Farm Worker/Groom

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships. We have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive team player with a passion for Donkeys to join our busy team at Woods Farm, near Sidmouth, East Devon. Possessing substantial equine and animal husbandry experience, you will provide care and rehabilitation for the resident donkeys, mules and hinnies, and support the Farm Manager in maintaining a safe working environment. About you: Previous equine or animal husbandry experience. Good communication skills. Excellent customer service skills. Physically fitness and able to lift, for example, a bag of feed (approx. 20 kg). Willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions. Willing to undertake work related training as required. Full current valid driving licence. About the role: Your principal duties and responsibilities will include – Routinely checking, feeding, medicating, grooming, weighing, worming and training the resident donkeys, mules, ponies and hinnies. Assisting visiting vets, farriers and dentists. Operating machinery, and/or manually, mucking out, feeding and bedding up of barns and stables and distributing hay, haylage and bagged feedstuffs. Maintaining the farm by sweeping, pressure washing, cleaning, field sweeping, haymaking, strimming, compost management, willow management and dirty water control. Maintaining up to date manual records for the donkeys, farming practices, holidays and overtime. Providing feedback on a daily basis to the Farm Manager and Supervisor on matters such as donkey health, feeding regimes and land management and liaising with other staff to facilitate smooth running of the farm. What we offer in return: This is a part-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 22.5 hours per week. The working pattern will be agreed between the Farm Manager and post-holder. Flexibility will be required for working 1 weekend in 4 as part of the farm rota, either as additional hours or with time off in lieu. Benefits: Competitive pension. Life assurance. 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service. Wellbeing team. Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes. Long service awards. Healthshield Plan – Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership. Offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets. Access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service. Free parking. Subsidised restaurant and shop on The Donkey Sanctuary main site. Closing date for completed applications: Wednesday 18 December 2024.