We Are Hiring

Join the ElkScale Team

We are a small but passionate team with one open role. We work in a field. The commute is pastoral.

Why work at ElkScale?

There are several reasons. Gary has written them down.

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Meaningful Work

Every session you help facilitate results in a human being nuzzled by a large elk. This is more than most tech jobs can say.

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Flat Hierarchy

The team is Gary. You would report to Gary. Gary reports to no one, though he takes Gerald's disposition into account when planning the week.

Work-Life Balance

The facility closes at 17:00. The elk do not send Slack messages. There is no Slack.

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Equity & Compensation

We do not offer equity. We offer proximity to elk, which Gary maintains is worth more.

Open Roles

Current Openings

One role. Posted once. Gary has been thinking about it for a while.

Full-Time On-Site No Remote The Elk Are Here

Assistant Wrangler

Location: The Big Field
Salary: £24,000 – £26,000 DOE
Reports to: Gary

About the Role

ElkScale is seeking a driven and adaptable individual to join our on-site operations team in the capacity of Assistant Wrangler. This is a field-based position — literally, it is in a field — and will involve the end-to-end management of our organic node fleet across a typical operational day.

The successful candidate will be responsible for executing the morning feeding schedule across all nodes, conducting perimeter integrity checks along the north and east fence lines, and providing operational support to Gary throughout the session window. A key responsibility will be managing the gate scanner at peak ingress periods, ensuring customers are admitted efficiently while maintaining appropriate node separation during high-traffic events. You will also take primary ownership of the Google Sheet on Mondays, when Gary is at crossfit.

This is a unique opportunity to occupy a meaningful role at the intersection of animal husbandry and what Gary describes as "a sort of tech company." Career progression is limited. The work is, however, very good.

Requirements

  • Comfort working in close proximity to animals weighing up to 380 kg
  • Closed-toe shoes at all times (non-negotiable; this is in the contract, separately from the main contract, on a laminated sheet)
  • Ability to work independently when Gary is at crossfit on Mondays
  • Patient disposition; Kevin can take up to 20 minutes to approach and must not be rushed
  • Willingness to learn the Google Sheet (there are 4 tabs; the fourth tab is for Gary's personal use and you are asked not to look at it)
  • Full UK driving licence (the road to the farm is not served by public transport and the nearest bus stop is Gary's opinion of how far someone should walk)
  • Able to lift 20 kg (pellet bags; the vending machine pellets are separate and lighter)

Nice to Have

  • Experience with Raspberry Pi (the gate scanner runs on one; it is held in place with a bungee cord and Gary is aware of this)
  • Familiarity with elk behaviour during rut season (September–November; Gerald is a changed animal and it is best to know this in advance)
  • Own green fleece (Gary will lend you his spare but he'd rather not; it has his name in the collar)

Not Required

  • Any software engineering experience whatsoever. Please do not apply if you think this is a software job. It is a field job. There are elk.

Apply for This Role

Applications are reviewed by Gary. Gary will call you if interested. Gary may not call you. This is not a reflection of your suitability; it may simply mean Gary forgot. If you have not heard back within three weeks, you may email again. Gary may also forget the email.

Life at ElkScale

We don't have photos because the camera in Gary's phone is cracked. Here is what a typical working day looks like.

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Morning Rounds with Gary

The day begins at 07:45 with a walk of the perimeter alongside Gary. Gary will brief you on any overnight developments. Typically there are none. Occasionally Gerald has moved something. Gary will not elaborate on what or how.

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The Friday Pellet Restock

Every Friday afternoon the vending machine is restocked from the shed. This takes approximately 45 minutes and is considered a social occasion. Gary brings a flask. You are welcome to bring your own flask. Gary will not share his flask.

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Kevin's Unpredictable Moods

Kevin is the youngest node and has what Gary calls "a personality." He is not aggressive. He is simply selective. Some days he will approach immediately; other days he will stand at the far end of the field and stare at you with frank indifference. You will learn to find this charming.