At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for donkeys and support farm operations while ensuring their welfare.
- Company: Join The Donkey Sanctuary, a global leader in animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, health perks, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and wellbeing activities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of donkeys every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals and a valid UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 25350 - 25350 £ per year.
Location: Honiton
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £25,350 per annum
Contact: Permanent
Closing date: Sunday 7th June 2026
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.
Reporting structure: Reporting to the UK Farms Office Manager and the Farm Managers/Farm Supervisors, you will provide cover for staff absence, looking after the care and welfare of the resident donkeys, mules, hinnies and ponies at any of our eight sites, and will support the Farm Manager and Farm Supervisor in maintaining a safe working environment.
About you:
- Previous equine or animal husbandry experience.
- Experience of using farm machinery, specifically tractor driving.
- Physical fitness and the ability to lift, for example, a bag of feed (approx. 20 kg).
- Willingness to undertake work-related training as required.
- Full current UK valid driving licence.
About the role: Your principal duties and responsibilities 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 the 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 up-to-date manual records for the donkeys and farming practices.
- Supporting work experience students and interacting with visitors, Quality Time Volunteers and other Donkey Sanctuary departments in a friendly and positive manner.
What we offer in return: Based at Brookfield Farm, near Honiton, in East Devon – these are full-time, permanent contracts starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7, with some evening and weekend work as part of the team rota.
- Life assurance.
- 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
- Wellbeing team.
- Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
- Long service awards.
- Healthshield plan, including reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership, offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets and access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service.
- Free Parking.
- Subsidised restaurant and shop on main site.
Legal statements: 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.
Relief Farm Worker Groom in Exeter employer: Carer Support Wiltshire
The Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, dedicated to animal welfare and fostering a supportive work environment at our picturesque Brookfield Farm in Honiton. We offer competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a range of wellbeing initiatives, including Pilates and Yoga classes, ensuring our staff thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of donkeys while enjoying unique benefits like a subsidised restaurant and free parking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Farm Worker Groom in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Donkey Sanctuary and its mission! Research their values and how they care for donkeys. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a job at the sanctuary. Personal connections can make a big difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves animal care and machinery operation, brush up on your skills. Practise handling animals and using farm equipment to feel confident when it comes to the hands-on parts of the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and opportunities directly from us, making it easier to stay in the loop.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Farm Worker Groom in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare:When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share any relevant experiences you have with donkeys or other animals, and explain why you want to work at The Donkey Sanctuary. We want to see your enthusiasm!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your previous equine or animal husbandry experience, and mention any specific skills like tractor driving. We’re looking for candidates who fit the bill, so make it easy for us to see why you’re a great match!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carer Support Wiltshire
✨Know Your Donkeys
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and behaviours of donkeys, mules, and ponies. Research The Donkey Sanctuary's mission and values to show your genuine interest in animal welfare during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your previous experience with animal husbandry and any relevant farm machinery skills, especially tractor driving. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed animal care or worked in a team environment.
✨Demonstrate Physical Readiness
Since the role requires physical fitness, be prepared to talk about your ability to handle tasks like lifting heavy feed bags. You might even want to mention any relevant training or activities that keep you fit and ready for the job.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
During the interview, express your passion for working with animals and your willingness to learn. Highlight your ability to interact positively with visitors and volunteers, as teamwork and communication are key in this role.
