At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for donkeys and support farm operations while ensuring their welfare.
- Company: The Donkey Sanctuary, a leading animal welfare organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, 31 days holiday, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of donkeys while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals, good communication skills, and a valid UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 15210 - 15210 £ per year.
- Relief Farm Worker / Groom (2273)
- £15,210 per annum
- Honiton
- United Kingdom
- Equine Operations
- Permanent
- Part Time
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.
- Good communication skills.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- 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
- Your principal duties and responsibilities will include -
- 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.
Benefits
- Competitive pension.
- 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.
Before submitting your application, please ensure you read our candidate journey page, in particular our FAQs section - https://jobs. thedonkeysanctuary. org. uk/jobs/candidate-journey/
- Documents
- JD_EQU_Farms_Relief Farm Worker Groom_2025. pdf (145.84 KB)
- Additional Information
- Note to Applicants Under 18 Years of Age(pdf)
- DCES guidance for applicants(pdf)
- Location
- Brookfield Farm
- Brookfield Farm, Farway Common Road, Honiton, Devon, United Kingdom, EX14 9SU
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Relief Farm Worker / Groom 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
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
Nothing beats on-the-ground experience when it comes to agriculture. Volunteer at local farms or join community gardening projects to meet industry folks. They often have inside info on part-time gigs that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tap Into Agriculture Networks
Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
✨Seasonal Availability Is Key
Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
✨Show Off Your Passion!
Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with The Donkey Sanctuary.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Farm Worker / Groom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for The Donkey Sanctuary!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at The Donkey Sanctuary. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at The Donkey Sanctuary. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
Include Certifications or Courses:If you have any relevant certifications or courses related to agriculture, make sure to include those! Whether it's a short course in sustainable farming or a certification in organic agriculture, these can really boost your application. It shows you're dedicated to the field and continuously learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Employers want to see that we can apply our knowledge in the field. If you've had hands-on experience—like internships, volunteering on a farm, or even personal projects—talk about them! Share what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of agricultural processes.
✨Flexibility & Commitment—Key for Part-Time Roles
Part-time roles often require a bit of juggling. Be ready to show your willingness to adapt your schedule for peak seasons or specific needs that come up. Discuss your availability openly, and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In agriculture, we might face situations that test our problem-solving skills. Expect questions like how we'd handle a pest outbreak or deal with unpredictable weather. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as it shows we can think on our feet.
