Relief Farm Worker Groom

The Donkey Sanctuary; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

An international animal welfare organisation is seeking a dedicated individual to provide care for resident donkeys and support farm operations. This part-time, fixed-term position is based at Brookfield Farm, requiring 22.5 hours per week. Applicants must possess animal husbandry experience, communication skills, and a UK driving license. The role offers various perks including a competitive pension, health benefits, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive pension

Life assurance

31 days holiday (including Bank holidays)

Wellbeing team

Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes

Long service awards

Healthshield plan

Free Parking

Subsidised restaurant and shop

Qualifications

• Previous equine or animal husbandry experience is required.
• Good communication and customer service skills are essential.
• Experience with farm machinery, especially tractor driving, is preferred.
• Must be physically fit and able to lift up to 20 kg.
• A full UK driving license is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide care for resident donkeys, mules, ponies, and hinnies.
• Daily feedback to the Farm Manager on health and management matters.
• Operate machinery and maintain records for the donkeys.
• Support work experience students and interact positively with visitors.

Skills

Previous equine or animal husbandry experience

Good communication skills

Excellent customer service skills

Experience of using farm machinery (tractor driving)

Physical fitness

Willing to undertake work related training

Full current UK valid driving licence

Job description

Job Summary

Reporting to the UK Farms Office Manager and the Farm Managers/Farm Supervisors, you will provide cover for staff absence, looking after the care and welfare of the resident donkeys, mules, hinnies and ponies at any of our 8 sites, and will support the Farm Manager and Farm Supervisor in maintaining a safe working environment.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Providing feedback on a daily basis to the Farm Manager on matters such as donkey health, feeding regimes and land management, and liaising with other staff to facilitate the smooth running of the farm.
• Operating machinery, and/or manually, mucking out, feeding and bedding up of barns and stables and distributing hay, haylage and bagged feedstuffs.
• Maintaining up to date manual records for the donkeys and farming practices.
• Supporting work experience students and interacting with visitors, Quality Time Volunteers and other Donkey Sanctuary departments in a friendly and positive manner.

Qualifications

• Previous equine or animal husbandry experience.
• Good communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Experience of using farm machinery, specifically tractor driving.
• Physical fitness and ability to lift, for example, a bag of feed (approx. 20 kg).
• Willing to undertake work related training as required.
• Full current UK valid driving licence.

Benefits & Perks

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 at Brookfield Farm – this is a part-time, fixed‑term contract, starting as soon as possible until 3 November 2026, working 22.5 hours per week, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday with some evening and weekend work.

• 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 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 on main site.

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.