Farm Worker / Groom

The Donkey Sanctuary; Tedburn St Mary; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An international animal welfare organization in the UK is seeking a motivated and skilled individual for a full-time role involving the care of donkeys and other animals. Responsibilities include observing and caring for resident animals, preparing medications, assisting veterinary professionals, and maintaining records. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication and observation skills, a full UK driving license, and the ability to work outdoors in various conditions. The position offers competitive benefits, including health plans and holidays.

Benefits

Life assurance

31 days holiday (including Bank holidays)

Wellbeing team support

Access to Pilates and Yoga classes

Long service awards

Healthshield plan

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.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Routinely check, feed, groom, weigh, worm, and train resident animals.
• Prepare and administer medications including injections as directed.
• Assist veterinary professionals with examinations and treatments.
• Make regular observations and welfare checks.
• Maintain a safe working environment adhering to biosecurity measures.
• Maintain farm security by checking fences and locking access points.
• Update animal management records and medication logs.

Skills

Observation skills

Communication skills

Customer service skills

IT knowledge

Team player

Motivation

Job description

Overview

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.

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 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 well‑being 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, fixed‑term contract starting as soon as possible until 31st August 2026, working 37.5 hours per week, 08:00‑16:30, 5 days over 7, with weekend work as part of a rota.

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.

Closing date for completed applications

Tuesday 27 January 2026.

Disability Confident Employer

The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer.

Safeguarding

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.

Misconduct Disclosure Scheme

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.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

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.

Application Etiquette

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.