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 IT Technician Apprentice. You will respond to requests by diagnosing and resolving reported system issues. This apprentice position will involve working with the IT Team and gaining experience and training in the areas detailed below while working towards a relevant apprenticeship qualification. Troubleshoot more complex problems escalated by Helpdesk. Work with the IT team and/or outside vendors as required. Technical support may involve providing on/off-site assistance and/or remote support.

About you:

• 5 GCSEs including English and Mathematics.
• Demonstrate passion to develop and learn IT skills and ambition to pursue a career in technology.
• Basic knowledge of: o Microsoft Office support and troubleshooting; o Basic networking skills; o Hardware support skills for laptops, desktops.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Able to demonstrate excellent customer service skills.
• Able to demonstrate a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to work independently.
• Able to demonstrate problem solving and trouble shooting skills.
• Full valid driving licence.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

• Provide 1st line technical support to the IT infrastructure of The Donkey Sanctuary – primarily Windows 10/11 & Microsoft Office 365.
• Hardware assembly & break fix for laptops & desktops.
• Application installation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Asset and inventory management.
• Manage incidents and requests through IT service desk ticketing system.
• Recommendations for development / improvement.
• Maintain technical documentation, knowledge database articles and user manuals.
• Assist in the evaluation of new software / hardware products.

What we offer in return:

Based in Sidmouth, Devon – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – this is a full-time, fixed term contract starting as soon as possible, until 1 November 2026, working 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday.

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 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: Tuesday 15 October 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.