Farm Worker / Groom

The Donkey Sanctuary; Tedburn St Mary; On-site; GBP 19,000; Part time

Job summary

An international animal welfare organization in the UK is seeking a part-time Farm Worker/Groom to provide care for donkeys at their facility. The successful candidate will perform feeding, grooming, and wellness checks, while also assisting with veterinary care. Applicants should possess excellent observation, communication, and customer service skills, along with a full UK driving license. This role comprises 27 hours a week, including weekends and evenings, with various benefits including a competitive pension and holiday entitlement.

Benefits

Competitive pension

Life assurance

31 days holiday

Wellbeing team

Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes

Long service awards

Free parking

Subsidised restaurant and shop

Qualifications

• Excellent observation skills to identify signs of ill-health in animals.
• Willingness to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
• Strong team collaboration and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Routinely check, feed, groom, and train the resident donkeys and other equines.
• Assist the veterinary staff with examinations and treatments.
• Maintaining a safe and hygienic working environment.

Skills

Excellent observation skills

Excellent communication and customer service skills

Competent IT knowledge

Full current UK valid driving licence

Effective team player

Self‑motivated with a positive attitude

Job description

Farm Worker/Groom (2133)

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 individual with a passion for Donkeys to join our busy team at Town Barton Farm in Tedburn St. Mary, near Exeter, Devon. 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.

• Salary:£18,252 per annum
• PoscityTedburn St Mary
• PoscountryUnited Kingdom
• Area:Equine Operations
• Vacancy Type:Permanent
• Full or Part Time?:Part Time

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 part -time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 27 hours per week, covering weekends and evenings 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.