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 someone with proven equine skills and experience to join our Farms Administration team. As Farms Equine Coordinator, you will act as the liaison between our farms and other internal parties to ensure suitable donkeys, mules, hinnies or ponies are available for rehoming, and will co-ordinate the selection and preparation of donkeys and mules for the Guardian scheme on each farm. You will maintain regular communication and visits to each farm to keep up to date with equine working practices and monitor progress of animals being trained, and will ensure all training is completed and data is entered onto the AMS and Rehoming Hub.

About you:

• Previous experience and working knowledge in farming operations, which include land management.
• Proven equine skills and experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A good standard of I.T. skills (proficient in Word, Outlook and Excel).
• Able to multi-task and maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail whilst working with a number conflicting demands.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

• Co-ordinating the selection and preparation of donkeys and mules for the Guardian scheme on each farm and monitoring progress of animals being trained in accordance with agreed targets.
• Working closely with Rehoming Unit Supervisor to select donkeys to populate Rehoming Unit.
• Maintaining regular communication and visits to each farm (at least monthly) to keep up to date with equine working practices.
• Co-ordinating and chairing monthly re-homing meetings.
• Co-ordinating visits for ex-owners and providing effective and efficient communication, both written and verbal, relating to the health & welfare of their donkeys.
• Producing a monthly rehoming report for the Head of UK Farms.
• Developing and supporting behaviour training for farm staff so that they can initiate and complete donkey training and shaping plans for the Guardian Scheme and DAA in line with the Strategic plan.
• Maintaining up to date and accurate records for all Guardian animals and owners.

What we offer in return:

Based in Sidmouth, Devon – an area of outstanding natural beauty – this is a part-time, 12-month maternity cover contract starting as soon as possible, working 17.5 hours per week. The working pattern will be agreed between the line manager and post holder.

The working pattern for this role will combine onsite and home working under our guiding principles for such roles, with onsite attendance currently anticipated to be 2 days per week.

Benefits:  

Competitive pension.

Life Assurance.

31 Days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 will each full year of service.

Wellbeing Team.

Recorded Pilates 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: Wednesday 18 December 2024.

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.

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: The Donkey Sanctuary is keen to receive your application, but we do ask you not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant in compiling your submission, we are keen to hear from you.  Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.