Weekend Farm Worker
Ref: SCH-DCoE-0069 17 day(s) remainingAdditional Information
Contract Type: Permanent Contract Term: AYR - All year round Hours per Week: 8.00 Weeks per Year: 52.150 Pay Grade: Support Staff | SCP6 - SCP6The Role
Are you passionate about animal care, horticulture, and outdoor work? Do you enjoy being part of a team that makes a difference to the lives of young people?
The Dorset Centre of Excellence, which includes Coombe House School, is seeking a Farm Worker (Weekends) to support the care of our animals, farm projects, and the ongoing development of our beautiful farm and walled garden. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of our growing team, contributing to the therapeutic and educational environment we provide.
Working closely with the Farm Manager, you will help deliver daily animal care, assist with seasonal growing projects, and maintain the farm’s infrastructure and habitats. This role is vital in ensuring high standards of animal welfare and supporting the wider aims of the school and the Dorset Centre of Excellence.
We are looking for someone with a genuine interest in animal husbandry, horticulture, and working outdoors in all weather conditions. Experience in basic maintenance tasks is essential, alongside a hands-on, proactive approach. Applicants must be comfortable working alone and will be responsible for opening and securing the site at the beginning and end of each shift.
Key Responsibilities
As the Farm Worker (Weekends), your main duties will include:
- Daily care of animals including feeding, cleaning, and enrichment.
- Supporting farm maintenance including fencing, pathways, and infrastructure.
- Assisting with seasonal growing projects and the upkeep of the walled garden.
- Helping maintain habitats, paddocks, and enclosures.
- Ensuring the farm is safe, clean, and well-maintained.
- Promoting the ethos of sustainability, belonging, compassion, and ambition across all farm activities.
- Positively representing the farm during any community events or open days.
About You
We would like to hear from you if you can demonstrate:
- Experience and genuine interest in animal care and horticulture.
- Proven experience in basic maintenance and DIY tasks.
- Confidence working outdoors across all seasons and conditions.
- A hands-on, resilient, and proactive approach with the ability to work independently and responsibly.
- A valid driving licence (essential due to rural location).
Please review the job description and person specification for further information about the role.
About the Dorset Centre of Excellence:
The Dorset Centre of Excellence is located at the eastern edge of Shaftesbury, enjoying a secluded setting within its grounds (55 acres).
Coombe House School located at the Dorset Centre of Excellence meets the needs of children and young people with social communication, social emotional and learning needs, and all are supported by an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Salary: £5,444.97 (8 hours per week across Saturday and Sunday)
Contract: Permanent, all-year
What the Dorset Centre of Excellence can offer you:
· A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.
· Competitive salary.
· 31 days annual leave (pro-rated in line with part time working)
· NEST Pension (10% employers’ contribution).
· Death in Service (3 x salary).
· Health Care Plan after probation period - claim back costs towards dental check-ups, eye tests, prescription charges and therapies.
· Access to an employee assistance programme.
· On site parking, little perks of appreciation including free tea/coffee/milk.
· Use of the gym and swimming pool (at specified times).
· Continuous professional development and training.
· Wellbeing support, including qualified Mental Health First Aiders on staff body.
· The opportunity to shape a growing farm and educational offer.
Closing date for applications: 1 June 2025
NOTE: We will close the post earlier if sufficient suitable applications are received.
We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.
Benefits
| Other | |
|---|---|
| 31 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro-rated in line with part time working) | 31 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro-rated in line with part time working) |
| Access to an employee assistance programme. | Access to an employee assistance programme. |
| Death in Service (3 x salary) | Death in Service (3 x salary). |
| Health Care Plan after probation period | Heath Care Plan - claim back costs towards dental check-ups (NHS or private), eye tests, prescription charges, and therapies. |
| NEST Pension (10% employers’ contribution). | NEST Pension (10% employers’ contribution). |
| Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool) | Use of the gym and swimming pool (at specified times). |
Skills
| Abilities, Skills and Knowledge | |
|---|---|
| Can deal with the physical demands of this role |
Desirable
|
| Relevant Experience | |
| Recent and relevant experience in a similar farming role |
Desirable
|
| Experience/Knowledge | |
| Experience in Animal Husbandry and Horticulture |
Desirable
|
| Personal Attributes | |
| Can demonstrate a good practical aptitude |
Desirable
|
| Committed |
Desirable
|
Related Documents
Safeguarding Information
We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child.
To ensure that the Company meets its commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people it undertakes a number of pre-employment checks. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.
Regulated Activity - all positions in schools which amount to regulated activity with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (ROA). Schools are therefore entitled to ask about and take into account spent convictions when making appointment decisions, other than those which have been designated as 'protected' under the DBS filtering rules. The Company applies for an enhanced disclosure from the DBS and a check of the Children's Barred List (now known as an Enhanced Check for Regulated Activity) in respect of all positions at the Company which amount to "regulated activity" as defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (as amended). The purpose of carrying out an Enhanced Check for Regulated Activity is to identify whether an applicant is barred from working with children by inclusion on the Children's Barred List and to obtain other relevant suitability information.
Please find a copy of our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy here.
Dorset Centre of Excellence Limited
Donhead St Mary
Salisbury Road
Shaftesbury
SP7 9LP
Claire Taylor
hr@coombehouse.org.uk