Farm Worker Groom

The Donkey Sanctuary; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

An international animal welfare organization is seeking a part-time individual to join their team in Sidmouth, UK. The successful candidate will be responsible for caring for donkeys and providing support to the Farm Manager in maintaining a safe environment. This role involves grooming, feeding, administering medications, and ensuring overall wellbeing of the animals. Strong customer service skills and a valid UK driving license are essential. The role offers a competitive pension and several benefits, including holiday and health expenses coverage.

Benefits

Life assurance

31 days holiday

Wellbeing team

Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes

Long service awards

Healthshield plan

Discounts on shopping

Access to a 24/7 GP

Free parking

Subsidised restaurant and shop

Qualifications

• Excellent observation skills to identify signs of ill-health in animals.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Competent IT knowledge and skills.
• Willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
• Effective team player who builds trust.
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude.
• UK full valid driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Check, feed, groom, and train resident donkeys.
• Prepare and administer medications including injections.
• Assist veterinary professionals with examinations and treatments.
• Make observations and report health updates.
• Maintain hygiene in barns and stables.
• Ensure security of the farm.
• Update animal management records.

Skills

Observation skills

Communication skills

Customer service skills

Team player

Tools

IT knowledge

Job description

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.

We have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive individual with a passion for Donkeys to join our busy team at Slade House Farm, in Sidmouth, East 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.

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.
• 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.
• UK full valid driving licence.

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.

Based in Sidmouth, Devon – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – this is a part‑time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 15 hours per week, Monday – Friday, with some weekend work as part of a rota. Competitive pension.

Benefits

• 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.