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- Tasks: Care for donkeys, assist with their rehabilitation, and maintain a safe farm environment.
- Company: The Donkey Sanctuary, dedicated to improving donkey welfare worldwide.
- Benefits: 31 days holiday, health plan, wellbeing classes, and free parking.
- 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.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career growth and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ 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 have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive individual with a passion for donkeys to join our busy team at Paccombe Farm, near Sidmouth, East Devon. You will provide care and rehabilitation for the resident donkeys and support the Farm Manager in maintaining a safe working environment.
About you
- Excellent observation skills to identify signs of 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.
- 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, 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.
This is a full-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days out of 7, including weekend work as part of the team rota.
Benefits include:
- 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 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.
Closing date
Closing date for completed applications: Monday 16 February 2026.
The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults). All staff and volunteers are expected to undertake this commitment.
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 (2151) 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 (2151)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Donkey Sanctuary and its mission! Research their values and recent projects. When you chat with them, drop in some knowledge about their work – it shows you're genuinely interested and not just another applicant.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your animal care skills before the interview. If you can, volunteer at a local farm or animal shelter. This hands-on experience will give you great stories to share and show that you’re committed to animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to demonstrate your teamwork skills! Think of examples where you've worked well with others, especially in challenging situations. The Donkey Sanctuary values collaboration, so showing you can build trust with your team is key.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Worker/Groom (2151)
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 Skills: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills, especially those related to animal husbandry or equine care. We’re looking for someone who can spot signs of ill-health and communicate effectively, so give us examples of how you've done this before!
Tailor Your Application: Read the job description carefully and tailor your application to match what we’re looking for. Use keywords from the description to show that you understand the role and are a great fit for our team at Paccombe 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 mission at The Donkey Sanctuary!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Know Your Donkeys
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of donkey care and behaviour. Familiarise yourself with common health issues and how to spot them. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to animal welfare.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
The Donkey Sanctuary values teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you build trust with colleagues, as this is crucial for a harmonious working environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about daily tasks like feeding, grooming, and maintaining the farm. Think of specific scenarios where you’ve handled similar responsibilities, and be prepared to discuss your approach to animal husbandry and safety practices.
✨Be Ready for the Weather
Since the job involves working outdoors in all conditions, express your willingness to embrace the elements. Share any past experiences where you’ve worked in adverse weather, demonstrating your resilience and dedication to the role.
