Job Title:               Equine & Farm Technician

Location:               Wessex Lodge School, BA11 4LA

Salary:                   £18,000 to £19,000 per annum

Hours:                    37.5 hours per week

Contract:               Permanent

Responsible to: Equine & Farm Manager

Hours of work: 08.30 – 16.30 half an hour lunchbreak included - Monday to Friday 1 weekend a month to be worked and time taken in lieu. Due to the nature of the role with animals the hours may vary on occasion –Holiday allowance 28 days including bank holidays. If a bank holiday is needed to be worked to cover the farm regimes this will be taken back in lieu.

The established staff team come from a variety of previous occupations and have individual skills, which can be utilised, within this school. So, if you have an interest and/or qualifications in animal care, horticulture, construction, outdoor education, forestry or any other specific trade or hobby, we would love to hear from you! 

Overall job purpose

The post holder will support the general running of the farm and equine activities. We require a motivated, hardworking, outgoing and approachable person who will engage well with staff, students and visitors. You will carry out practical duties to help the farm and Equine Facilitated Learning departments run smoothly.

Main duties and responsibilities

  • Assist with general farm & equine duties, such as feeding the horses/farm animals and keeping the farm site tidy.
  • Assisting and covering the out of hours rota
  • Cleaning out farm stalls
  • Cleaning out feed and store room – organising and disinfecting
  • Assist in preparing animal and their areas for student lessons ( not direct work with students)
  • Assist with the Alternative Provision in the holiday periods
  • Present and promote a positive image of the farm to the public and outside organisations.
  • Assist staff in the care of all farm livestock ensuring that the farm’s animal welfare policy is adhered to at all times.
  • Work within agreed policies and procedures and farm’s legal requirements for health and safety, safeguarding, data protection and risk management, helping to ensure high standards of practice on the farm.
  • Work with initiative to complete essential tasks around the farm, such as ensuring that the farm site and buildings are safe, accessible and presentable for the public.
  • Providing hay, feed, rations or supplements, and water.  
  • Cleaning buckets and tubs used in the feeding process.
  • Grooming, saddling, unsaddling, and bathing horses.
  • Cleaning all horse equipment.
  • Hand walking horses.
  • Lunging horses. 
  • Turning horses into pasture or turnout.
  • Loading and unloading horses from trailers.
  • Braiding the mane and/or tail
  • Trim a horse’s coat with clippers (face, legs, ears).
  • Totally clip a horse for winter with clippers (entire body).
  • Monitor and maintain the level of feed, hay, and bedding in stock.
  • Ordering supplies when necessary.
  • Handling horses for the farm & Equine Manager, veterinarian, farrier, or trainer during medical or other treatments.
  • Farm maintenance and repairs.
  • Working with and operating small and large farm equipment.
  • Maintaining the barn area - sweeping, washing, and general cleaning.
  • Driving the work truck to collect feeds – vet appointments – veg collections & general tasks
  • Lifting and carrying of up to 25 kilo fed bags
  • Administer medication with and without support – may need to support appropriate restraint of all animals

The benefits of working for this school are: 

  • Intensive training including a two week induction and buddy system
  • Enhanced DBS paid for
  • Defined career pathways with support to achieve your goals
  • Staff member of the week 
  • Breakfast and lunch provided with free tea and coffee 
  • Make a real difference to children
  • No day is the same so you will never be bored! 

If this sounds like the role for you, please apply now. For additional information, please contact our recruitment team at recruitment@ofgl.co.uk.

We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to a fully Enhanced DBS.


Apply now