Farm Manager - Coombe House School, Dorset Centre of Excellence

Farm Manager - Full Time, Shaftesbury

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;

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  + 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., 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).
  
  Pay Range: £33,945 to £35,745 pa
  Permanent - 52 weeks, all year with 31 days annual leave, typically taken during School holiday periods
  Hours: 37 hours/wk, proposed Mon 08.00-16.00, Tues 08.30-16.00, Wed 08.00-16.30, Thurs 08.30-16.00 and Fri 08.00-16.00
  Some flexibility required as role will involve minimal weekend hours for animal care., + 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.