We are looking to recruit a friendly and hard-working member of staff to work alongside our Shire horses and smaller equines on our open farm. Previous equine experience is essential, although training will be given to develop new skills, particularly in harness and ridden work. You will be required to provide an exciting and unique visitor experience, educating the public and encouraging interaction with the horses. You will be part of a team who deliver a high standard of presentation across the farm site, providing a safe and enjoyable experience at this popular visitor attraction. This will involve opening and closing procedures, safety and compliance checks and the maintenance of facilities.
Interview date: Tuesday 10th December 2024
This role is required to work with vulnerable groups including children and any offer of employment or volunteering is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
What it's like to work here
This impressive mansion and home farm is the only National Trust property that manages all its visitor attractions and activities in-house. Visitor numbers have increased rapidly in recent years and Wimpole is regarded as one of our most successful properties in terms of growth and innovation. As expected for such a popular location, work at Wimpole is fast-paced, but as part of the team you’ll enjoy flexible working conditions.
What you'll be doing
This role involves working alongside staff and volunteers to provide daily care for our Shire horses, ponies and donkeys, taking sole responsibility for the horses when covering days off and annual leave. This includes grooming, feeding, turning out and getting in, general handling and maintaining high presentation standards across the farm. Through lunging, long reining, riding, carriage driving and working horses from the ground, you will work alongside the horse team to exercise the horses, providing demonstrations for our visitors and assisting the driver during horse drawn carriage rides.
Home Farm is a busy visitor attraction, you will follow opening and running procedures to ensure timely opening of the farm, visitor safety and enjoyment are maintained throughout every day. Through engaging with the visitors, sharing your knowledge and promoting our rare breeds, you will help to deliver an excellent customer experience. You will work with the rest of the team to complete safety checks, maintain equipment and care for the farm.
Who we're looking for
Previous experience of working with horses, ponies or donkeys.
Good knowledge of a horse’s daily needs and welfare standards, alongside an understanding of the health and safety aspects of working around horses.
Friendly, customer focused approach, with experience in delivering high standards of customer service and presentation.
Experience in working in a team and managing volunteers, as well as being able to work independently using initiative.
Flexible and adaptive with good communication skills.
A team player, willing to help out across the whole farm.
A desire to learn new skills and gain knowledge.
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
Rental deposit loan scheme
Season ticket loan
EV car lease scheme
Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
Flexible working whenever possible
Employee assistance programme
Free parking at most Trust places
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