Rural Recruits

18/09/2026

Job Description: Estate Operations Assistant

Chilworth, Guildford GU4 8NN


We are looking for an Estate Operations Assistant to support the operations team across the whole estate. The role involves general estate maintenance, gardening, vineyard work, and event preparation and breakdown.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn new skills and hone existing ones across a wide variety of tasks, working alongside our established team to uphold the estate's high standards. Full on-the-job training will be provided, along with the opportunity to gain certified qualifications.

We are seeking a dedicated, passionate, and hardworking individual with the ability to manage a varied workload and the foresight to take ownership of tasks.

A competitive salary with benefits will be offered to the successful candidate, relevant to their previous experience.

Please apply to [email protected]

17/09/2026

Please share far and wide and take 10 minutes to voice your opinion to protect the future of our sport.
this must be done by 1st November.

Defra is gathering evidence that will shape the future of our sport.

If you don't tell them what shooting means to you, your community and the countryside, someone else will tell them a different story.

Be the voice of shooting. Get your evidence in by 1 November.

👉 basc.org.uk/thevoiceofshooting

16/09/2026

HOUSE MANAGER & EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR

Historic private estate | Near Eyemouth, Scottish Borders

A rare opportunity to take a central on-site role in the smooth running of a significant historic property, combining house management, client support and the planning and delivery of events.
The Opportunity
A prestigious privately owned estate near Eyemouth is seeking an organised, proactive and highly professional House Manager & Events Co-ordinator. The successful candidate will provide a reliable on-site presence, ensure the property is well presented and operationally ready, respond to requests from the client and key stakeholders, and coordinate events from planning through to delivery.
Reporting directly to the Estate Manager and the client, this is a varied and trusted position requiring discretion, sound judgement, attention to detail and a practical approach to getting things done.
Key Responsibilities
House Management & On-site Co-ordination
• Oversee the day-to-day operation and presentation of the principal property and associated facilities.
• Act as the on-site point of contact for the client, guests, stakeholders and approved service providers.
• Respond promptly and professionally to direct client and stakeholder requests, escalating matters to the Estate Manager where appropriate.
• Arrange and supervise cleaning and housekeeping provision, ensuring consistently high standards.
• Provide access for contractors and service engineers whose attendance and works have been co-ordinated by the Estate Manager.
• Record contractor attendance, facilitate access to relevant areas and report any practical issues or follow-up requirements to the Estate Manager.
• Maintain accurate service records, compliance documents, household records and operational checklists.
• Undertake routine visual checks of the property for security and insurance purposes.
• Manage household supplies, consumables and inventories as required.
• Prepare the property for client visits, guests, meetings and events.
Personal Assistant Support
• Provide occasional PA and administrative support to the client.
• Assist with diary arrangements, appointments, correspondence and visitor co-ordination.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Events Co-ordination
• Plan, set up and manage private, commercial and estate events.
• Liaise with the client and stakeholders from initial enquiry through to event delivery.
• Co-ordinate caterers, suppliers, event staff and other approved contractors.
• Prepare event schedules, room plans, supplier briefs and operational checklists.
• Oversee event set-up, delivery and breakdown, ensuring the property is protected and presented to a high standard.
• Maintain event bookings, records and agreed budgets, and provide clear updates to the Estate Manager and client.
• Help ensure events are delivered safely, professionally and with excellent guest care.
About You
You will be a dependable and adaptable individual who takes pride in creating an organised, welcoming and well-run environment. You should be comfortable working independently, while maintaining close communication with the Estate Manager and client.
Essential skills and attributes
• Excellent organisational, administrative and communication skills.
• A professional, discreet and service-focused approach.
• Confidence dealing directly with clients, guests, stakeholders, contractors and suppliers.
• The ability to prioritise competing demands and follow matters through to completion.
• Excellent attention to detail and a practical, calm problem-solving style.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Flexibility to support events and client requirements outside normal office hours when required.
• A full UK driving licence and access to transport, due to the rural location.
Relevant experience
• Experience in house management, hospitality, events, property administration, executive support or a comparable client-facing role is desirable.
• Previous work within a private estate, historic house, country house, hospitality venue or events setting would be advantageous.
• Experience maintaining operational, servicing or compliance records would be beneficial.
The Role Offers
• A distinctive and responsible role within an exceptional historic setting.
• A varied working week spanning property operations, client support and events.
• A close working relationship with the client and professional Estate Manager.
• A competitive salary, dependent on experience.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a short covering letter explaining your relevant experience and why this role appeals to you to: [email protected]

15/09/2026

Head Keeper – Pitmain & Glenbanchor Estate, Kingussie, Highland

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced, ambitious, and forward-thinking Head Keeper to lead the sporting operation across Pitmain & Glenbanchor Estate, a diverse 25,000 acre Highland estate in eastern Monadhliath within the Cairngorms National Park.
The estate is well resourced and has significant sporting pedigree across grouse, low ground, and stalking. The successful candidate will take responsibility for the professional delivery and development of the sporting enterprise with a particular focus on grouse.
The role
The Head Keeper will lead the gamekeeping team to deliver exceptional, best practice sporting management across the estate. The role requires strong practical ability coupled with effective staff leadership, sound record keeping and clear communication including with staff, guests, advisers, public bodies, and the local community.
The candidate
Applicants should be experienced keepers with a demonstrable track record in successful modern grouse moor and low ground shoot management. Strong deer management experience, sound knowledge of compliance requirements, good financial discipline, and the ability to lead and motivate a team are essential. This is a high-profile estate in a prominent location and as such the role will require exceptional communication and engagement skills.
The estate is looking for a practical, forward-thinking, and committed individual who will lead by example, set high standards and act as a positive ambassador for the estate locally.

Package and application
A competitive remuneration package will be offered, commensurate with experience. High-quality accommodation will be included.
Applications should be made by covering letter and CV, setting out relevant experience and availability, to: [email protected]
Closing date 30 September 2026

15/09/2026

RAY ESTATE

JOB DESCRIPTION/PERSON SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE: Sweethope Lough Manager(s)


An exciting opportunity has arisen to manage and develop the prestigious fishing, tourism and leisure enterprises at the picturesque Sweethope Lough.

The Ray Estate is seeking an enthusiastic and capable individual, or alternatively a couple seeking to work on a job share basis, to take responsibility for the day-to-day operation and future growth of this unique rural business comprising let fishing, two holiday cottages and overnight caravan site.

TERM: Full-time, permanent, with effect from November 2026.


REPORTING STRUCTURE: This role reports directly to the owners of Sweethope Lough.


STAFF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: None.


SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Daily management of the site, taking bookings and dealing with customers. As well as liaising frequently with the Ray Estate Office.
2. Arranging restocking of the loughs and that standards of fish keeping are maintained.
3. Arranging and overseeing maintenance and cleaning of the site including boats, life jackets, boardwalks, WC/shower, picnic rooms, holiday cottages (including changeovers, laundry and welcome packs) and camping pitches.
4. Promote the fishing business, competitions and arrange events throughout the year including the management of social media and other online material.
5. Take holiday cottage/caravan bookings from websites or directly from customers, arrange welcome packs and changeovers.
6. Manage waste collections.
7. Be responsible for the health and safety including site and visitor safety, compliance and reporting issues.
8. Weekly and monthly reporting of income and expenses, as well as business performance against the budget. There is an expectation to develop the business and grow revenue streams.
9. Any other duties, as required, to ensure the smooth running of the enterprise including grass cutting and litter picking.


PERSON(S) SPECIFICATION:
1. Demonstrate experience of fishery management or a closely related field.
2. Sound knowledge of freshwater fish ecology.
3. Strong organisational skills with a proactive and problem-solving approach to tasks.
4. Practical, self-motivated, and capable of working independently.
5. Customer-facing, good telephone manner; well spoken.
6. Well presented, confident and poised, with warm and welcoming manner.
7. A genuine interest in conservation and the natural environment.

WORKING HOURS:

It is intended that normal working hours will average 30 hours per week over the course of the year. These will generally fall between 8.30am and 5.00pm, although the actual days and hours worked may vary according to the operational requirements of the business.

Due to the seasonal nature of the role, working hours will fluctuate throughout the year. The busiest period will generally be between March and September, when additional hours will be required, with fewer hours normally worked during the winter months.

The exact working pattern will be discussed and agreed with the employee(s), taking into account both the operational requirements of the business and the employee's circumstances.

The position is ideally suited to a couple who wish to share the responsibilities of the role, although applications from individuals are also welcomed.


LOCATION: The main location of the job will be Lough House, Sweethope Lough, Northumberland NE19 2PN.


OTHER DETAILS:

For the better performance of the role, the successful candidate(s) will be offered accommodation in Lough House on the banks of Sweethope Lough by way of a Service Occupancy Agreement. The property will be provided by the employer rent free in addition to the employees’ salary. The employer will also pay any council tax/rates that are due as well as the provision of broadband and a mobile phone.

The employee(s) will be entitled to 28 days’ holiday (or pro rata equivalent in the event of a job share) which includes the usual public holidays. The holiday year will run from the 1st January to the 31st December. If you are required to work during any public holidays, day(s) in lieu will be available. You will plan your holiday for the Oct-Feb months and during the busy months you will be expected to take one day off in a week.


SALARY: Salary of up £24,000 per annum depending upon experience and responsibilities undertaken, although in the event of a couple being appointed on a job-share basis with the ability to undertake additional hours/duties between them a combined salary package of up to £32,000 per annum may be available.

A discretionary performance-based bonus will also be available if key operational targets are met.

A six-month probationary period will apply and may be extended to allow assessment through the principal fishing season.


APPLY:
Please submit a CV(s) together with a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role to [email protected] .

This is a rare opportunity to combine a rural lifestyle with the management of a thriving leisure and tourism enterprise in the heart of Northumberland.

10/09/2026

07/09/2026

General Farm & Estate Worker

Private mixed farm and estate,
West Worcestershire

Full-time, permanent
Overview
-We are seeking an experienced and reliable General Farm & Estate Worker to join our team on a c. 400-hectare
family-run estate comprising arable land, woodland and pasture. This is a varied, hands-on role involving arable
farming support, woodland management, machinery operation and maintenance, pasture management, basic
upkeep of residential rental properties and garden maintenance.
-Current enterprises include arable cropping, woodland management, pasture, and overwinter sheep grazing,
with plans to introduce a small cattle herd. Plans to revive a small-scale shoot so preferably some
shoot/keepering experience.
-The successful candidate will be able to work independently, use their own initiative and maintain high standards across the estate.
-An additional part-time position (approx. 12-15 hours per week) may also be available for a partner as Housekeeper/Cleaner/Gardener.

-Living accommodation can potentially be provided if necessary and subject to appropriate accommodation
agreement.
-Salary range £32,000-£36,000 dependent on experience, qualifications and accommodation requirements.
To apply please send your CV and a short covering note to [email protected]
For an informal discussion about the role please call 07584672002

07/09/2026

A prestigious Midland Estate with a renowned high driven pheasant shoot has a vacancy for an experienced Underkeeper/Beatkeeper.
The successful applicant will be highly motivated, well organised and will possess good communication skills. This vacancy could be available as a six-month contract or as a full-time position. We provide an excellent working environment and an attractive remuneration package would be offered to the right candidate. Immediate start.
Please email your CV to:
[email protected]

07/09/2026

Glendelvine Estate
Perthshire.
Head Shepherd.
Glendelvine is located at Caputh, Perthshire, within 20 minutes of Dunkeld, Blairgowrie
and Perth.
The farming enterprise is predominantly an arable one over 2000 acres. In recent years
we have reintroduced mixed grass leys into the rotation without nitrogen fertiliser. Our
closed flock of 1450 Llyn x Shetland ewes is pasture reared with lambs born outside and
fattened off grass. Our sires consist of Aberfield, NZ Suffolk, and Llyn.
We are seeking to employ a full-time shepherd to join our estate team and manage our
sheep enterprise. This is a permanent long-term role for somebody wishing to progress
their agricultural career and would suit someone with a keen eye for sheep welfare,
associated computerised record keeping and an interest in low input sustainable
farming practices.
Competitive salary and family house.
Please send covering letter with CV to [email protected] for the attention of
Jennifer Croal.
Closing date 20th September.