Groom

NFP People; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life assurance

31 days holiday (including Bankhols)

Wellbeing team

Pilates and Yoga classes

Free parking

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Donkey Sanctuary in Belfast (Templepatrick) is seeking a flexible and professional person with a passion for donkeys to join our dedicated team. The role is based at the Belfast Centre, Templepatrick, offering a full-time permanent contract starting January 2027, with a 37.5 hour week and a weekend rota.

You will care for resident donkeys and assist the Centre Manager in maintaining a safe working environment.

Qualifications

• Previous equine or animal husbandry experience.
• Collaborative, positive team player.
• Physically fit and able to lift ~20 kg.
• Willing to work outdoors in varying weather.
• Full UK manual driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide care by routine checking, feeding, medicating, grooming, weighing, worming and training the resident donkeys, mules, ponies and hinnies; assist the vet, farrier and dentist as required.
• Assist with rehabilitation and training of donkeys under supervision.
• Provide daily feedback to the Centre Manager on donkey health, feeding regimes and land management; liaise with staff for smooth centre operation.
• Assist with welfare support and collaborate with the Equine Operations Department.
• Assist with all aspects of offsite visits, including loading, unloading and supervising donkeys during transport.
• Maintain up-to-date manual records for the donkeys and farming practices.

Skills

Equine/animal husbandry experience

Team collaboration

Physical fitness

Outdoor work in adverse weather

Training willingness

Full UK manual driving licence

Job description

We are seeking a flexible and professional person with a passion for Donkeys to join our dedicated team at the Belfast Centre, Templepatrick.

Location: Belfast

Hour: Full time

Salary: £25,350 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. 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 are seeking a flexible and professional person with a passion for Donkeys to join our dedicated team at the Belfast Centre, Templepatrick. Possessing substantial equine and animal husbandry experience, you will provide care and rehabilitation for the resident donkeys and will support the Centre Manager in maintaining a safe working environment.

About you:

• Previous equine or animal husbandry experience.
• Able to demonstrate a collaborative, positive approach to team working
• Physically fitness and able to lift, for example, a bag of feed (approx. 20 kg).
• Willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
• Willing to undertake work related training as required.
• Full current valid manual UK driving licence.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include -

• Providing care by routine checking, feeding, medicating, grooming, weighing, worming and training the resident donkeys, mules, ponies and hinnies and assisting the vet, farrier and dentist as required.
• Assisting with the rehabilitation and training of donkeys through the guidance of the supervisor and behaviour team.
• Providing feedback on a daily basis to the Centre Manager on matters such as donkey health, feeding regimes and land management, and liaising with other staff to facilitate smooth running of the centre.
• Assisting with welfare support when required, collaborating with the wider Equine Operations Department.
• Assisting with all aspects of offsite visits, including the loading, unloading and supervision of the donkeys during transport.
• Maintaining up to date manual records for the donkeys and farming practices.

What we offer in return:

• Based at The Belfast Centre, Templepatrick, this a full-time permanent contract starting in January 2027, working 37.5 hours per week, 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: Thursday 26 November 2026.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client - Not For Profit People.