Animal Care - Project Lead

Job Reference brandontrust/TP/19748/1536

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Job Introduction

Animal Care Project Lead - Elm Tree Farm

Location: Elm Tree Farm, Park Rd, Bristol BS16 1AA Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Occasional weekends, bank holidays and out-of-hours work required for livestock careContract: Permanent

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

Ready to apply?

If you’re passionate about animal care and want to create meaningful opportunities for others, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help grow Elm Tree Farm — supporting people, caring for animals, and building something that truly matters 🌱