Farm secretary

As part of your day-to-day duties you could:

• use tailor-made agricultural business software
• keep records of livestock and crops to help with crop and stock planning
• apply for government grants and subsidies
• prepare farm business accounts and tax returns
• deal with wages and staff records
• cost, order and pay for equipment and supplies
• do typing, filing and other general administrative tasks
• keep up to date with farming, health and safety and tax laws

• administration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work on your own
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

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

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.