At a Glance
- Tasks: Support facilities with maintenance, cleaning, gardening, and security operations.
- Company: Join The Donkey Sanctuary, a global leader in animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 31 days holiday, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Flexible hours in a beautiful location with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference for donkeys while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in grounds work and strong customer service skills required.
We have an excellent opportunity for a proactive and flexible team player to join our busy Estates and Facilities Management team.
Location: Sidmouth
Hours: Part time 15 hours per week
Salary: £14.16 per hour
Contact: Permanent
Closing date: Tuesday 23rd 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.
As Facilities Support Worker, you will provide flexible cover and support across Security and Site/Facilities Operations, undertaking routine maintenance and minor repairs, cleaning, gardening and preparing spaces for use. This multi-functional role will include assisting with the security and management of premises, plant, equipment and soft services, ensuring buildings and grounds operate smoothly.
About you:
- Experience of landscape construction or grounds-related works.
- Strong problem-solving, organisational, and time management skills.
- Demonstrable customer service experience.
- Working knowledge of site security procedures and personal safety practices, with the ability to apply them in a working environment.
- Valid First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).
- Experience of maintaining accurate records and producing timely incident or activity reports.
- Working knowledge of Health & Safety and Fire Safety legislation and the ability to implement safe systems of work.
- Competent IT skills, including practical experience using Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
About the role:
- Carrying out basic grounds and maintenance work (gardening, painting, benches, plaques, bins, recycling areas).
- Providing operational support for onsite services including deliveries, waste, cleaning, and grounds maintenance, ensuring compliance with charity policies.
- Carrying out regular inspections of gates, to include keys and padlocks in all public areas to ensure they are operational and safe, oiling latches and reporting any repairs required.
- Maintaining safe public access by clearing snow, ice and debris.
- Maintaining site security in line with charity policies through regular patrols (foot/vehicle), securing property, land, equipment, vehicles and access points, and logging all checks.
- Responding promptly to emergencies affecting premises, staff or visitors, and acting as the out-of-hours contact for EFM issues, escalating in line with Issues and Emergencies Support Guidance.
- Acting as designated First Aider, responding to incidents and coordinating with department leads to ensure safe, calm and professional resolution.
What we offer in return:
Based in Sidmouth, Devon – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – this is a part-time permanent contract working 15 hours per week. Fridays will be a full day, 07.30-16.00. The remaining hours are flexible and will be agreed between the line manager and post-holder. Additional hours may be available during busy periods.
Benefits:
- Competitive pension.
- 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.
Closing date for completed applications: Tuesday 23 June 2026.
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.
Facilities Support Worker in Exeter employer: Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment in the picturesque location of Sidmouth, Devon. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits including a competitive pension, life assurance, and 31 days of holiday that increases with service, alongside opportunities for personal growth through wellness initiatives like Pilates and Yoga classes. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of donkeys while enjoying a fulfilling career in a beautiful Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Facilities Support Worker in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research The Donkey Sanctuary and their mission. When you understand their values, you can tailor your approach during interviews and show how you align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and help you stand out when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Think about potential scenarios you might face as a Facilities Support Worker. Practise your responses to common interview questions and be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and reinforces your enthusiasm for joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Facilities Support Worker in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Flexibility:In your application, highlight your ability to adapt and be flexible. We’re looking for someone who can jump in wherever needed, so share examples of how you've done this in past roles.
Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills:Make sure to include specific instances where you’ve tackled challenges head-on. We love proactive team players, so let us know how you’ve solved problems in a creative way!
Highlight Customer Service Experience:Since this role involves interacting with the public, it’s crucial to showcase your customer service skills. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide excellent service.
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 get you into the process smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Donkey Sanctuary
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Facilities Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with tasks like routine maintenance, site security, and customer service. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
During the interview, be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully tackled challenges in previous roles. Whether it's dealing with maintenance issues or ensuring site security, highlighting your problem-solving abilities will set you apart as a proactive candidate.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As a Facilities Support Worker, you'll need to work closely with others. Share experiences that showcase your teamwork skills and flexibility. Emphasising your ability to collaborate effectively will resonate well with the interviewers, especially since they’re looking for a team player.
✨Prepare Questions About Safety Practices
Since the role involves health and safety compliance, prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's safety protocols. This shows that you take safety seriously and are keen to contribute to a safe working environment, which is crucial for this position.
