Farm Worker Groom

We have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive individual with a passion for Donkeys to join our busy team at Paccombe Farm, near Sidmouth, East Devon.

Job title: Farm Worker/Groom (2228)

Location: Sidbury

Hour: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £25,350 per annum

Contact: Permanent

Closing date: Wednesday 17th June 2026

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.

Qualifications:

• Excellent observation skills and able to identify and notice signs that would indicate ill-health in animals.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills - tactful and diplomatic when handling sensitive matters.
• Aligned with the charity's values and committed to ongoing personal development.
• Competent IT knowledge and skills.
• Full current UK valid driving licence.
• Willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
• Effective team player who builds trust and positive relationships.
• Self-motivated, with a positive and professional attitude.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include -

• Routinely checking, feeding grooming, weighing, worming and training the resident donkeys., mules, ponies and hinnies.
• Preparing and administrating medications including intramuscular injections as directed.
• Assisting the veterinary surgeon, nurse, farrier and dental technician with examinations, routine treatments and welfare assessments.
• Making regular observation and wellbeing checks for any signs of infection, abnormality, illness or distress, and reporting animal health and welfare updates to the Farm Manager/Supervisor.
• Maintaining a safe and hygienic working environment in barns, stables, and all work areas, adhering to biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks.
• Maintaining farm security by regularly checking fences and ensuring gates and access to farm buildings are kept locked.
• Updating animal management records and medication logs.

This is a full-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days out of 7, including weekend work as part of the team rota.

Benefits:

• Life assurance.
• 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will 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 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 on 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.