About the Company:
Quantock Outdoor Education is an alternative education provision delivering high quality learning and outdoor experiences for children and young people with additional learning needs and/or emotional and behavioural difficulties.
We’re on the hunt for an experienced, Farm Lead to take charge of the day‑to‑day running of our beautiful farm site.
You will have experience with animals, tractors, and farm machinery is essential to this role.
Our farm is more than a farm, it’s a safe haven for young people, a place where they can create, build, take ownership, and discover what they’re capable of. Every day here is about growth, connection, and community.
The Farm Lead is responsible for the overall management, care, and ongoing development of the farm site. This includes ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, health and safety, and site maintenance, while creating a safe, engaging, and well-organised environment for learning. The role covers all aspects of animal care from daily routines to seasonal requirements, compliance with animal welfare legislation, maintenance of buildings, tools, and machinery.
The Farm Lead will play a key role in shaping the future of the farm, contributing to site improvements, development projects, and long-term planning to enhance both animal welfare and educational opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Care and Welfare
1. Lead responsibility for the daily care and welfare of all animals, including feeding, watering, health checks, cleaning, and enrichment
2. Manage all seasonal animal care needs such as breeding support, lambing/calving (where applicable), shearing, vaccinations, parasite control, and winter preparations
3. Monitor animal health and behaviour, identify concerns early, and liaise with veterinary professionals as required
4. Ensure animal care practices meet current animal welfare legislation and best practice standards
5. Maintain accurate, up-to-date records including health, medication, movement, and welfare documentation
Farm Site Development and Maintenance
6. Take responsibility for the ongoing development of the farm site, identifying opportunities to improve facilities, animal enclosures, land use, and learning spaces
7. Plan and support site development projects to enhance animal welfare, safety, and educational value
8. Oversee maintenance of fields, fencing, shelters, pathways, and buildings
9. Carry out general repairs and practical tasks to ensure the site remains safe, functional, and well-presented
10. Maintain all tools, equipment, and machinery, ensuring regular servicing, safe use, and correct storage
11. Safely operate farm machinery, including tractors and other agricultural equipment
Health, Safety, and Compliance
12. Ensure all farm activities comply with health and safety regulations
13. Complete and review risk assessments and safe systems of work
14. Maintain a safe environment for animals, staff, students, and visitors
15. Ensure compliance with animal welfare, environmental, and educational regulations
16. Support inspections, audits, and regulatory checks as required
Learning Spaces and Shared Areas
17. Support the cleaning and upkeep of farm-based classrooms and shared learning spaces
18. Ensure all learning environments are safe, organised, and ready for use
Leadership and Teamwork
19. Take a proactive lead in the day-to-day running of the farm
20. Support, guide, and supervise staff and volunteers working on the farm
21. Communicate effectively with colleagues, management, and external professionals