Farm Worker Groom - Exeter

NFP People Limited; Exeter; On-site; GBP 8,000 - 10,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading animal welfare organization is seeking a Farm Worker Groom to care for donkeys at Sidmouth. This part-time, permanent role involves grooming, feeding, and monitoring the health of the animals. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and the ability to work outside. Benefits include competitive pension, 31 days holiday, and health plan. Salary is £9,585 per annum for 15 hours per week.

Benefits

Competitive pension

Life assurance

31 days holiday

Wellbeing team

Access to 24/7 GP and counselling

Free parking

Subsidised restaurant

Qualifications

• Possess excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Routine care, feeding, and training of resident donkeys and mules.
• Assisting with veterinary examinations and treatments.
• Maintaining a safe and hygienic working environment.

Skills

Excellent observation skills

Excellent communication and customer service skills

Competent IT knowledge

Team player

Self-motivated

Valid UK driving licence

Job description

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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 Slade House Farm, in Sidmouth, East Devon.

Position

Farm Worker / Groom (2106)

Location

Sidmouth

Hours

Part-time 15 hours per week

Salary

£9,585 per annum

Contract

Permanent

Closing Date

Tuesday 16 December 2025

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.
• 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.