At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for donkeys, including feeding, grooming, and health checks.
- Company: Join The Donkey Sanctuary, a global leader in animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, life assurance, and wellness classes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in donkey lives while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal husbandry and a valid driving licence required.
- Other info: Full-time role with weekend shifts; apply by 14 July 2025.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
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 person with a passion for Donkeys to join our busy 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.
- 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 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.
- 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 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.
What we offer in return:
Based at The Belfast Centre, Templepatrick, this is a full time permanent contract starting as soon as possible, 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 will each full year of service.
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.
Closing date for completed applications: Monday 14 July 2025.
Interviews will take place on Thursday 17th July, at our Centre in Templepatrick.
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.
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.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.
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Rehoming Centre Groom (1970) employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
Contact Detail:
The Donkey Sanctuary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rehoming Centre Groom (1970)
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for donkeys and animal welfare during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to animal care, as this will resonate with the values of The Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and behaviours of donkeys. Being knowledgeable about their care and rehabilitation will demonstrate your suitability for the role and your dedication to improving their lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous equine and animal husbandry experience in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've handled similar responsibilities, as this will help showcase your practical skills and readiness for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Be open about your willingness to work in various weather conditions and undertake training. This shows your flexibility and commitment to the role, which are essential qualities for working at a rehoming centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Rehoming Centre Groom (1970)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Organisation: Familiarise yourself with The Donkey Sanctuary's mission and values. Highlight your passion for animal welfare and how it aligns with their vision in your application.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Detail your equine and animal husbandry experience clearly. Provide specific examples of your previous roles and responsibilities that demonstrate your capability to care for donkeys and other animals.
Emphasise Physical Fitness: Mention your physical fitness and ability to perform tasks such as lifting heavy bags of feed. This is crucial for the role, so be sure to include any relevant experiences that showcase your strength and stamina.
Personalise Your Application: Write your application in your own words, reflecting your genuine interest in the position. Avoid using AI writing tools, as the organisation values authenticity and personal touch in applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Show Your Passion for Donkeys
Make sure to express your genuine love and passion for donkeys during the interview. Share any personal experiences you have had with donkeys or similar animals, as this will demonstrate your commitment to their welfare.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous equine or animal husbandry experience in detail. Mention specific tasks you've performed, such as grooming, feeding, or caring for animals, and how these experiences have prepared you for the role.
✨Demonstrate Physical Fitness
Since the role requires physical fitness, be ready to talk about your ability to handle the physical demands of the job. You might mention any relevant activities or experiences that showcase your strength and stamina.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, or the organisation's mission. This shows your interest in the position and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.