension. (Number) days holiday plus bank holidays, with leave during the family's periods in residence agreed in advance.

We are looking for a couple with at least three years of relevant experience each, in private household, estate, farm or similar work, full driving licences and the right to work in the UK.

To apply, please send a CV for each of you, a short covering note, and your salary expectations. Please give expectations as a combined annual figure for the two of you, and say how you would want it split between the two roles to [email protected]

03/09/2026

Dunesslin

JOB VACANCY - ESTATE WORKER

Key member of a small team.

This is a varied and satisfying long term opportunity for a practical and enthusiastic estate worker to be a part of a small team managing a farmed hill estate in Dumfriesshire.

Tasks would include grounds and buildings maintenance, light forestry, dyking, fencing, vehicle and equipment maintenance, and vermin control. Positive attitude will be key, as will a full UK driving licence and chainsaw competence. Training will be available for the right candidate.

A competitive package, including a three/four-bedroom family house, is available.

To apply please email your CV to [email protected]

03/09/2026

Rothes & Aikenway Fishing – Ghillie

Rothes & Aikenway Fishing is looking to appoint an experienced and enthusiastic River Ghillie to join one of
the River Spey’s highly regarded salmon fishing beats.
The successful candidate will work closely with the existing team, helping to look after guests, maintain the
beat to a high standard, and contribute to the continued success of the fishery.
The Role
Key aspects of the role will include:
• Looking after visiting guests throughout their stay and providing guidance, assistance and advice to
enhance their fishing experience.
• Sharing your knowledge of the river, salmon fishing and rivercraft with guests in a friendly and
professional manner.
• Ensuring fishing huts, equipment, riverbanks and beat facilities are kept clean, well maintained and
presented to a consistently high standard.
• Maintaining accurate records of catches and providing information and reports when required.
• Spending time on the beat and river to provide a strong presence, assisting with the prevention of
poaching and bringing any concerns to the attention of the Head Ghillie.
• Supporting habitat enhancement projects, river management and general maintenance work.
• Assisting with wider estate tasks when required.
• Working in a safe, responsible and professional manner at all times, in line with estate procedures
and health and safety requirements.
About You
We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about the role and understands the importance of providing
an excellent fishing experience.
You will ideally have:
• Previous experience working as a River Ghillie, fishing guide or in a comparable fisheries or estate
position.
• A strong understanding of Atlantic salmon fishing, river conditions and rivercraft.
• The confidence and interpersonal skills to build a good rapport with guests from a wide range of
backgrounds.
• A professional, helpful and approachable manner.
• Relevant qualifications for operating machinery and equipment such as off-road vehicles,
chainsaws and pesticides would be an advantage.
• A full and current UK driving licence.
• The legal right to work in the UK.
• Availability to take up the position from January 2027.
What’s Included
In return, we offer a competitive remuneration package, including:
• High-quality accommodation.
• A work vehicle.
• Training and development opportunities to support your continued professional growth.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to: [email protected]

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

Vacancy: River Helmsdale Ghillie

The Suisgill Estate, on the banks of the River Helmsdale in Sutherland, has a vacancy for a fishing ghillie. Ideally full time during the season, but will consider applications for flexible working. The role would suit a hardworking person who would enjoy meeting people and working as part of a first rate team.

Key Responsibilities:
Guide and advise guests, so that they have the best chance of catching fish
Be welcoming and attentive to our guests' individual needs
Maintain accurate catch records and prepare reports as required by the Head Ghillie and River Bailiff.
When available (for instance if the river is not fishable) and if required, assist the estate team with their duties such as gamekeeping or fencing.
Work safely and responsibly in accordance with estate policies and relevant health and safety legislation.

Desirable Qualities and Experience:
Experience of a similar role with excellent knowledge of Atlantic salmon behaviour and fly fishing.
Professional, patient and engaging with guests.
A good knowledge of the River Helmsdale, although a bonus, is not a requirement. Some initial guidance can be provided.

Essential:
Hold a full, current UK driving licence
Have the legal right to work in the UK
Reliable and punctual
Be available to commence employment from 1st March 2027

This is a seasonal role from 1st March to 30th September each year. The fishing season on the Helmsdale commences on 11th January of each year and ends on 30th September, but we don’t require a ghillie until 1st March.

Please respond with any queries We are happy to be flexible when considering all aspects of employment:

[email protected]

01/09/2026

Game Keeper – Wilts/Dorset Border

We are seeking an experienced Gamekeeper to run a well-established private family shoot in rural North Dorset, offering high-quality pheasant, partridge and duck shooting across a varied sporting estate.

The Role:
The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of game keeping, ensuring the highest standards of wildlife and habitat management. You will oversee game bird release and development, predator control, the delivery of top-quality shoot days and wider estate maintenance.

Requirements:
The successful applicant will have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
High standards of professionalism and a passion for countryside management.
Minimum 10 years' experience in game keeping and habitat management ideally with a keen interest in woodland management.
A strong track record in organising and managing driven game shoots including developing and managing a beaters team and maintaining records as required.
Excellent understanding and interest in predator control and habitat management.
A current full driving licence.
A valid Fi****ms Certificate (FAC) and Sh***un Certificate.
The candidate will need to be a strong team player: In addition to managing shoot days and the interaction with the local community, the candidate will be expected to assist with other components of the estate including deer park management, with periodic contributions to the livestock farm and seasonal help in managing the estate policies.
Experience of tele-handler, tractor and other farm machinery and a chain saw certificate essential.
Start Date: February 1st, 2027

What we offer:
A competitive salary based on experience.
A 2 bedroom cottage and pension scheme
Kennels
Clothing and dog allowance.

To apply please send CV and cover letter by email to [email protected]

28/08/2026

Full-Time Estate Maintenance Role

Job Description

We are seeking a practical, motivated and skilled individual to take responsibility for property repairs and estate maintenance across a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial and agricultural properties on a small, family-run estate in Northumberland.

The role will include general building work, repairs and grounds maintenance. A skilled trade would be preferable—for example, painting and decorating, joinery or plumbing—but is not essential.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, conscientious and organised, comfortable taking responsibility, and confident using their own initiative to manage their time. They should be fit and active, trustworthy, vigilant, reliable and approachable, with strong troubleshooting skills and a proactive, inquisitive approach to identifying, prioritising and completing tasks.

A flexible, practical ‘can-do’ attitude is essential, along with good communication skills both on and off the Estate, a willingness to work collegiately with others as well as independently, and a genuine desire to contribute to the smooth running and long-term future of the Estate.

Key Responsibilities
Property & Tenant Management
• Act as the main point of responsibility for Estate-wide property maintenance matters.
• Carry out property inspections to assess condition and complete repairs where necessary.
• Manage the handover of properties to new tenants.
• Organise specialist trades and order materials as required, approving associated invoices.
• Carry out routine property upkeep, including painting, cleaning gutters, clearing drains, emptying rubbish bins and other seasonal maintenance tasks.
Compliance & Administration
• Ensure all equipment used is kept in good working order and regularly serviced.
• Maintain an online log of statutory inspection requirements and dates, ensuring inspections are scheduled and kept up to date.
• Maintain an online maintenance tracker recording repairs required and progress through to completion.
• Maintain an online timesheet.
• Undertake Health & Safety and risk-assessment responsibilities.
Biomass Boilers
• Ensure biomass chip is appropriately stored and kept dry.
• Monitor consumption and regularly fill and maintain the two biomass boilers on the Estate.
Grounds & Estate Maintenance
• Carry out grounds and Estate maintenance, including grass cutting, strimming, fencing, tree weeding, hedge cutting, salt spreading and snow clearing.
• Undertake tree and hedge planting.
• Carry out small-scale tree surgery and firewood processing.
• Undertake vermin control.
• Undertake Estate security.
Family Support
• Provide additional ad hoc support to the family, including occasional driving, where required.
Experience, Competencies & Qualifications
• Clean driving licence.
• Significant tractor-driving experience and appropriate licence.
• Confident and comfortable operating a range of machinery and equipment, with the care, sensitivity and attentiveness needed to use and maintain it safely.
• Chemical handling/spraying qualifications.
• First Aid qualification.
• Chainsaw licence and certification.
• ATV experience and qualification.
• Experience working at height.
• Mechanical knowledge.
• Good communication skills.
Some training can be provided where appropriate.

Terms & Availability
• Full-time position.
• Available immediately.
• Estate vehicle provided.
• Accommodation available.
• Salary will be based on experience.

Applications

To apply please send a copy of your CV to: [email protected]

26/08/2026

Office Manager – Estate Office

Business: Estate Management
Reports to: Estate Director
Location: Stair Estate Office, Sheuchan, Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, DG9 8SL
Contract: Full-time
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience £30,000 - £35,000
Purpose of the Role
The Office Manager is responsible for providing administrative, financial and general office management support across the Estate team, ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of the Stair Estates Office.
This role requires an experienced, organised and professional individual with excellent communication skills who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. As a representative of Stair Estates, the Office Manager will build trust, confidence and discretion through the delivery of high-quality administrative support across a wide range of activities. The role is hands-on and involves supporting the Estate Director, senior management and the wider business.
About Stair Estates
Stair Estates has been owned by the Earls of Stair since the early seventeenth century and is situated near Stranraer in Wigtownshire.
The Estate’s interests include:
• Castle Kennedy Gardens (a five-star graded historic listed landscape)
• Lochinch Castle
• Farming
• Forestry
• Alternative energy
• Holiday cottages
• A number of let farms and residential properties
The Estate is located within a beautiful rural area with a strong, close-knit community and excellent local facilities and schools.
Key Responsibilities
Estate Office Administration
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Estate Office, including reception duties, answering telephone calls, managing emails and scheduling appointments.
• Maintain accurate filing systems and ensure effective document retention.
• Ensure the consistent and efficient use of office systems and procedures.
• Monitor stationery supplies and coordinate the maintenance of office equipment and services.
• Arrange office cleaning and oversee general office facilities.
• Carry out general secretarial duties including audio typing, photocopying, mailing, document preparation, report collation and filing.
• Open, check, date and distribute all incoming Estate mail.
• Organise monthly Estate status meetings and quarterly Heads of Department meetings.
• Maintain effective working relationships with all internal departments.
• Provide administrative support to the Estate Director, the Earl and Countess of Stair, and, where required, the Property and Finance team.
• Support the Marketing and Visitor Services team with administrative tasks including printing, filing and social media.
• Order stock and materials for the Gardens, Shop and Tearoom.
• Enter information onto the till system.
Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Knowledge
Qualifications
• A degree or equivalent qualification is desirable.
• A full, clean UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.
Experience
• Previous experience managing a busy office or providing administrative support across multiple business functions.
• Experience supporting Director-level management or working in a senior secretarial role is desirable.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will:
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the objectives of Stair Estates.
• Be positive, approachable and professional, building constructive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• Communicate confidently and effectively, influencing others through strong professional relationships.
• Be self-motivated, proactive and able to solve problems independently.
• Take ownership of responsibilities and work with initiative.
• Show resilience, confidence and a strong desire to achieve objectives.
Skills and Knowledge
Organisation
Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to implement and maintain effective systems that support the smooth operation of a busy Estate Office.
Communication
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage positively with colleagues, customers, visitors, contractors, suppliers and members of the local community.
IT
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, with the confidence to learn and implement new software and business systems.
Finance
Numerate and comfortable working with financial information, with experience of Microsoft Excel, Sage and bookkeeping processes being advantageous.
Benefits
• Competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Pension scheme
• Staff development and training opportunities
• Separate accommodation may be available if required.

To apply please email your CV to [email protected] quoting reference 1904

26/08/2026

Farm Operative / General Farm Worker

Welton, Lincolnshire

A full-time permanent position is available at Flagleaf Farming Ltd based in Welton, Lincoln. Circa 1,000ha arable farm growing cereals, root crops and energy crops
We are looking for a dependable, hardworking and practical individual to join our small team. The role would suit a good all-rounder with experience in arable farming and machinery operation, who is also capable of assisting with general estate maintenance and repairs. The successful candidate will show attention to detail and take pride in their work, equipment and environment. Playing a crucial role with key operations including spraying, cultivations, drilling, harvest and other agricultural duties, while demonstrating a strong commitment to safe working practices and maintaining a clean, orderly workplace.

Main Duties
• Operating and maintaining farm machinery
• All field operations including cultivations, drilling, spraying support and harvest work
• Grain handling and forklift operations
• Workshop duties
• Yard work and general farm tasks as required
• General estate maintenance and repairs
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of work areas to ensure safety and efficiency
• Compliance with health and safety requirements
Requirements
• Full UK driving licence
• Telehandler certificate
• Experience operating farm machinery
• Good practical and mechanical skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to apply basic maths skills and maintain accurate records
• Capable of manual work
• Flexible attitude and willingness to work evenings and weekends during busy periods
• Be reliably able to commute
Desirable Qualifications
• PA1 & PA2 certificates
• Previous arable farming experience
• Telehandler experience
Salary will be dependent on experience.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-equipped and forward-thinking arable farming business with modern machinery and varied responsibilities.
For further information or to apply, please contact Jim Beeden, Farms & Estate Manager at [email protected]