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- Tasks: Assist in daily care of horses and dogs on a beautiful rural farm.
- Company: Join a nature-focused rewilding project on a stunning 100-acre property.
- Benefits: Enjoy free onsite accommodation and a peaceful rural lifestyle.
- Why this job: Perfect for animal lovers seeking hands-on experience in a tranquil environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals is preferred, but no formal qualifications required.
- Other info: Live-in position ideal for someone who enjoys outdoor work and quiet living.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Animal Assistant (Live-In)
Location: Somerset
Salary: £30,000 pa plus free onsite accommodation.
We are looking for a reliable, caring, and hands-on individual with experience around horses and dogs to assist in the daily care of our client\’s animals and home. This is a live-in position on a beautiful 100-acre rural farm, ideal for someone who genuinely enjoys the outdoors and takes pride in looking after animals and their environment.
This is a permanent position, on a self-employed basis, with long-term prospects.
You will work closely with our client, who manages the rewilding project and animal care, and will receive guidance and instructions from them. The right person must be comfortable working independently when the owner is away, acting responsibly and with initiative.
Key Responsibilities
Animal Care (primary focus):
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Support daily routines for 6 horses (including feeding, grooming, mucking out)
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2 large horses (16hh), aged 15 and 25
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2 miniature Shetland ponies
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2 rescue Dartmoor ponies (pet status)
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Assist with basic dog care as required
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Monitor animal wellbeing, report any concerns
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Carry out basic yard and field duties (topping up water, checking fences, etc.)
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Administer simple treatments or medications as directed (when the owner is away)
Household Support (part-time):
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General domestic duties including cleaning, laundry, and ironing
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Occasional help with food preparation or table setting (no daily cooking required)
Ideal Candidate Profile
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Experience with horses and dogs (non-professional backgrounds welcome)
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Observant, compassionate, and calm around animals
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Comfortable with practical, outdoor work in all seasons
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Trustworthy and capable of taking responsibility in the owners\’ absence
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Self-motivated with a pitch-in attitude
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Able to follow instructions and communicate clearly
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Open to learning; no formal qualifications required
Please note:
We are not seeking someone from a high-level professional equestrian or stud background, as this position is more relaxed and hands-on with a smaller number of animals. There is no riding involved.
About the Property
The farm includes:
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100 acres of countryside, with 60 acres managed as a rewilding and grazing project
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40 acres let to two local farmers
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A mix of rough pasture and old stone farm buildings (planning in place for future development)
- An ongoing, nature-focused long-term project
Accommodation
A modern mobile home is provided free of charge:
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Double glazed
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Central heating
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Fully equipped with kitchen and bathroom
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WiFi included
Additional Information
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Ideally suited to a single person without pets or dependents
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Live-in position, must be comfortable with quiet, rural living
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Ongoing training and support provided
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Occasional longer periods of responsibility when owners are abroad
If you are someone who enjoys animals, nature, and a peaceful rural lifestyleand are happy to help in a variety of practical wayswe would love to hear from you. Please apply now or give us a call on 01258 458 695.
Animal Assistant employer: Swann Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Swann Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of horses and dogs, especially in a rural setting. Understanding their behaviour and care routines will show your genuine interest and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any hands-on experience you have with animals, even if it's informal. Sharing stories about your interactions with animals can help demonstrate your compassion and suitability for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Emphasise your ability to work independently and take initiative. The role requires someone who can manage responsibilities when the owner is away, so showcasing examples of past experiences where you've done this will be beneficial.
✨Tip Number 4
Express your enthusiasm for outdoor work and rural living. This position is set in a beautiful countryside environment, so conveying your love for nature and willingness to embrace the lifestyle will resonate well with the employer.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience with animals, particularly horses and dogs. Include specific examples of your hands-on work and any responsibilities you've had in similar roles.
Write a Personal Cover Letter: Craft a cover letter that reflects your passion for animal care and the outdoors. Mention why you are drawn to this live-in position and how your values align with the rewilding project.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: Emphasise your qualities such as being observant, compassionate, and self-motivated. Provide examples of situations where you've demonstrated these traits, especially in caring for animals.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow any specific application instructions provided in the job listing. This may include how to submit your application or any additional documents required. Attention to detail is key!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swann Recruitment
✨Show Your Passion for Animals
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals during the interview. Share any personal experiences you have with horses and dogs, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role and your understanding of their needs.
✨Highlight Your Practical Skills
Discuss any hands-on experience you have with animal care, even if it's non-professional. Be prepared to talk about specific tasks you've performed, such as grooming, feeding, or monitoring animal wellbeing, to show that you're capable and reliable.
✨Emphasise Your Independence
Since the role requires working independently at times, convey your ability to take initiative and responsibility. Provide examples of situations where you've successfully managed tasks on your own, especially in outdoor or rural settings.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
The job involves various responsibilities, from animal care to household support. Be ready to discuss your flexibility and willingness to pitch in wherever needed, showcasing your positive attitude towards diverse tasks.
