Farm Worker Groom Maintenance

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 proactive and self-motivated team player to join our busy team at Paccombe Farm, near Sidmouth, East Devon. Possessing equine, animal husbandry and agricultural experience, 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.

About you:

• Demonstrable experience of general farm maintenance, including farm water supply, welding and stock fencing.
• Tractor driving experience.
• Experience of animal husbandry.
• Agricultural experience, including grassland management.
• Full current valid driving licence.
• Trailer towing licence or LGV (desirable).

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
• 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, strimming, compost management, willow management and dirty water control

• Undertaking farm maintenance and fencing duties as required.

What we offer in return:

This is a full-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week 5 days over 7, including weekend work as part of the farm 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 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.

Closing date for completed applications: Wednesday 21 June 2023.

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.