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- Tasks: Care for donkeys, mules, and ponies while maintaining a safe farm environment.
- Company: The Donkey Sanctuary, dedicated to improving donkey welfare worldwide.
- Benefits: 31 days holiday, health plan, wellbeing activities, and free parking.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in animal welfare.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care, strong communication skills, and a valid UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
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.
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, 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.
- 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.
- Full current UK valid driving licence.
- Experience in animal husbandry or equine care.
About the role:
- 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, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7, including weekend work as part of the team rota.
Life assurance. 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will 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: Tuesday 19th May 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.
Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.
Farm Worker/Groom (2217) in Devon employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
Contact Detail:
The Donkey Sanctuary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Worker/Groom (2217) in Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research The Donkey Sanctuary and understand their mission and values. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show your genuine passion for animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the work culture, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves hands-on work with donkeys, be ready to demonstrate your skills. Brush up on animal care techniques and be prepared to discuss your experience in detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at The Donkey Sanctuary. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Worker/Groom (2217) in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for donkeys and animal care in your own words.
Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with animal husbandry or equine care. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission, so include specific examples of your skills and what you've done in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Read the job description carefully and tailor your application to match. Use keywords from the description to show that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into our team at Woods Farm.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and securely. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨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
The role requires a proactive team player, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Highlight any experiences where you built trust and positive relationships with colleagues or handled sensitive situations diplomatically.
✨Demonstrate Your Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in animal husbandry or equine care. If you have specific skills like operating machinery or keeping records, mention these during the interview. Practical examples will make your application stand out.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask insightful questions about the farm's practices or the team's dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.