At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for donkeys and support farm operations while ensuring their welfare.
- Company: Join The Donkey Sanctuary, a global leader in animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, health perks, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for personal growth and wellbeing activities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of donkeys while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals and farm machinery; must be physically fit.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ 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 proactive and flexible team player to join our busy Farms Administration department as Relief Farm Worker/Groom. Reporting to the UK Farms Office Manager and the Farm Managers/Farm Supervisors, you will provide cover for staff absence, looking after the care and welfare of the resident donkeys, mules, hinnies and ponies at any of our 8 sites, and will support the Farm Manager and Farm Supervisor in maintaining a safe working environment.
About you
- Previous equine or animal husbandry experience.
- Experience of using farm machinery, specifically tractor driving.
- Physical fitness and the ability to lift, for example, a bag of feed (approx. 20 kg).
- Willing to undertake work related training as required.
- Full current UK valid driving licence.
About the role
- Providing care by routine checking, feeding, medicating, grooming, weighing, worming and training the resident donkeys, mules, ponies and hinnies and assisting the vet, farrier and dentist as required.
- Providing feedback on a daily basis to the Farm Manager on matters such as donkey health, feeding regimes and land management, and liaising with other staff to facilitate the smooth running of the farm.
- Operating machinery, and/or manually, mucking out, feeding and bedding up of barns and stables and distributing hay, haylage and bagged feedstuffs.
- Maintaining up to date manual records for the donkeys and farming practices.
- Supporting work experience students and interacting with visitors, Quality Time Volunteers and other Donkey Sanctuary departments in a friendly and positive manner.
What we offer in return
- Based at Brookfield Farm, near Honiton, in East Devon – this is a part‑time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 22.5 hours per week, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with some evening and weekend work as part of the team rota.
- 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 on main site.
Closing date for completed applications: Sunday 9 August 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. The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
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.
Relief Farm Worker / Groom (2273) in Devon employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling opportunity for Groundworkers at our Weston farm location. With a strong commitment to animal welfare, we foster a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional growth, providing employees with training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of donkeys worldwide. Join us in a role where your skills will contribute to vital projects while enjoying a competitive salary and the satisfaction of working for a charity dedicated to improving animal welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Farm Worker / Groom (2273) in Devon
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like The Donkey Sanctuary often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Farm Worker / Groom (2273) in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what The Donkey Sanctuary does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with The Donkey Sanctuary will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at The Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with The Donkey Sanctuary.
