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- Tasks: Lead the daily operations of a beautiful smallholding, caring for animals and maintaining the site.
- Company: Join Quantock Outdoor Education, a unique provider of outdoor learning experiences for young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company pension, development opportunities, and access to employee support services.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community focused on growth, connection, and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while working outdoors with animals.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care and machinery operation is essential; passion for welfare is a must.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 that is essential to this role. Our Small Holding is 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
- Animal Care and Welfare
- Take overall responsibility for the daily care and welfare of all animals
- 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
- Operations and Site Maintenance
- Manage the day‑to‑day operation of the 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
- Site Development
- Identify opportunities for improvement to 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
- Health, Safety, and Compliance
- Ensure all 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
- Learning Spaces
- Support the upkeep and cleanliness of the site including classrooms and shared learning areas
- Ensure learning environments are safe, organised, and prepared for use
- Leadership and Teamwork
- Take a lead role in organising daily activities
- Provide guidance and supervision to staff, volunteers, and students
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, managers, and external professionals
- General Responsibilities
- Participate in training and professional development as required
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role
Requirements
Essential
- 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
Desirable
- 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
Benefits
- Company pension
- Access to the BlueLight Card scheme
- Employee Counselling Service
- Development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff Discount site
- Qualification support
Smallholding Lead in Taunton employer: Empower Family Group
Contact Detail:
Empower Family Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Smallholding Lead in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Quantock Outdoor Education and understand their mission, values, and the specific needs of the role. This will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Smallholding Lead position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to animal care, site management, and teamwork. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Quantock Outdoor Education.
We think you need these skills to ace Smallholding Lead in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare: When writing your application, let us see your love for animals shine through! Share any experiences you've had with animal care and how they’ve shaped your approach to welfare. We want to know why this role matters to you!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your hands-on experience with animals, tractors, and machinery. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and past roles that relate to this position.
Be Clear and Organised: Keep your application neat and structured. Use headings and bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. A well-organised application reflects your ability to maintain a tidy and safe environment on site!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Empower Family Group
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal care and welfare. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed animal health, feeding routines, and any seasonal requirements you've handled in the past. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Since this role involves operating tractors and various machinery, be ready to talk about your hands-on experience. Bring up any relevant projects where you’ve successfully used these tools, and if possible, mention any maintenance tasks you've performed to keep them in top shape.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
As a Smallholding Lead, you'll need to guide staff and volunteers. Share examples of how you've organised activities or led a team in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you foster a positive environment for learning and teamwork.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with health and safety legislation related to animal care and site management. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented risk assessments and maintained a safe environment in your previous positions. This will show that you take compliance seriously and prioritise safety.