At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for donkeys and support farm operations in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join The Donkey Sanctuary, a global leader in animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, life assurance, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of donkeys while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals and a valid UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 15210 - 15210 £ per year.
We have an excellent opportunity for a proactive and flexible team player to join our busy Farms Administration department as Relief Farm Worker/Groom.
Location: Honiton
Hours: Part time, working 22.5 hours per week
Salary: £15,210 per annum
Contact: Permanent
Closing date: Sunday 9th August 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.
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).
- Willing to undertake work related training as required.
- Full current UK valid driving licence.
About the role:
- 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 - this is a part-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 22.5 hours per week, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 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.
Closing date for completed applications: Sunday 9 August 2026.
Relief Farm Worker Groom in Honiton employer: Carer Support Wiltshire
Carer Support Wiltshire is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of at-risk young people in Greater London. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer ongoing training and generous benefits such as 26 days of annual leave and a pension scheme, fostering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and equal opportunity. Join us to be part of a passionate team that not only prioritises professional growth but also contributes to the well-being of the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Farm Worker Groom in Honiton
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
Nothing beats on-the-ground experience when it comes to agriculture. Volunteer at local farms or join community gardening projects to meet industry folks. They often have inside info on part-time gigs that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tap Into Agriculture Networks
Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
✨Seasonal Availability Is Key
Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
✨Show Off Your Passion!
Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with Carer Support Wiltshire.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Farm Worker Groom in Honiton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for Carer Support Wiltshire!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at Carer Support Wiltshire. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at Carer Support Wiltshire. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
Include Certifications or Courses:If you have any relevant certifications or courses related to agriculture, make sure to include those! Whether it's a short course in sustainable farming or a certification in organic agriculture, these can really boost your application. It shows you're dedicated to the field and continuously learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carer Support Wiltshire
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Employers want to see that we can apply our knowledge in the field. If you've had hands-on experience—like internships, volunteering on a farm, or even personal projects—talk about them! Share what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of agricultural processes.
✨Flexibility & Commitment—Key for Part-Time Roles
Part-time roles often require a bit of juggling. Be ready to show your willingness to adapt your schedule for peak seasons or specific needs that come up. Discuss your availability openly, and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In agriculture, we might face situations that test our problem-solving skills. Expect questions like how we'd handle a pest outbreak or deal with unpredictable weather. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as it shows we can think on our feet.
