Farm Services Support Worker

Salary: £27,604 per annum. Permanent, full-time role (37.5 hours per week) based at Weston Farm, with flexibility to cover weekends when required.

About the organisation

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 achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide through greater understanding, collaboration, and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.

About you

• Experience in large animal care, preferably equine.
• Experience in tractor driving and safe operation of farm machinery.
• Experience carrying out practical tasks using hand tools and power tools to complete basic repairs and maintenance.
• Basic IT skills and use of handheld mobile devices and apps.
• UK full valid driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide Relief Farm Worker/Groom cover, including donkey care and operation of farm machinery and equipment.
• Assist with land management activities such as spraying, fertilising, and haymaking.
• Move equipment and items between farm sites, including feeders, fencing machinery, and materials.
• Dismantle, move, erect, and repair mobile field shelters across the farms.
• Maintain the recycling centre at Hurford's, ensuring it is kept clean, safe, and organised.
• Carry out ditch cleaning and other light general farm maintenance tasks, e.g., pressure washing, farm painting, and chainsaw activities.
• Perform fencing work as directed by the Farm Services Support Supervisor, including transporting materials, removing old fencing, and installing new fencing.
• Prepare fencing areas for contractors and support clean-up as required.
• Trim hedges as directed.
• Assist with preparation and clean-up for farm events such as Donkey Week and Candlelight.
• Support small capital projects on request.

Benefits

• Competitive pension.
• Life assurance.
• 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
• Wellbeing team and recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
• Long service awards.
• 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.
• Free parking.
• Subsidised restaurant and shop.