At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for donkeys and assist with farm operations in a supportive team environment.
- Company: Join The Donkey Sanctuary, a charity dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, life assurance, and health benefits.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for personal development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the lives of donkeys while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care and strong teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 € per year.
We have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive team player with a passion for donkeys to join our busy team at Trow and Hurford farms, Sidmouth, Devon. Possessing substantial equine and animal husbandry experience, 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 animal observational skills and able to detect signs of illness, distress, or change in behaviour.
- Demonstrable alignment with the charity’s values and committed to ongoing personal development within the role.
- Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
- Able to carry out physically demanding tasks, independently, in all weather conditions, occasionally outside of normal working hours.
- Competent IT knowledge and skills.
- Competent use of English language.
- Full, valid UK driving licence.
About the role
- Routinely checking, feeding, medicating, grooming, weighing, worming and training the resident donkeys.
- 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.
What we offer in return
- Full-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7 with weekend work as part of a team rota.
- Life Assurance.
- 31 Days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
- Recorded Pilates 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 at The Donkey Sanctuary main site.
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.
Farm Worker/Groom (2221) in Sidmouth employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, Devon, is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, dedicated to the welfare of donkeys and the professional growth of its staff. With generous benefits such as 31 days of holiday, life assurance, and access to health plans, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while working in a fulfilling environment that values teamwork and compassion. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying unique perks like subsidised meals and recorded Pilates classes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Worker/Groom (2221) in Sidmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the farm and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Trow and Hurford farms. Understanding their mission and how they care for donkeys will show that you're genuinely interested and aligned with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance, talk about your experience with animal husbandry and any relevant tasks you've done before. Be specific about how you've cared for animals and what you've learned from those experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for hands-on tasks! Since this role involves physically demanding work, be prepared to discuss how you handle such tasks in all weather conditions. Maybe share a story about a time you tackled a tough job on the farm!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Worker/Groom (2221) in Sidmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Donkeys:Make sure to highlight your love for donkeys and any relevant experience you have with them. We want to see that you're not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the animals you'll be working with.
Be Clear About Your Skills:When detailing your animal husbandry experience, be specific! Mention any relevant skills like grooming, feeding, or observing animal behaviour. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application to match the job description. Use keywords from the listing to show that you’re a great fit for the role. It makes a big difference in catching our eye!
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 efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re serious about 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 donkeys and their care. Familiarise yourself with common health issues, feeding regimes, and training techniques. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to animal welfare.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team environment at Trow and Hurford farms.
✨Demonstrate Your Observational Skills
Prepare to talk about your animal observational skills. Think of specific instances where you detected signs of illness or distress in animals and how you acted on it. This will highlight your ability to care for the donkeys effectively.
✨Be Ready for Physical Challenges
This job involves physically demanding tasks, so be prepared to discuss your experience with similar work. Share how you manage working in various weather conditions and your approach to maintaining stamina during long hours.
