Farm Lead

Taunton, United Kingdom Posted on 23/03/2026

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 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.

You will be 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.

You 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 and Duties 1. Animal Care and Welfare

• Take overall responsibility for the daily care and welfare of all animals on the farm
• Carry out feeding, watering, cleaning, health checks, and enrichment activities
• Manage seasonal animal care requirements including breeding support, lambing/calving (where applicable), shearing, vaccination programmes, parasite control, and winter preparation
• Monitor animal health and behaviour, identify welfare concerns, and liaise with veterinary professionals as required
• Ensure all animal care practices comply with current animal welfare legislation and recognised best practice
• Maintain accurate and up to date records relating to animal health, medication, movement, and welfare

2. Farm Operations and Site Maintenance

• Manage the day to day operation of the farm site
• Oversee the condition and maintenance of fields, fencing, shelters, pathways, and buildings
• Carry out routine repairs and practical maintenance tasks
• Ensure tools, equipment, and machinery are safely used, regularly serviced, and correctly stored
• Safely operate tractors and other agricultural machinery as required

3. Site Development

• Identify opportunities for improvement to farm infrastructure, animal accommodation, land use, and learning spaces
• Plan and support site development and improvement projects
• Contribute to short and long term planning for the future development of the farm

4. Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure all farm activities are carried out in accordance with health and safety legislation and organisational policies
• Complete, review, and implement risk assessments and safe systems of work
• Maintain a safe environment for animals, staff, students, and visitors
• Ensure compliance with animal welfare, environmental, and educational regulations
• Support inspections, audits, and regulatory visits

5. Student Support

• Support students on the farm site when required, including children and young people with Special Educational Needs
• Model safe, calm, and appropriate behaviour around animals, equipment, and machinery
• Work in collaboration with education and support staff to meet individual student needs
• Support students to develop practical skills, confidence, and responsibility through farm based activities
• Support the upkeep and cleanliness of farm based classrooms and shared learning areas
• Ensure learning environments are safe, organised, and prepared for use

6. Leadership and Teamwork

• Take a lead role in organising daily farm activities
• Provide guidance and supervision to staff, volunteers, and students working on the farm
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, managers, and external professionals

7. General Responsibilities

• Participate in training and professional development as required
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

Requirements

• Minimum of two years' experience managing and caring for animals
• Strong working knowledge of animal welfare legislation and best practice
• Hard working and physically fit, with the ability to work outdoors in all weather
• Competent and confident tractor driver
• Experience using a wide range of farm machinery, tools, and equipment
• Strong understanding of health and safety and risk management
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, and manage competing priorities
• Good organisational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records
• Calm, patient, and reliable approach to work
• Qualifications in agriculture, animal care, land based studies, or a related field
• First Aid qualification (or willingness to undertake training)
• Experience in educational, therapeutic, or care farm settings
• Practical skills such as fencing, land management, or basic construction
• Experience supervising or training others

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about animal welfare and outdoor work
• Practical, solution focused, and proactive
• Flexible and adaptable to the needs of the site and students
• Takes pride in maintaining high standards
• Positive role model for students, staff, and visitors