At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in caring for horses and maintaining the yard to BHS standards.
- Company: Join a leading college dedicated to animal science and equine excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible part-time role with potential for career growth in the equine industry.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience with horses while contributing to student learning.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications or willingness to learn, plus a passion for equine care.
The predicted salary is between 7710 - 7710 £ per year.
The Board of Directors of Coleg Sir Gar and Coleg Ceredigion (the College) are committed to appointing the very best staff who achieve excellence in their work. Working to the values and behaviours that underpin the strategic plan and business of the institution, the College seeks staff that display creativity and innovation, whilst driving their own performance, and the performance of others, to provide the very best experience and service to learners.
The post holder will provide assistance to the academic staff. The Groom/Yard Assistant has day to day responsibility for the care of approximately 14 horses kept for instruction of full and part time students and work‑based learners and maintaining the yard and arenas to a standard appropriate for a BHS Examinations Centre.
Key Responsibilities:- Perform routine stable duties: mucking out, grooming/clipping and exercising fit horses ridden and on the lunge, turning out and catching.
- Assume primary responsibility for exercising horses as needed and liaising with Equine Groups and individuals hiring the riding arenas.
- Maintain the horses, the yard, riding arenas, surrounding areas, fields and paddocks, equipment, horses’ tack and clothing tidy and in good working order to BHS standards.
- Pay particular attention to security including the closing of gates at the ends of shifts etc. reporting of any faults or issues as they arise.
- Contact the designated person by telephone at the start and end of the shift.
- Carry out routine checks of equipment, tools, machinery, complete checklists as required by Head Groom / HoC.
- Maintain a standard of dress and wear PPE appropriate and up to current standards to a BHS Examination Centre.
- Advise the Head Groom / HoC regarding work programmes for part time grooms within the bounds of their job description.
- Assist the Head Groom with organising part time staffing at weekends and identify potential sick cover and additional part time staffing for holiday cover.
- Provide occasional cover in the event of sickness, adverse weather, annual leave or special events.
- Responsibility for routine treatment of horses when you are on duty e.g. farriery, worming, vaccination, clipping, liaising closely with the Head Groom/HoC.
- Complete appropriate records and ensure other grooms are informed of treatment carried out.
- Monitor use of feed, bedding and other consumables ensuring that the necessary paperwork is fully completed.
- Ensure that records, diaries and charts are completed and information is accurate and in sufficient detail.
- Be responsible for the supervision of learners during stable duties sessions.
- Liaise with academic staff and yard staff to supervise students, including those learners with Additional Learning Needs and work‑based learners.
- Be responsible for learners' health and safety, including the needs and competencies of young learners (14 -19 years).
- Liaise with the other grooms and the Head Groom regarding events occurring during your period on duty.
- Liaise with contractors, ground support team, Campus Manager, caretakers, guests and visitors to the Equine Unit.
- Monitor the appropriate use of the two arenas when hired out to various Equine Community groups.
- Ensure that the arena surfaces are prepared ready for use by those hiring the arenas and in a suitable condition for college use after the hiring.
- Contribute to Equine Team Meetings either in person or by forwarding relevant information to the Head Groom/ HoC.
- Liaise with horse owner/owners, after consultation with the Head Groom and record all communication with them.
- Use initiative to support the Equine team to develop income generation activities and maximise use of the Equine facilities.
- Contribute to the maintenance of accurate records of Equine Facilities utilisation.
- Relevant industrial qualification/PC/BHS or willingness to complete one.
- Recent and relevant industrial experience.
- An appropriate level of physical fitness.
- Ability and willingness to ride a variety of horses in walk, trot & canter.
- British Horse Society Gold Membership.
- Good communicator with diplomacy and tact.
- Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
- Ability to work harmoniously with colleagues.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Willingness to undertake First Aid at Work Training.
- Willingness to drive an ATV.
- Current UK driving licence.
Welsh Oracy (Listening/Speaking) – Level 0/1 Desirable. Welsh Literacy (Writing/Reading) – Level 0/1 Desirable.
Benefits:- You will receive 28 days holiday, plus bank holidays and five closure days which totals at 41 days holiday per year.
- You also receive an additional 4 days after 5 years service.
- Extremely generous pension scheme with employer contributions of 20%.
- Award‑winning professional learning and development programme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free on‑site car parking.
- Online and instore retail discounts.
Groom/Yard Assistant in Carmarthen employer: Coleg Sir Gar
Coleg Sir Gar and Coleg Ceredigion is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. As a Groom/Yard Assistant at the Pibwrlwyd Campus, you will benefit from a generous holiday allowance, a robust pension scheme, and access to professional learning opportunities, all while working in a vibrant equine environment that fosters creativity and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groom/Yard Assistant in Carmarthen
✨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 Coleg Sir Gar.
We think you need these skills to ace Groom/Yard Assistant in Carmarthen
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 Coleg Sir Gar!
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 Coleg Sir Gar. 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 Coleg Sir Gar. 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 Coleg Sir Gar
✨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.
