At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for donkeys, assist with their rehabilitation, and maintain a safe farm environment.
- Company: The Donkey Sanctuary, a global leader in animal welfare.
- Benefits: 31 days holiday, life assurance, health plan, and discounts on shopping.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career growth and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in donkey welfare.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal husbandry and strong customer service skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ 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 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:
- Previous equine or animal husbandry experience.
- Excellent customer service and people skills.
- Physically fit and able to lift, for example, a bag of feed (approx. 20 kg).
- Willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
- Willing to undertake work related training as required.
- Full current 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:
- This is a 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 – 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 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. 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.
Farm Worker/Groom in Sidmouth 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 Farm Worker/Groom in Sidmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research The Donkey Sanctuary and understand their mission and values. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show your genuine passion for animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the work environment, which can give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role involves practical tasks, be ready to demonstrate your animal husbandry skills. Brush up on your grooming techniques and feeding practices to impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at The Donkey Sanctuary. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Farm Worker/Groom in Sidmouth
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 Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant equine or animal husbandry experience you have. We’re looking for someone who can jump right in, so give us examples of what you've done in the past that relates to the role.
Tailor Your Application:Read the job description carefully and tailor your application to match. Use similar language and focus on the skills and experiences that align with what we’re looking for at The Donkey Sanctuary.
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 securely, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
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 practices, and training techniques. This will show your passion for the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous equine or animal husbandry experience in detail. Prepare specific examples of tasks you've performed, such as grooming, feeding, or assisting vets. This will demonstrate your hands-on skills and suitability for the job.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
The role requires a flexible team player, so highlight your ability to work well with others. Share examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues in past roles, especially in challenging situations. This will show that you're a great fit for their team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect practical questions related to the daily duties of the role, like mucking out or operating machinery. Think about how you would handle these tasks and be prepared to discuss your approach. This will demonstrate your readiness for the physical demands of the job.
