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. 

We have an excellent opportunity for a self-motivated, compassionate and highly organised individual with outstanding time management and interpersonal skills to join our dedicated Ecology Team. As Apprentice Ecology Officer you will carry out a variety of tasks which deliver the ecology programme at Sanctuary sites, improving habitat for donkeys and wildlife through increasing biodiversity, sustainable land management and improving our understanding of donkey ecology. The programme adopts a One Welfare approach and promotes the mutually beneficial relationships between donkeys, environment and people, and a key  feature of  the Apprentice Ecology Officer role is to demonstrate this.

About you:

• A Level 3 qualification in ecology, environmental science, countryside management or related subject, OR equivalent expertise gained from working in the field of ecology or in countryside management either in a paid or voluntary capacity.
• Knowledge of UK wildlife legislation.
• UK species identification skills and experience of undertaking ecological surveys in the UK.
• Experience of carrying out practical conservation activities, either through paid work or as a volunteer.
• Good data management, record-keeping and IT skills including Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
• Good literacy, numeracy and analytical skills and proficiency in producing legible survey data sheets, clear and concise reports, and presenting results in appropriate formats.
• A full, valid UK Driving Licence.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

• Assisting with the delivery of donkey-centred ecological research studies and donkey grassland improvement projects.
• Assisting with habitat restoration and creation projects, including the development of site management plans.
• Assisting with species and habitat monitoring projects, including the development of ecological survey schedules and analysis.
• Supporting our conservation volunteer programme, including volunteer recruitment and retention, and assisting with regular practical sessions which deliver team objectives.
• Maintaining team data and information management systems, datasets and accurate records.
• Providing technical advice, practical support and expertise to other departments, capital projects and maintenance work in relation to sustainable land management, wildlife and habitat legislation, compliance and conservation.
• Supporting the delivery of the team and organisational communication strategy, including sourcing suitable material for external and internal communications, and assisting with staff and supporter events, activities and training.

As an Apprentice you will be required to undertake the necessary tasks, activities and learning to meet the occupation duties and Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) for the Level 4 Countryside Ranger Apprenticeship. Learning will be undertaken at Bridgwater and Taunton College.

What we offer in return:

Based in Sidmouth, Devon – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – this is a full-time, fixed term contract starting on 1 October 2025 until 1 May 2028, working 37.5 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday. Flexibility will be required for occasional out-of-hours and weekend working.

The working pattern for this hybrid role will combine onsite and home working under our guiding principles for such roles, with onsite attendance currently anticipated to be 4 days per week.

Please refer to the FAQs section regarding travelling to work on our Candidate Journey page https://jobs.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/jobs/candidate-journey/

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.

Closing date for completed applications: Monday 8 September 2025. 

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.

The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

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.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.