Job Vacancies

Based at our Exeter Livestock Centre we are recruiting a full time Secretary to assist our busy agricultural department. 

The role: The role includes supporting auctioneers and fieldsmen with the day to day running of the department, collecting information, dealing with licensing, typing and preparation of dairy catalogues and attending market as part of the accounts team. 

The role will also involve carrying out other general administration duties for the agricultural department including assisting clients both face to face and via the telephone. 

The successful candidate must be computer literate, have a fast accurate typing speed, possess excellent communication skills and be able to meet strict deadlines. Must have excellent customer service, a methodical nature and the ability to work under pressure. The successful candidate will have the ability to use initiative and work confidently on their own or as part of a team. 

Kivells are looking to recruit Rural Graduates/Apprentice Surveyors to join our Early Careers Programme to start in September 2025. 

The position provides the opportunity to work within our Professional Services Department and/or Livestock and Machinery Departments and will include hands-on client facing work from the start. 

There will be a broad spectrum of work which could include the following: 

• Farms, Land and Rural Agency 

• Grants, Subsides and Environmental Management 

• Formal ‘Red Book’ Valuations 

• Rural Planning 

• Landlord and Tenant 

• Compulsory Purchase and Compensation 

• Renewables & Telecommunications 

• Livestock and Machinery Auctions 

The position presents an excellent opportunity for keen and enthusiastic individuals to join a progressive and passionate firm of Land Agents and Auctioneers during an exciting period of growth and to build a career with a well-regarded South West firm. 

Training and Support 

We understand the significance of good training and support for our Trainees and therefore offer structured APC training programmes which include regular meetings with designated Supervisors and Counsellors. 

We will pay for RICS and CAAV membership and the cost of your first APC assessment and CAAV exam. 

Once you have passed your APC, you will have a meeting with your manager to discuss your future career development. 

About Kivells 

Kivells is a multi-disciplinary firm of Land Agents, Chartered Surveyors and Auctioneers which has been operating in the South West of England since 1885. The firm has an established Professional Services division which provides a range of technical advice and professional services to landowners, farmers and professionals. 

Kivells operate across 5 main Offices located in Exeter, Holsworthy, Launceston, Liskeard and Bude together with 3 Livestock Centres located at Holsworthy, Exeter and Hallworthy from which we cover the whole of the West Country and beyond. 

We are a Company offering a friendly, active and supportive working environment, with access to a variety of skills and knowledge to be shared.

The Company & the Role: 

Kivells is a progressive regional firm of rural chartered surveyors, well established throughout Devon and Cornwall. This role is based at the Exeter Livestock Market to service our established client base in Devon and Cornwall, as part of the role the successful candidate will work alongside chartered surveyors, auctioneers, and farm agents. 

The Candidate: 

We seek an ambitious and dynamic rural chartered surveyor with excellent time management and organisation skills to take a pro-active lead in further developing professional services and winning business for the company. 

Duties include (Non-exhaustive):- 

• • To service our large existing client base 
• • Take a pro-active approach to identify new areas of business and lead the expansion of the rural professional department based at the Exeter Livestock Market 
• • To provide clients with a professional service advising on a range of topics including valuation, rural planning, compulsory purchase and compensation, countryside stewardship, basic payment scheme, ELMS, landlord/tenant, rural property management and renewables 
• • To further develop the office Residential, Farm and land agency department 
• • To win instructions for the Company 
• • At all times to use best endeavours to gain instructions for any office/department of the Company 
• • At all times to project a smart, friendly, polite and professional image providing the highest standard of customer care in order to secure recommendations and further business for the Company 
• • To be a fully integrated team member 
• • To be proficient in the use of all office IT and communication systems 
• • Any other reasonable instruction 

Applicants must have MRICS/FRICS qualification, and CAAV qualification and relevant experience. Commitment and hard work will be rewarded, with essential attributes being an interest in the rural sector and a practical and positive attitude. 

Our experienced team includes chartered surveyors, livestock auctioneers, farm and estate agents and the successful candidate will be encouraged to be involved in all areas of the firm in order to gain the broadest range of experience possible. Applicants should hold a full UK driving licence and have their own vehicle, have a cheery disposition and be able to work as part of a team as well as off their own initiative. DBS and credit check will be required for this role. Immediate start available. 

Salary: Competitive salary depending on experience and commission package available. 

To apply for this position an application form can be obtained from the HR team by email hr@kivells.com 

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.