Farm Services Support Worker

The Donkey Sanctuary; Sidmouth; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life assurance

31 days holiday (34 with service)

Wellbeing team

Pilates and Yoga classes

Free parking

Restaurant and shop discount

Healthshield plan

Job summary

The Donkey Sanctuary is seeking a Farm Services Support Worker to join the team at Weston Farm, Sidmouth. You will provide daily operational support across the farm portfolio, supporting farm teams in maintaining high standards of animal welfare, land management and infrastructure.

Based at Weston Farm, this is a full-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to cover weekends when required.

Qualifications

• Experience in large animal care, preferably equine.
• Experience in tractor driving and safe operation of farm machinery.
• Experience using hand tools and power tools for basic repairs and maintenance.
• Basic IT skills and use of handheld devices and apps.
• UK full valid driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide Relief Farm Worker/Groom cover including donkey care and operation of farm machinery as required.
• Assist with land management activities such as spraying, fertilising and haymaking.
• Move equipment between farm sites and maintain fencing and related infrastructure.
• Dismantle, move and repair mobile field shelters across the farms.
• Maintain the recycling centre at Hurford's, keeping it clean and safe.
• Carry out ditch cleaning and light maintenance tasks (pressure washing, painting, chainsaw).
• Prepare fencing areas for contractors and support clean-up as required.
• Assist with farm events and small capital projects as requested.

Skills

Large animal care

Tractor driving

Hand/power tools

IT skills

Driving licence

Job description

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 Farm Services Support Worker to join our team based at Weston farm. You will provide daily practical operational support across the farm portfolio, supporting farm teams in effective farm operations through maintaining high standards of animal welfare, land management and infrastructure

About you:

• Experience in large animal care, preferably equine.
• Experience in tractor driving and safe operation of farm machinery.
• Experience of carrying out practical tasks using hand tools and power tools to complete basic repairs and maintenance.
• Basic IT skills and use of handheld mobile devices and apps.
• UK full valid driving licence.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

Farm Support through donkey care:

• Provide Relief Farm Worker/Groom cover to include provision of donkey care and to operate farm machinery and equipment as required by the farm.

Farm Services Support

• Assist with land management activities including spraying, fertilising and haymaking.
• Move various equipment and items between farm sites such as feeders, fencing machinery and hauling of materials.
• Dismantle, move, erect, and repair mobile field shelters across the farms.
• Maintain the recycling centre at Hurford's, ensuring it is kept clean, safe, and organised.
• Carry out ditch cleaning and other light general farm maintenance tasks eg. pressure washing, farm painting, and chainsaw activities as required.
• Carry out fencing work on direction of Farm Services Support Supervisor, transport materials and machinery, remove old and install new fencing.
• Prepare fencing areas for contractors and support clean-up as required.

Other Services Support

• Assist with preparation and clean-up for farm events such as Donkey Week and Candlelight.
• On request support small capital projects.

What we offer in return:

• Based at Weston – this is a full-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to cover weekends when required.
• 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.
• Free parking.
• Subsidised restaurant and shop.
• 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.

Closing date for completed applications: Tuesday 25 August 2026.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer.

The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.

The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.