The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland (TDSI) works as part of 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.

We have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive individual with excellent equine skills and experience to join our Veterinary Department at Hannigans Farm near Liscarroll in County Cork. As New Arrivals Groom, you will provide care and rehabilitation for donkeys, mules, ponies and hinnies, and help maintain the buildings and areas within the New Arrivals Unit, the hospital and hospital boxes.

About you:

• Equine Knowledge, especially animal husbandry.
• Confident and capable of managing/handling donkeys and mules that require a variety of additional needs, including relinquishments and private donkeys.
• Confident and competent in handling all machinery and equipment, especially tractors/trailers, norcar, blower and strimmers.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Good communication skills.
• Full, valid driving licence.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

• Managing/handling donkeys and mules that require a variety of additional needs, including relinquishments and private donkeys.
• Preparing and administering medication and feeds as directed.
• Assisting with taking samples for laboratory use.
• Assisting the veterinary staff, equine dental technician and farrier as required.
• Supporting the New Arrivals Supervisor in maintaining a safe working environment by risk assessment and following Health and Safety regulations as well as maintaining general security.
• Maintaining up to date manual records for the donkeys, biosecurity practices, holidays and Overtime.

What we offer in return:

This is a full-time, fixed term contract starting as soon as possible until 28 January 2026, working 39 hours per week, 5 days over 7, with weekend work as part of the team rota.

Benefits:  

• Competitive pension.
• Life assurance.
• 30 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 35 with each full year of service.
• Wellbeing team.
• Recorded Pilates classes.
• Long service awards.
• Healthshield plan, including – 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.

Closing date for completed applications: Sunday 13 July 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.