Relief Farm Worker & Groom — Donkeys & Equines

The Donkey Sanctuary; Honiton; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life assurance

Holiday entitlement

Wellbeing team

Pilates/Yoga classes

Long service awards

Healthshield plan

Free parking

Staff restaurant

Job summary

The Donkey Sanctuary is seeking a proactive Relief Farm Worker/Groom to join our Farms Administration team at Brookfield Farm near Honiton. You will cover staff absence and care for resident donkeys, mules, hinnies and ponies across our eight sites, supporting the Farm Manager and Farm Supervisors.

This full-time role requires hands-on animal care, experience with farm machinery (tractor driving), a valid UK driving licence, and a flexible approach to evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Previous equine or animal husbandry experience.
• Experience of using farm machinery, specifically tractor driving.
• Physically fit and able to handle heavy loads (e.g. 20 kg bags).
• Willing to undertake work related training as required.
• Full current valid UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide care through routine checks, feeding, medicating, grooming, weighing, worming and training of donkeys, mules, ponies and hinnies; assist vet, farrier and dentist as required.
• Provide daily feedback to the Farm Manager on donkey health, feeding regimes and land management; liaise with staff to ensure smooth farm operations.
• Operate machinery or manually muck out, feed and bed barns and stables; distribute hay and feedstuffs.
• Maintain up-to-date manual records for donkeys and farming practices.
• Support work experience students; interact with visitors, volunteers and other Donkey Sanctuary departments.

Skills

Equine/animal husbandry experience

Tractor driving

Physical fitness

Willing to train

UK driving licence

Tools

Farm machinery operation

Job description

The Donkey Sanctuary is seeking a proactive Relief Farm Worker/Groom to join our Farms Administration team at Brookfield Farm near Honiton. You will cover staff absence and care for resident donkeys, mules, hinnies and ponies across our eight sites, supporting the Farm Manager and Farm Supervisors.

This full-time role requires hands-on animal care, experience with farm machinery (tractor driving), a valid UK driving licence, and a flexible approach to evenings and weekends.