At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for donkeys, assist vets, and maintain the farm environment.
- 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 with weekend shifts; perfect for passionate animal lovers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on donkey lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals, good communication skills, and a valid UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 € per year.
Your principal duties and responsibilities will include:
- Routinely checking, feeding, medicating, grooming, weighing, worming, and training the resident donkeys.
- 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.
We have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive team player with a passion for donkeys to join our busy team at Trow and Hurford farms, Sidmouth, Devon. Possessing substantial equine and animal husbandry experience, you will provide care and rehabilitation for the resident donkeys, mules, and hinnies, and support the Farm Manager in maintaining a safe working environment.
Minimum Requirements:
- Previous equine or animal husbandry experience.
- Good communication skills.
- Excellent customer service and people skills.
- Physically fit and able to lift, for example, a bag of feed (approx. 20 kg).
- Willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
- Willing to undertake work-related training as required.
- Full valid UK driving licence.
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.
This is a full-time, permanent contract working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7. The working pattern will be agreed between the Farm Manager and post holder, but flexibility will be required for weekend working as part of the team rota.
Benefits include:
- Competitive pension.
- Life Assurance.
- 31 Days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
- Wellbeing Team.
- Recorded Pilates 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 at The Donkey Sanctuary main site.
Farm Worker/Groom in Sidmouth employer: jobs24.co.uk
The Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque Sidmouth, Devon, offering a fulfilling opportunity for those passionate about animal welfare. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide competitive benefits such as a generous holiday allowance, a comprehensive health plan, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of donkeys while enjoying a vibrant work culture that values flexibility and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Worker/Groom in Sidmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and behaviours of donkeys. Understanding their care requirements will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the equine and animal husbandry fields. Attend local events or workshops to meet people who can provide insights or even recommend you for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors by sharing relevant experiences. Whether it's lifting heavy items or working in adverse weather, showing that you're up for the challenge is key.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in animal husbandry during the interview. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully cared for animals and worked as part of a team.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Worker/Groom in Sidmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to emphasise your previous equine or animal husbandry experience in your application. Detail specific tasks you've performed that relate to the responsibilities listed, such as grooming, feeding, and training donkeys.
Showcase Communication Skills:Since good communication skills are essential for this role, include examples of how you've effectively communicated with team members, vets, or customers in past positions. This will demonstrate your ability to work well within a team.
Demonstrate Physical Fitness:Mention any relevant physical activities or experiences that showcase your fitness level, especially your ability to lift heavy items like bags of feed. This is important for the farm work environment.
Express Passion for Animal Welfare:Convey your passion for donkeys and animal welfare in your cover letter. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your interest in working with animals, particularly in a caring and rehabilitative capacity.
How to prepare for a job interview at jobs24.co.uk
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Care
Make sure to express your genuine love for donkeys and animal husbandry during the interview. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to animal welfare, as this will resonate well with the values of The Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Demonstrate Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous equine or animal husbandry experience in detail. Highlight specific tasks you've performed, such as grooming, feeding, or assisting vets, to showcase your hands-on skills and knowledge in caring for animals.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills
Since the role requires working closely with a team, emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with others. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment, especially in challenging situations.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities related to farm work. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios, such as managing donkey health or operating machinery safely.
