Farm Worker/Groom (1987)

Farm Worker/Groom (1987)

Honiton Full-Time 20000 - 28000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Care for donkeys, mules, and hinnies while maintaining a safe farm environment.
  • Company: The Donkey Sanctuary is a global leader in animal welfare, dedicated to improving donkey lives.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, wellbeing support, and discounts on shopping and travel.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in animal welfare with a supportive culture.
  • Qualifications: Strong observation skills, communication abilities, and a valid UK driving licence required.
  • Other info: Full-time role with a fixed-term contract, including weekend work as part of the rota.

The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ 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 have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive team player with a passion for Donkeys to join our busy team at Brookfield Farm, As a Farm Worker/Groom, you will provide care and rehabilitation for the resident donkeys, mules and hinnies, and support the Farm Manager in maintaining a safe working environment.

About you:

  • Excellent observation skills to identify and notice signs that would indicate ill-health in animals.
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills – tactful and diplomatic when handling sensitive matters.
  • Competent IT knowledge and skills.
  • Full current UK valid driving licence.
  • Willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
  • Effective team player who builds trust and positive relationships.
  • Self-motivated, with a positive and professional attitude.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

  • Routinely checking, feeding, medicating, grooming, weighing, worming and training the resident donkeys, mules, ponies and hinnies.
  • Assisting visiting vets, farriers and dentists.
  • 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.
  • Maintaining up to date manual records for the donkeys, farming practices, holidays and overtime.
  • Providing feedback on a daily basis to the Farm Manager and Supervisor on matters such as donkey health, feeding regimes and land management and liaising with other staff to facilitate smooth running of the farm.

This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term contract starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7, including weekend work as part of the team rota.

Life assurance.

31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service.

Wellbeing team.

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.

Subsidised restaurant and shop.

Closing date for completed applications: Sunday 3 August 2025.

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.

The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

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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Farm Worker/Groom (1987) employer: The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, dedicated to animal welfare and fostering a supportive work environment at Brookfield Farm. Employees benefit from a strong focus on wellbeing, including access to health plans, fitness classes, and generous holiday allowances, all while contributing to the meaningful mission of improving the lives of donkeys. With opportunities for professional growth and a collaborative team culture, this role offers a rewarding experience for those passionate about animal care.
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Contact Detail:

The Donkey Sanctuary Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Farm Worker/Groom (1987)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with The Donkey Sanctuary's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you align your passion for donkeys with their goals, making you a more appealing candidate.

✨Tip Number 2

Gain hands-on experience with donkeys or similar animals. Volunteering at local farms or animal shelters can provide you with practical skills and demonstrate your dedication to animal care, which is crucial for this role.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the animal welfare sector. Attend workshops or events related to animal care to meet people who might provide insights or even referrals for the Farm Worker/Groom position.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your teamwork and communication skills during the interview. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with others, as these qualities are essential for working effectively at Brookfield Farm.

We think you need these skills to ace Farm Worker/Groom (1987)

Animal Care and Welfare
Observation Skills
Communication Skills
Customer Service Skills
Teamwork
Self-Motivation
Proactive Attitude
IT Competence
Driving Skills
Machinery Operation
Record Keeping
Time Management
Adaptability to Weather Conditions
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Farm Worker/Groom position. Highlight your passion for animal welfare, particularly for donkeys, in your application.

Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your observation skills, communication abilities, and any experience you have with animal care. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your competence in these areas.

Personalise Your Application: Write your application in your own words, reflecting your personality and enthusiasm for the role. Avoid using AI writing tools, as the organisation values genuine applications.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary

✨Show Your Passion for Animals

Make sure to express your genuine love and passion for donkeys and animal welfare during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you have had with animals, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role.

✨Highlight Your Observation Skills

Since excellent observation skills are crucial for identifying signs of ill-health in animals, prepare examples of situations where you successfully noticed and addressed health issues in animals. This will show that you understand the importance of vigilance in animal care.

✨Demonstrate Teamwork Abilities

As a Farm Worker/Groom, you'll need to work closely with others. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively collaborated with team members in previous roles, and highlight your ability to build trust and positive relationships within a team.

✨Prepare for Practical Questions

Expect practical questions related to the daily tasks of the role, such as feeding, grooming, and maintaining the farm. Familiarise yourself with these responsibilities and be prepared to discuss how you would approach them, showcasing your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.

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