Farm Worker/Groom

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys and mules worldwide. We are working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering, and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We are achieving this by transforming the quality of life for donkeys, mules and people worldwide through greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.

We are seeking a person with a passion for Donkeys to join our busy team at Trow Farm at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, Devon. Highly self-motivated and a genuine team player, you will provide care and rehabilitation for the resident donkeys and their environment, and will support the Farm Manager and Farm Supervisor in facilitating the efficient and safe running of the farm.

Principal duties and responsibilities within this varied and rewarding role 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
• 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 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 the farm by sweeping, pressure washing, cleaning, field sweeping, haymaking, trimming, compost management, willow management and dirty water control
• Maintaining up to date manual records for the donkeys and farming practices
• Supporting work experience students and interacting with Quality Time Volunteers and other Donkey Sanctuary departments in a friendly and positive manner.

Demonstrable equine experience and/or experience of animal husbandry, together with excellent customer service and communication skills is essential, as is a commitment to personal development and a full, valid driving licence. Experience of using farm machinery, specifically tractor driving, is desirable.

If you feel you have the qualities, skills and experience to fulfil this varied, rewarding and vital role, and would like to be part of the evolving program of change taking place within the charity, we would love to hear from you. Based in Sidmouth, Devon – an area of outstanding natural beauty – this is a part-time, permanent contract working 22.5 hours per week, on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Closing date for completed applications: Wednesday 4 January 2023.

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: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.