Farm Lead Job at Empower Family Group (Taunton)

Job Description

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, 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.

Job Responsibility

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
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
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
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
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
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
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

Nice to have

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

What we offer

Company pension
Access to the Blue Light Card scheme
Employee Counselling Service
Development opportunities
Employee Assistance Programme
Staff Discount site
Qualification support

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Farm Lead

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