Join to apply for the Relief Farm Worker / Groom role at The Donkey Sanctuary.
Salary: £23,962 per annum
Location: Brookfield Farm, Farway Common Road, Honiton, Devon, United Kingdom, EX14 9SU
About The Donkey Sanctuary – an international animal welfare organization dedicated to improving the lives of donkeys worldwide.
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 ability to lift approximately 20 kg.
- Willingness to undertake work‑related training as required.
- Full UK valid driving licence.
About The Role
- Provide routine care (checking, feeding, medicating, grooming, weighing, worming, training) to resident donkeys, mules, hinnies, and ponies.
- Assist vet, farrier, and dentist as needed.
- Provide daily feedback to the Farm Manager on donkey health, feeding regimes, land management, and liaise with staff to run the farm smoothly.
- Operate machinery and perform manual tasks: mucking, feeding, bedding, and distributing hay, haylage, and bagged feedstuffs.
- Maintain up‑to‑date manual records of donkeys and farming practices.
- Support work‑experience students and interact with visitors, Quality Time Volunteers, and other Donkey Sanctuary departments positively.
What We Offer In Return
Part‑time, fixed‑term contract (22.5 hours per week, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday with some evening and weekend work) starting as soon as possible until 3 November 2026.
Perks
- Competitive pension.
- Life assurance.
- 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 days each full year of service.
- Wellbeing team.
- Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
- Long service awards.
- Free parking.
- Subsidised restaurant and shop on main site.
- Healthshield plan:
- Reimbursement of some medical expenses up to 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.
Application Details
Closing date for completed applications: Tuesday 9 December 2025.
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.
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. Please submit it in your own words and not by employing an artificial intelligence writing tool or assistant. Applications that are not the applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted.
Documents available: JD_EQU_Farms_Relief Farm Worker Groom_2025.pdf
Additional Information
- Note to Applicants Under 18 Years of Age (PDF)
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