Farm Worker / Groom

NFP People Limited; Exeter; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animal welfare organization near Exeter seeks a Farm Worker/Groom to care for donkeys. Responsibilities include feeding, grooming, and administering medication, supporting the Farm Manager, and maintaining safety and hygiene. Must possess strong interpersonal skills, a valid UK driving license, and passion for animal welfare. Competitive benefits include a pension, life assurance, and 31 days of holiday.

Benefits

Competitive pension

Life assurance

31 days holiday

Access to wellbeing team

Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes

Healthshield plan

Free parking

Subsidised restaurant

Responsibilities

• Routinely check, feed, groom and train the donkeys, mules, and ponies.
• Prepare and administer medications including injections.
• Assist veterinary staff with examinations and welfare assessments.
• Observe for signs of infection or illness and report to the manager.
• Maintain a safe and hygienic working environment.
• Check farm security and maintain access control.
• Update animal management records and logs.

Skills

Excellent observation skills

Excellent communication and customer service skills

Competent IT knowledge and skills

Full current UK valid driving license

Self-motivated with a positive attitude

Job description

Farm Worker / Groom

We have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive individual with a passion for Donkeys to join our busy team at Town Barton Farm in Tedburn St. Mary, near Exeter, Devon.

Position: Farm Worker / Groom

Location: Tedburn St Mary

Hours: Full-time

Salary: £23,962 per annum

Contract: Permanent

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.

Possessing excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills, you will provide care and rehabilitation for the resident donkeys, and will support the Farm Manager in maintaining a safe working environment. As well as a working farm, Slade House Farm is a visitor attraction at the heart of The Donkey Sanctuary, and strong customer service skills are vital.

About you:

• Excellent observation skills to identify and notice signs that would indicate ill-health in animals.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills - tactful and diplomatic when handling sensitive matters.
• Competent IT knowledge and skills.
• Full current UK valid driving licence.
• Willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
• Effective team player who builds trust and positive relationships.
• Self-motivated, with a positive and professional attitude.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include:

• Routinely checking, feeding, grooming, weighing, worming and training the resident donkeys, mules, ponies and hinnies.
• Preparing and administrating medications including intramuscular injections as directed.
• Assisting the veterinary surgeon, nurse, farrier and dental technician with examinations, routine treatments and welfare assessments.
• Making regular observation and wellbeing checks for any signs of infection, abnormality, illness or distress, and reporting animal health and welfare updates to the Farm Manager/Supervisor.
• Maintaining a safe and hygienic working environment in barns, stables, and all work areas, adhering to biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks.
• Maintaining farm security by regularly checking fences and ensuring gates and access to farm buildings are kept locked.
• Updating animal management records and medication logs.

What we offer in return:

This is a full-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7, with weekend work as part of a rota.

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.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults), and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment.