Farm Manager - Full Time, Shaftesbury (Rural Location)

Are you able to demonstrate recent and relevant experience in a similar role, combined with working in an education or outdoor learning environment, ideally with pupils with Special Educational Needs, predominantly SEMH / ASC?

We are looking for someone who will be responsible for further developing a working ‘small holding’ within a 3-acre walled garden and designated land / paddocks, on the Company site. This hands-on role will oversee the safe and effective use of these facilities and day to day activities including:

• Caring for animals on site (including pigs, poultry, goats). 
• Growing and caring for arable crops (fruit and vegetables), in liaison with a Learning Support Assistant.  
• Leading and supporting educational opportunities for pupils within the school, including accredited courses. 
• Explore and develop wider community engagement including enterprise opportunities for the school, pupils, and social care residents (in the future).  
• Site maintenance of the 3-acre walled garden and designated land / paddocks. 
• To develop the ‘market garden’ as a social and commercial enterprise.  

This position involves working outdoors for long periods of time (in all weather conditions) and anticipates a good deal of autonomy. The Farm Manager will be comfortable with mucking out livestock as well as engaging our pupils who will utilise the facility as part of their learning experience. 

The appointed person will play a key role in the successful implementation of a sustainable farming and growing plan, including generating income and creating exciting new farming and food experiences for our young people.  We would like to hear from you if you have the relevant level of experience in Animal Husbandry and Horticulture, working knowledge of traditional farm animals (pigs, chickens, goats) and a strong work ethic and passion for farming and sustainability. 

We are looking for someone who has an open mind with the willingness to take a fluid and creative approach to our growing company. The Company is proud of the sustainable credentials of the campus and works hard to ensure that the Biomass and solar facilities work optimally to minimise its carbon footprint. In a period of rapid growth and investment, it is an exciting time to join the team and make a real difference.  

Salary / Contract 

Pay Range £33,945-35,745 pa

Permanent - 52 weeks, all-year with annual leave typically taken during school holiday periods. 

Hours  

37 hours, proposed Monday 08:00 - 16:00, Tuesday 08:30 - 16:00, Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30, Thursday 08:30 - 16:00, and Friday 08:00 - 16:00.  

 Some flexibility required as will involve minimal weekend hours for animal care. 

Start Date  

2 September 2024 

Please review the job description and person specification for further information about the role.   

If you would like to work in this unique and beautiful environment, please complete the application process.  

 This is a primarily a school role that is line managed by the Headteacher and Deputy Head Teachers but will operate flexibly in line with the wider company activities, such as children's social care and holiday club provision. Outside of term time, the post holder will work closely with the other Shared Services team members.  

 About the Dorset Centre of Excellence:   

The Dorset Centre of Excellence is a unique company that aims to ‘create environments that enable children and young people to overcome challenge and achieve happy and fulfilling lives’.    

The Dorset Centre of Excellence is located at the eastern edge of Shaftesbury, approximately 2.3 miles from the town centre. The site is accessed via a private road and enjoys a secluded setting within its grounds. The accommodation extends to over 160,000 sq ft, set within in grounds of 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:  

• A workplace set in beautiful surroundings. 
• Competitive salary. 
• 31 days annual leave (typically taken during school holiday periods). 
• Access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme.  
• Pension scheme (10% employers’ contribution).  
• On site parking, little perks of appreciation including free tea/coffee/milk.  
• Use of the gym and swimming pool (at specified times). 
• Wellbeing support, including qualified Mental Health First Aiders on staff body.  
• The opportunity to play an integral part at the infancy of this exciting and unique journey. 

This post involves working with children or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them and will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.  

Closing date for applications:  Sunday 9th June 2024 

Interviews will be held on Monday 17th June 2024 

NOTE: We will not accept speculative CVs through agencies for this appointment. Direct applications only.  

 If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require any further details please contact Claire Taylor, Assistant HR Manager on 01747 449 858 or by email hr@dorsetcentreofexcellence.org.uk   

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.