Dairy Herdsperson
The Farm at The Newt in Somerset
Dairy Herdsperson
£31,000-£34,000 per annum plus bonus and fantastic benefits
45 hours per week across 5 days (5:30am – 3:30pm, 2 in 3 weekends).
A driving license is required for this role
Advert closes: 23rd February 2026
🔗Read the full job description here
Be part of something rare and remarkable – help shape the future of our water buffalo dairy.
Our Dairy Herdsperson
Join our brand-new, state-of-the-art dairy unit and play a hands-on role in developing our growing herd of water buffalo, currently milking 70 and expanding year on year. This is a unique opportunity to work within a progressive, regenerative mixed farming estate where all milk is crafted into exceptional products by our in-house cheesemakers. With cutting-edge facilities including robotic feed pushers, automatic calf feeders, modern machinery and a brand-new rotary parlour launching in October, you’ll be at the heart of an innovative and ambitious farming operation. Working within a close-knit dairy team and reporting to the Dairy Manager and Farm Manager, you’ll contribute to a wider estate that connects farming directly to our farm shop, ecommerce, restaurants and hotel.
Key Responsibilities
- Milking twice daily in a herringbone parlour, transitioning to a new rotary parlour
- Calf rearing and youngstock management
- Feeding, bedding and mucking out livestock
- Operating modern farm machinery (training provided if required)
- Maintaining high standards of animal welfare and yard hygiene
- Supporting regenerative farming practices across the estate
- Working independently at times and as part of the wider dairy team
- Participating in shift work including 2 in 3 weekends
What we can offer
- A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
- Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
- Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
- Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
- Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
- Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
- Complimentary staff meal each shift – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
- Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
- Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
- We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
- Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
- A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
- Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.
What we're looking for
- Previous milking and calf rearing experience
- A genuine passion for dairy farming and enthusiasm to work with water buffalo
- Commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare
- Understanding of regenerative agricultural practices
- Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
- Strong communication skills
- Driving licence (essential)
- Telehandler licence (desirable)
Where you'll be working
The candidate will form part of a smaller dairy team, reporting to the Dairy Manager and in turn Farm Manager of a larger mixed farming operation, which includes a total of 12 staff.
The farm resides on a 3,000 acre mixed farming Estate. In addition to the water buffalo herd we have a large herd of pedigree cattle, sheep and an arable operation.
Who are we- The Newt in Somerset
Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.
INDAVR