At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for donkeys, including feeding, grooming, and health monitoring.
- Company: The Donkey Sanctuary, a global leader in animal welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, 31 days holiday, health plan, and wellness classes.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of donkeys while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal husbandry and physical fitness required.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ 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.
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. Strict Bio‑security measures are in place in order to minimise the risk of the spread of infection between groups.
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. This is a varied and interesting role, which plays a critical part in settling the donkeys into their new environment, and calls for the ability to work unsupervised late shifts alone whilst strictly maintaining all New Arrivals procedures and protocols.
About you:
- Experience of animal husbandry
- Experience of working with equines that have behavioural problems
- Physical fitness and the ability to lift, for example, a bag of feed (approx. 20 kg)
- Willing to work outside in the dark and in adverse weather conditions
- Full, current valid driving licence
About the role:
- 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
The contract:
- This is a part‑time, fixed term contract starting as soon as possible until 31 December 2026, working 30 hours per week, 14.00‑20.30, Monday‑Friday, with weekend work as part of the team rota (approximately 1 in 4)
- Life Assurance
- 31 Days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service
- 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
Closing date for completed applications: Thursday 9 July 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.
New Arrivals Groom (Late Shift) (2235) in Sidmouth employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer dedicated to animal welfare, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and individual contributions. Employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, health plans, and opportunities for personal growth through training and wellness classes, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of donkeys in a beautiful rural setting. Join us in our mission to improve the quality of life for donkeys worldwide, where your passion for animal care can truly flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land New Arrivals Groom (Late Shift) (2235) in Sidmouth
✨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 New Arrivals Groom (Late Shift) (2235) in Sidmouth
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.
