Groom

This is a fantastic opportunity to care for and maintain the horses that deliver important, and internationally renowned, state ceremonial operations in central London and across the country! In this exciting role, you will help to promote national interests by ensuring the horses of the Household Cavalry Mounted Unit are well looked after and presentable at key public events such as the King’s Birthday Parade, whilst also ready to support unexpected resilience operations when needed. We are committed to providing quality care for our horses and are looking for individuals who enjoy working as part of a dedicated team to deliver the essential maintenance the horses require. The work is dynamic and thoroughly rewarding and will give you the chance to use your valuable equestrian and skills to support some of the UK’s most important strategic objectives! Due to the constant care and attention the horses need, the role will be 36 hours a week, spread across 6 days. Job description Successful applicants will be responsible for grooming, clipping, handling, feeding, and exercising the Military Working Horses. You must be passionate about making sure they receive the appropriate level of care and attention, and ensure they are presentable when needed for important state ceremonial duties. Part of the role will involve assisting the veterinary and farriery team both to restrain and manipulate various breeds of horses, and to administer basic daily treatments such as medication and physiotherapy exercises. You will regularly get to exercise and school the horses, which will include roadwork, canter work, lunging, and supporting rehabilitative programmes. You will also help to maintain the cleanliness of the stables and stable areas, ensuring Health and Safety compliance and pleasant living conditions for the horses. Given the dynamic and flexible requirements of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, you will need to work on your own initiative with minimal supervision, whilst occasionally needing to meet tight deadlines as part of a committed team. This is a Fixed-term Appointment as a Army Horse Groom in the Combermere Barracks, Windsor. Your responsibilities will be as described in this job advert. The reason why you are appointed for a fixed period is due to this being a temporary requirement. This post will therefore begin on your appointment and end 11 months after that date. You should be aware that when your Fixed-term Appointment at MOD comes to an end, arrangements will be made in line with the FTA policy. If you are a permanent MoD civil servant and are found successful for an advertised Fixed-term Appointment (FTA) you should move into the post under a Temporary Transfer (for up to a maximum of 23 months). At the end of the posting you will return to your previous MoD Business area. If this posting is at a higher grade, your promotion will be temporary, and you will return to your substantive grade at the end of the Temporary Transfer. If a Temporary Transfer cannot be agreed between all parties then a transfer on an FTA contract is possible, read the FTA and Change of Work Location in the UK policy for further information. If you are transferring to MoD from another government department (OGD) you should join the MoD on an inward loan. At the end of the loan you will return to your home (OGD) department. If a loan cannot be agreed between all parties then a transfer on an FTA contract is possible, read the FTA policy for further information Person specification To sustain the high-quality standard of care we expect for our horses, it is essential that our grooms: • Have completed Level 2 BHS in Riding and Grooming, or an equivalent qualification (e.g. a level 2 Equine Animal Care and Welfare Apprenticeship). • Have recent and relevant experience in horse grooming, with a proven ability to ride horses of different temperaments and undertake physically demanding work. • Have a proven ability to present horses to a high standard, including trimming, clipping, and mane and tail pulling. • Are competent to undertake a range of stable duties. • Are committed to the welfare of horses. Given the horses’ need for continuous care, you will be required to work a four-week shift pattern involving some weekends and public holidays and might be needed to work overtime when unforeseen situations arise. Whilst a full UK driving licence is desirable, driving is not an official requirement of the post. Development Opportunities: The Ministry of Defence offers a wider variety of professional and technical development opportunities, and we are committed to giving staff the time and support to develop their careers. In this role, there may be opportunities for you to obtain the Level 3 BHS qualification, or equivalent, to support your career development. Alongside your salary of £22,011, Ministry of Defence contributes £5,942 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.