Farm secretary

Farm secretaries are responsible for the day-to-day running of the business side of farms.

Also known as: Agricultural business administrator, rural business administrator

• Starter salary£24,000 a year
• Experienced£38,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 40 a week

What you'll do

As a farm secretary, you could:

• carry out admin tasks using agricultural business software
• use livestock and crop records to help with production planning
• apply for government grants and subsidies
• prepare farm business accounts and tax returns
• calculate wages and update staff records
• order and pay for new equipment and supplies
• keep up to date with farming, health and safety and tax laws

Working environment

You could work on a farm, in an office or from home.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• business management skills
• administration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work on your own
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to become a farm secretary

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• training with a professional body

College

You may find it useful to do a college course in a relevant subject like:

• business administration
• bookkeeping
• accounting
• T Level in Management and Administration

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Administration Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Assistant Farm Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 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

Direct application

You could apply directly for jobs. Employers will usually ask for GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

You'll also need experience of office administration and knowledge of bookkeeping or accounting.

Other routes

You could take a training course through a professional body like The Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators .

You can take these courses whether you're working in the farming industry or looking for a change of career.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a farm manager.

You could also move into other types of rural business, like stables or countryside management, or use your business and administrative skills in other industries.

Career tips

An understanding of farming and rural life will be helpful, particularly if you've lived or worked on a farm before.

Guides for this industry

• Environmental Sciences: pay, interviews and getting started →

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