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- Tasks: Join us as a Farm Worker, caring for animals and maintaining our beautiful farm.
- Company: The Dorset Centre of Excellence is a nurturing environment for children with special needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 31 days leave, health care support, and access to gym facilities.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; job share options considered.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, working outdoors and making a positive impact on the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care and maintenance is essential; a valid driving licence is required.
The predicted salary is between 16200 - 17400 £ per year.
Overview
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 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.
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 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).
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 for part-time).
- 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.
- A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.
- Access to an employee assistance programme.
- 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.
- The opportunity to shape a growing farm and educational offer.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 14 September 2025. Note: We may close the post earlier if sufficient suitable applications are received.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.
Job details
- Seniority level: Entry level
- Employment type: Part-time
- Job function: Management and Manufacturing
- Industries: Book and Periodical Publishing
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Farm Worker / Assistant (up to 28 hours, inc. Weekends) employer: TES FE News
Contact Detail:
TES FE News Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Worker / Assistant (up to 28 hours, inc. Weekends)
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for animals and horticulture during any interactions. Whether it's in an informal chat or a more structured interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your love for working outdoors and caring for animals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Dorset Centre of Excellence and its mission. Understanding their ethos of sustainability, compassion, and community involvement will help you align your answers with their values, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with basic maintenance tasks. Since this role requires practical skills, think of examples where you've successfully completed similar tasks, and be ready to explain your approach to problem-solving in outdoor settings.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to demonstrate your ability to work independently, especially on weekends. Think of scenarios where you've taken responsibility in previous roles, and be prepared to discuss how you manage tasks without supervision while ensuring safety and quality.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Worker / Assistant (up to 28 hours, inc. Weekends)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your passion for animals and horticulture, as well as any relevant experience you have in these areas.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience in animal care, horticulture, and maintenance tasks. Use specific examples to demonstrate your hands-on approach and ability to work independently, especially in outdoor conditions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your genuine interest in the role and the ethos of the Dorset Centre of Excellence. Mention how your values align with their commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at TES FE News
✨Show Your Passion for Animals and Horticulture
Make sure to express your genuine interest in animal care and horticulture during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you have, whether it's caring for pets, volunteering at farms, or working on gardening projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Maintenance Skills
Since basic maintenance tasks are essential for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with DIY tasks. Bring examples of past projects or repairs you've completed, showcasing your hands-on approach.
✨Highlight Your Ability to Work Independently
The role requires someone who can work alone, especially on weekends. Share instances where you've successfully managed responsibilities independently, emphasising your reliability and proactive nature.
✨Prepare for Questions About Working Outdoors
Given that the job involves working outdoors in various weather conditions, be ready to discuss how you handle different environments. Mention any previous outdoor work experience and your adaptability to changing conditions.