Farm Worker/Groom

Farm Worker/Groom

Honiton Full-Time 20000 - 28000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
The Donkey Sanctuary

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Care for donkeys, mules, and hinnies while supporting farm operations.
  • Company: Join The Donkey Sanctuary, a global leader in animal welfare dedicated to improving donkey lives.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, wellbeing initiatives, and discounts on shopping and travel.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on animal welfare while working in a supportive team environment.
  • Qualifications: Must have excellent observation skills, communication abilities, and a valid UK driving licence.
  • Other info: Full-time, 12-month contract with weekend work; applications due by 3 August 2025.

The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 Β£ per year.

Overview

This is a part-time, fixed-term contract starting as soon as possible, until 1 April 2027, working 30 hours per week, Tuesday – Friday.

We have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive team player with a passion for Donkeys to join our busy team at Brookfield 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.

Responsibilities

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Desirable: Experience in animal husbandry or equine care.

Requirements

  • We welcome applicants who demonstrate a strong work ethic, reliability and a compassionate approach to animal care. (Text retained from original wording.)

About the Donkey Sanctuary

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.

Benefits

  • Competitive pension.
  • Life assurance.
  • 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 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.

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Farm Worker/Groom employer: The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, dedicated to animal welfare and fostering a supportive work environment at Brookfield Farm. Employees benefit from a strong focus on wellbeing, including access to health plans, fitness classes, and generous holiday allowances, all while contributing to the meaningful mission of improving the lives of donkeys. With opportunities for 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

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with The Donkey Sanctuary's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you align your passion for donkeys with their goals, making you a more appealing candidate.

✨Tip Number 2

Gain hands-on experience with donkeys or similar animals. Volunteering at local farms or animal shelters can provide you with valuable skills and demonstrate your dedication to animal care, which is crucial for this role.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the animal care industry. Attend workshops or events related to animal welfare to meet people who might provide insights or even referrals for the Farm Worker/Groom position.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your teamwork and communication skills during the interview. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with others, as these qualities are essential for working effectively on the farm.

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

Animal Care and Welfare
Observation Skills
Communication Skills
Customer Service Skills
Teamwork
Self-Motivation
IT Competence
Driving Skills
Time Management
Record Keeping
Machinery Operation
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability to Weather Conditions
Basic Veterinary Knowledge
Physical Fitness

Some tips for your application 🫑

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Farm Worker/Groom position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills related to animal care and teamwork.

Show Your Passion: Express your passion for animal welfare, particularly for donkeys, in your cover letter. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your interest in this role and how you align with The Donkey Sanctuary's mission.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to emphasise your observation skills, communication abilities, and any IT knowledge you possess. Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles or experiences.

Personalise Your Application: Avoid generic applications. Use your own words to convey your thoughts and experiences. This will help you stand out and show that you are genuinely interested in the position at The Donkey Sanctuary.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary

✨Show Your Passion for Animals

Make sure to express your genuine love and passion for donkeys and animal welfare during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you have had with animals, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role.

✨Highlight Your Observation Skills

Since excellent observation skills are crucial for identifying signs of ill-health in animals, prepare examples of situations where you successfully noticed and addressed health issues in animals. This will show that you understand the importance of vigilance in animal care.

✨Demonstrate Teamwork Abilities

As a Farm Worker/Groom, being an effective team player is essential. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you collaborated with others, built trust, and contributed positively to a team environment.

✨Prepare for Practical Questions

Expect practical questions related to the daily tasks of the role, such as feeding, grooming, and maintaining the farm. Familiarise yourself with these responsibilities and be prepared to discuss how you would handle them effectively.

Farm Worker/Groom
The Donkey Sanctuary
Location: Honiton

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