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 looking for an experienced, Small Holding Lead to take charge of the day‑to‑day running of our beautiful site.
You will have experience with animals, tractors, and machinery is essential to this role.
Our Small Holding is 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.
You will be responsible for the overall management, care, and ongoing development of the 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.
You will play a key role in shaping the future of the site, contributing to site improvements, development projects, and long-term planning to enhance both animal welfare and educational opportunities.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
1. Animal Care and Welfare
1. Take overall responsibility for the daily care and welfare of all animals
2. Carry out feeding, watering, cleaning, health checks, and enrichment activities
3. Manage seasonal animal care requirements including breeding support, lambing/calving (where applicable), shearing, vaccination programmes, parasite control, and winter preparation
4. Monitor animal health and behaviour, identify welfare concerns, and liaise with veterinary professionals as required
5. Ensure all animal care practices comply with current animal welfare legislation and recognised best practice
6. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records relating to animal health, medication, movement, and welfare
2. Operations and Site Maintenance
7. Manage the day-to-day operation of the site
8. Oversee the condition and maintenance of fields, fencing, shelters, pathways, and buildings
9. Carry out routine repairs and practical maintenance tasks
10. Ensure tools, equipment, and machinery are safely used, regularly serviced, and correctly stored
11. Safely operate tractors and other agricultural machinery as required
3. Site Development
12. Identify opportunities for improvement to infrastructure, animal accommodation, land use, and learning spaces
13. Plan and support site development and improvement projects
14. Contribute to short- and long-term planning for the future development
4. Health, Safety, and Compliance
15. Ensure all activities are carried out in accordance with health and safety legislation and organisational policies
16. Complete, review, and implement risk assessments and safe systems of work
17. Maintain a safe environment for animals, staff, students, and visitors
18. Ensure compliance with animal welfare, environmental, and educational regulations
19. Support inspections, audits, and regulatory visits
6. Learning Spaces
20. Support the upkeep and cleanliness of the site including; classrooms and shared learning areas
21. Ensure learning environments are safe, organised, and prepared for use
7. Leadership and Teamwork
22. Take a lead role in organising daily activities
23. Provide guidance and supervision to staff, volunteers, and students
24. Communicate effectively with colleagues, managers, and external professionals
8. General Responsibilities
25. Participate in training and professional development as required
26. Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role