Job Description

Veterinary Groom
We have an excellent opportunity a flexible and self-motivated team player to join our Veterinary Department at our fully equipped veterinary hospital at Brookfield Farm, near Honiton.
Position: Veterinary Groom (1962)
Location: Honiton
Hours: Part time
Salary: 16,774 per annum
Contract: Fixed term contract until 11 January 2026
Closing date: Sunday 13th July 2025
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.
The veterinary team are responsible for the clinical care of the all our donkeys and mules that are resident on our seven farms within a 30-mile radius of Honiton. As Veterinary Groom (Weekend), you will provide a high standard of care to hospitalised animals and maintain stables, paddocks and outside areas, all in accordance with the Care and Welfare Code of Practice.
About you:

• Substantial experience of working with equines.
• Experience of working with risk assessments in relation to safe working practices.
• Physical fitness and the ability to lift, for example, a bag of feed (approx. 20 kg).
• Willing to work outside in adverse weather conditions.
• A practical understanding of biosecurity and infection control measures.
• Able to work under own initiative and maintain performance, professionalism and composure when under pressure.
• Full valid driving licence.

About the role:
Your principal duties and responsibilities will include -

• Providing care of hospitalised animals and new arrival stallions including daily mucking out, feeding, grooming and foot care.
• Monitoring the behaviour and clinical signs of hospitalised animals and report any concerns to the hospital nurse or case vet in a timely manner.
• Maintaining the hospital stables, stallion yard, clinical examination and outside areas.
• Assisting vets, nurses, farrier and dentists as required.
• Under the direction of the behaviour team, implementing training plans to alleviate stress and anxiety in hospitalised patients and new arrival stallions.
• Using TDS Animal Management System (AMS) to update movement records, donkey care, clinical and in patient notes as part of daily routine.
• Assisting with loading and unloading animals being admitted and discharged from the hospital and stallion yard.

What we offer in return:
This is a part-time, fixed term contract starting as soon as possible until 11 January 2026, working on a 2-week rota - 08.00-16.30 Monday-Tuesday, not working Wednesday-Thursday, 08.00-16.30, Friday-Tuesday, not working Wednesday-Sunday. Flexibility will be required to provide additional out of hours cover as part of the team rota.
Benefits:
Competitive pension.
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 -

• 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 The Donkey Sanctuary main site.
Closing date for completed applications: Sunday 13 July 2024.
For further information regarding this role, including application instructions, please
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. #INDNFP
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.