Job Description

This job is part of our sustainability series:  > See more sustainable job ideas > Find out more about sustainable careers

A Farm Manager will be responsible for the day to day running of the farm, they will have a variety of responsibilities including raising animals, tending to crops, planning strategies for maximum yield, working machinery, organising farm administration and managing farm workers

Entry Requirements

You can get into this job through:

College

You could start your career in farming by doing a course at agricultural college like:

• Level 2 Certificate in Land-based Activities
• Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture

This would teach you some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job.

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

The following local colleges offer courses in Agriculture:

• Easton College
• Suffolk Rural (Suffolk New College)

Apprenticeship

You can work towards this role through an advanced apprenticeship in agriculture.

This will usually take 18 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

You could do a higher apprenticeship in agricultural business management if you already have a lot of farming experience.

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Click here to find an apprenticeship.

Work

You can get valuable experience and move into farm management by working as a supervisor, dairy or arable unit manager, or assistant manager.

You could also take qualifications on the job like the Level 4 Certificate in Work-based Agricultural Management.

Further information

You can find more on farming careers from Tasty Careers and the National Land Based College.

Career Path and Progression

With experience, you could move into other areas, like agricultural advisory work for government bodies, consultancy or teaching.

Related careers you may be interested in:

• Agricultural contractor
• Agricultural inspector
• Farm secretary
• Farm worker
• Fish farmer

Required Skills

• Excellent organisational skills
• Good time management and people management skills
• Commercial awareness
• Good IT skills
• The ability to work under pressure
• Physically fit
• The willingness to be outside in all types of weather

Salary Range

£20,000 to £50,000