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- Tasks: Care for animals, assist with farm projects, and maintain the beautiful grounds.
- Company: Join the Dorset Centre of Excellence, a nurturing environment for growth and learning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 31 days leave, pension scheme, and health care plan.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, connect with nature, and make a difference in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care, horticulture, and basic maintenance tasks.
- Other info: Enjoy a beautiful setting with opportunities for professional development and wellbeing support.
The predicted salary is between 19688 - 20300 £ per year.
Salary: £19,688 – £20,300 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
Your Role
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
- 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
- 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).
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).
What the Dorset Centre of Excellence can offer you
- Competitive salary.
- 31 days annual leave (pro-rated in line with part time working).
- Pension Scheme (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: Thursday 1 January 2026. NOTE: We will close the post earlier if sufficient suitable applications are received.
Farm Worker / Assistant in Shaftesbury employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Contact Detail:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Worker / Assistant in Shaftesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the farm and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Dorset Centre of Excellence. Understanding their ethos around sustainability and animal welfare will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on skills! When you get the chance, talk about your experience with animal care and maintenance tasks. Share specific examples of how you've tackled similar responsibilities in the past – it’ll make you stand out as a proactive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a practical assessment! Since this role involves working outdoors and handling animals, be prepared to demonstrate your skills on the spot. Whether it's feeding animals or maintaining the farm, showing your competence can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at the Dorset Centre of Excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Worker / Assistant in Shaftesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for animals and horticulture right from the start! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your love for working outdoors and caring for animals.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your hands-on experience in animal care and maintenance tasks, as well as your ability to work independently, especially during weekends.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal care and husbandry. Be ready to discuss your experience with different animals and how you would approach their daily care. Showing genuine passion for animal welfare will definitely impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Horticultural Skills
Since this role involves working in a garden, be prepared to talk about any gardening or horticulture experience you have. Bring examples of past projects or tasks you've completed, and express your enthusiasm for seasonal growing projects.
✨Demonstrate Your DIY Know-How
The job requires basic maintenance skills, so think of specific examples where you've successfully completed maintenance tasks. Whether it’s fixing fences or maintaining pathways, showing that you can handle these responsibilities will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Your Independence
As you'll be working alone on weekends, it's crucial to convey your ability to work independently. Share experiences where you've taken initiative or managed responsibilities on your own, highlighting your proactive approach and reliability.