Relief Farm Worker / Groom (2094)
Location: Honiton, United Kingdom
Salary: £23,962 per annum
Type: Fixed Term Contract, Full Time (37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7 with weekend rota), available immediately until 4 January 2027.
Job Description
Reporting to the UK Farms Office Manager and Farm Managers/Farm Supervisors, you will provide cover for staff absence, 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.
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 the ability to lift, for example, a bag of feed (approx. 20 kg).
* Willing to undertake work‑related training as required.
* Full current UK valid driving licence.
Your Principal Duties and Responsibilities 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 daily feedback 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 barns and stables and distributing hay, haylage and bagged feedstuffs.
* 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.
Benefits
* Competitive pension.
* Life assurance.
* 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 days after each full year of service.
* Wellbeing team.
* Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
* Long service awards.
* Healthshield plan, including reimbursement of some medical expenses up to specified limits per membership.
* Free parking.
* Subsidised restaurant and shop on main site.
Closing Date for Completed Applications
Wednesday 19 November 2025.
EEO and Disability Statement
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). Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.
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