Animal Care - Project Lead

Lead with care. Support growth. Make a real difference outdoors.

Elm Tree Farm is a vibrant care farm where people with learning disabilities and autistic people build confidence, skills and independence through meaningful, hands-on work with animals and the land.

We’re looking for an Animal Care Project Lead to help run and develop our animal husbandry project — someone who is passionate about animal welfare, enjoys working outdoors, and is committed to creating inclusive opportunities for others.

This is a varied, hands-on role where you’ll balance high standards of livestock care with supporting people to learn, achieve and thrive.

About the role

As Project Lead, you’ll play a key role in shaping and delivering our animal care provision. You’ll support the day-to-day running of the farm while leading engaging, structured sessions that enable people to develop skills and reach their goals.

You’ll:

• Support high standards of animal care and welfare across the farm.
• Create meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to get involved.
• Help develop farm operations, including breeding, land use and produce.
• Build a safe, welcoming and purposeful environment.

You’ll be trusted to take initiative, work independently, and bring ideas — always keeping both people and animals at the heart of what you do.

What you’ll be doing

Running a successful care farm

• Supporting daily livestock care, feeding, handling and monitoring.
• Assisting with breeding programmes, land management and farm productivity.
• Managing resources, equipment and supplies effectively.
• Ensuring compliance with animal welfare and safety standards.

Supporting people and leading a team

• Delivering structured, person-centred sessions that support individual outcomes.
• Creating an inclusive, supportive environment for colleagues, volunteers and people we support.
• Providing supervision, guidance and development for Support Workers.
• Promoting wellbeing, confidence and independence.

Community and development

• Supporting the growth of the project through farm shop sales and markets.
• Building relationships with the wider farming and local community.
• Representing the farm at events and contributing to its ongoing development.

Health & safety and compliance

• Maintaining a safe and well-organised farm environment.
• Carrying out risk assessments and ensuring safe working practices.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant standards (DEFRA, HSE, Care Farming UK).

About you

You don’t need to tick every box — but you’ll bring passion, reliability and a commitment to inclusion.

You’ll ideally have:

• Experience in animal care, farming or a similar environment.
• Confidence supporting or leading others in a work or community setting.
• A calm, organised and proactive approach.
• Strong communication skills and a supportive mindset.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable (but not essential):

• Qualification in Animal Care or Health & Social Care.
• Experience supporting people with learning disabilities or autistic people.

Why work with Brandon Trust?

• Be part of a values-led organisation focused on inclusion and opportunity.
• Work in a unique outdoor environment where no two days are the same.
• Access training, supervision and development opportunities.
• Make a real impact — for people, animals and the wider community.