The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys and mules worldwide. We are working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering, and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We are achieving this by transforming the quality of life for donkeys, mules and people worldwide through 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 and new arrivals, 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.

Main duties and responsibilities within this varied and rewarding role 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 the farm by sweeping, pressure washing, cleaning, field sweeping, haymaking, trimming, compost management, willow management and dirty water control
• 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.

Demonstrable equine and/or animal husbandry experience, together with excellent customer service and communication skills is essential, as is a commitment to personal development and a full, valid driving licence. Experience of using farm machinery, specifically tractor driving, is desirable.

If you feel you have the skills and experience to fulfil this varied and rewarding role, and would like to be part of the evolutional program of change currently taking place within the charity, we would love to hear from you. This is a part-time maternity cover contract starting as soon as possible until 2 May 2024, working 15 hours per week over 2 days. The working pattern will be agreed between the line manager and the post holder, but flexibility will be required for some weekend working as part of the team rota.

Closing date for completed applications: Wednesday 4 January 2023.

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.

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.