Farm Worker/Groom (2216)

Farm Worker/Groom (2216)

Full-Time 20000 - 25000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
The Donkey Sanctuary

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Care for donkeys, mules, and hinnies while maintaining a safe farm environment.
  • Company: The Donkey Sanctuary, dedicated to improving donkey welfare worldwide.
  • Benefits: 31 days holiday, health plan, wellbeing team, and discounts on shopping.
  • Other info: Part-time role with excellent career growth and a supportive work culture.
  • 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 part-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 22.5 hours per week, Sunday, Monday & Tuesday. Life assurance. 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service. Pro rata. 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 (2216) employer: The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, dedicated to animal welfare and fostering a supportive work environment at Woods Farm. Employees benefit from a strong focus on wellbeing, including access to health plans, yoga classes, and generous holiday allowances, while also having the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of donkeys. With a commitment to professional growth and a collaborative team culture, this role offers a rewarding experience for those passionate about animal care.
The Donkey Sanctuary

Contact Detail:

The Donkey Sanctuary Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Farm Worker/Groom (2216)

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation! Research The Donkey Sanctuary and their mission. When you understand their values, you can tailor your conversations to show how your passion for animal welfare aligns with theirs.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the interview process.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for practical assessments! As a Farm Worker/Groom, you might be tested on your animal handling skills. Brush up on your knowledge of donkey care and be ready to demonstrate your abilities.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at The Donkey Sanctuary.

We think you need these skills to ace Farm Worker/Groom (2216)

Observation Skills
Communication Skills
Customer Service Skills
IT Knowledge
Teamwork
Self-Motivation
Animal Husbandry
Equine Care
Machinery Operation
Record Keeping
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Time Management
Attention to Detail
Driving Licence

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 love seeing how your background aligns with what we do at The Donkey Sanctuary!

Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read the job description carefully and tailor your application accordingly. Mention specific duties and responsibilities that excite you and how you can contribute to our mission of improving donkey lives.

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 safely and quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

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 that you’re ready to provide the best care for the donkeys.

✨Show Your Team Spirit

The Donkey Sanctuary values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss your experiences working in a team. Share examples of how you've built trust and positive relationships with colleagues, especially in challenging situations. This will highlight your ability to fit into their culture.

✨Communicate Clearly

Excellent communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and tactfully, especially when discussing sensitive matters. You might even want to role-play potential scenarios with a friend to get comfortable with this.

✨Be Ready for Practical Questions

Expect questions about your hands-on experience with animal husbandry or equine care. Be specific about your past roles and responsibilities, and if possible, share anecdotes that demonstrate your skills in action. This will help the interviewers see you in the role already!

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