At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for donkeys and support farm operations in a vibrant team environment.
- Company: Join The Donkey Sanctuary, a leading animal welfare organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 31 days holiday, and wellness perks like yoga classes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of donkeys while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Passion for animals, good communication skills, and a valid UK driving licence.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 23962 - 23962 £ per year.
We have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive team player with a passion for Donkeys to join our busy team at Woods Farm.
Location: Bowd
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £23,962 per annum
Contract: fixed-term contract starting as soon as possible, until 15th January 2027
Closing Date: Thursday 20 November 2025
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 a Farm Worker/Groom, you will provide care and rehabilitation for the resident donkeys, mules and hinnies, and support the Farm Manager in maintaining a safe working environment.
About you:
- Excellent observation skills to identify and notice signs that would indicate ill-health in animals.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills – tactful and diplomatic when handling sensitive matters.
- Competent IT knowledge and skills.
- Full current UK valid driving licence.
- Willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
- Effective team player who builds trust and positive relationships.
- Self-motivated, with a positive and professional attitude.
Desirable:
- Experience in animal husbandry or equine care.
About the role:
Your principal duties and responsibilities will include:
- Routinely checking, feeding, medicating, grooming, weighing, worming and training the resident donkeys, mules, ponies and hinnies.
- 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.
This is a full-time, fixed-term contract starting as soon as possible, until 15th January 2027, working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7, including weekend work as part of the team rota.
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 – 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 on main site.
Closing date for completed applications: Thursday 20 November 2025.
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.
Farm Worker Groom employer: NFP People Limited
Contact Detail:
NFP People Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Worker Groom
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the farm and its team! Before your interview, take a stroll around Woods Farm if you can. Familiarise yourself with the donkeys and the environment. This shows your genuine interest and helps you connect with the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for donkeys! During your interview, share any experiences you've had with animals, especially donkeys. Talk about what makes you excited about working in animal care and how you can contribute to their well-being.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your skills! If possible, prepare to showcase your animal handling abilities or discuss specific situations where you've successfully cared for animals. This practical insight can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from passionate candidates. It gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm right from the start. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Worker Groom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Donkeys: When writing your application, let your love for donkeys shine through! Share any experiences you've had with animals, especially donkeys, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in this role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to mention your observation skills and any experience in animal husbandry or equine care. We want to see how you can contribute to the well-being of our donkeys and support the team effectively.
Be Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, don’t hesitate to inject a bit of your personality into your application. We’re looking for team players who can build trust and positive relationships, so let us know what makes you unique!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at NFP People Limited
✨Know Your Donkeys
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge about donkeys and their care. Familiarise yourself with common health issues and behaviours. This will show your passion for the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a Farm Worker/Groom, teamwork is crucial. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Highlight your ability to build trust and positive relationships with colleagues and animals alike.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical skills, like handling animals or operating machinery. Think of specific situations where you’ve demonstrated these skills and be prepared to discuss them in detail.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the farm's practices or the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.