Farm Worker / Assistant (up to 28 hours, inc. Weekends)

Are you passionate about animals, horticulture, and working outdoors? The Dorset Centre of Excellence, which includes Coombe House School, is seeking a part time Farm Worker / Assistant (including 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.

This post is for up to 28 hours per week (7 hours on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday). We are also open to a job share arrangement, where two people would each work 14 hours per week (to include one weekday and one weekend day).

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 at the weekend, with responsibility for opening and securing the site on Saturday and Sunday.

Key Responsibilities

As the Farm Worker, 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: c£20,250 – 20,750 per annum (for 28 hours per week)

Hours: 28 hours per week (Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday). Job share considered (14 hours per week: one weekday and one weekend day).

Contract: Permanent, all-year 

What the Dorset Centre of Excellence can offer you:

·      ·      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.

·      A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.

·      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: Sunday 14 September 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.