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- Tasks: Care for donkeys, including feeding, grooming, and health monitoring.
- Company: Join The Donkey Sanctuary, a global leader in animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, competitive pension, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of donkeys every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal husbandry and farm skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 1200 - 1600 £ per month.
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.
Upon arrival at The Donkey Sanctuary, all animals spend a minimum of six weeks at the New Arrivals Unit. Vaccinations, weights, farriery, worming and dental details are updated before the animals then join the resident herds at our farms and Donkey Assisted Therapy Centres. Strict bio‑security measures are in place in order to minimise the risk of the spread of infection between groups.
Job Opportunity
We now have an excellent opportunity for a professional and highly self‑motivated team player with significant equine and animal husbandry skills and experience to join our New Arrivals team.
Responsibilities
- Providing care by routine observation, feeding, medicating, grooming, weighing and worming the donkeys, mules, ponies and hinnies.
- Assisting with New Arrivals routines such as farriery, dentals, veterinary examinations and vaccinations.
- Providing care for donkeys with special, additional and behavioural needs and requirements.
- Mucking out, feeding and bedding up of barns and stables and distributing hay, haylage and bagged feedstuffs.
- Ordering, preparing and administering medications under veterinary advice.
- Maintaining a safe working environment.
- Providing feedback on a daily basis to the New Arrivals Manager on matters such as donkey health and feeding regimes and maintain up to date records for all equines within the unit.
Qualifications
- Experience of animal husbandry.
- Farm skills qualifications including tractor driving experience.
- Experience of working with equines that have behavioural problems.
- Experience of working with risk assessments in relation to safe working practices.
- Physical fitness and the ability to lift, for example, a bag of feed (approx. 20 kg).
- Willingness to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
Benefits
- Competitive pension.
- Life assurance.
- 31 days holiday (including bank holidays), rising to 34 days when each full year of service is completed.
- 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.
Working Hours
The position is for 19.5 hours per week, worked as follows: Friday: 08:00 – 16:30 Saturday and Sunday: 08:00 – 14:30 Alternatively, we would consider appointing two individuals to work on an alternate weekend basis.
New Arrivals Groom employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
Contact Detail:
The Donkey Sanctuary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land New Arrivals Groom
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Donkey Sanctuary and its mission inside out. When you walk into that interview, show us your passion for animal welfare and how you can contribute to improving the lives of donkeys. We want to see that you care!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples from your past experience that highlight your animal husbandry skills. Whether it’s handling donkeys with behavioural issues or managing feeding routines, we want to hear how you've made a difference in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Show us that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the team. Ask about the daily routines, challenges faced, or how we ensure the well-being of our new arrivals.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace our digital approach to animal care.
We think you need these skills to ace New Arrivals Groom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare: When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to animal welfare, especially with donkeys or similar animals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your experience in animal husbandry and any specific skills you have, like handling equines with behavioural issues. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the New Arrivals team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. This helps us quickly understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Know Your Donkeys
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and behaviours of donkeys, mules, and ponies. Research common health issues and care routines to show your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in animal husbandry and any relevant qualifications. Be ready to provide examples of how you've handled equines with behavioural problems or worked under strict bio-security measures.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
The role requires a self-motivated team player, so be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the New Arrivals Unit and the care protocols at The Donkey Sanctuary. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand the expectations better.
