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.
We have an excellent opportunity for a proactive and professional individual with strong leadership skills and a passion for Donkeys to join our busy team at Trow Farm, Sidmouth, East Devon. As Farm Supervisor, you will supervise the operational activities and people management on the farm, deputising for the Farm Manager when required, providing high standards of care for the resident donkeys, and will maintain the farm's land, buildings and environment in accordance with the Donkey Sanctuary Care and Welfare Code of Practice.
About you:
Previous supervisory, performance management and team development experience.
Demonstrable experience of animal husbandry within a welfare, agricultural, sanctuary or similar settings, with an understanding of individual animal behaviours and the ability to manage husbandry challenges effectively.
Excellent observation skills and the ability to recognise signs of ill health, injury or behavioural changes in large animals.
Willing to undertake work related training as required, including Donkey Sanctuary Diploma and Higher Diploma (Higher to be completed within 18 months of appointment to role).
Competent IT skills.
Able to demonstrate sound judgement, decision making and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
Excellent communication skills.
About the role:
Your principal duties and responsibilities will include -
Leading and supervising the team to ensure a high standard of donkey care is delivered, including performance management, development and support of team members.
Supporting the Farm Manager with recruitment and the training of new starters.
Assisting with arranging 7-day a week operational cover for the farm.
Providing feedback on a daily basis to the Farm Manager on matters such as donkey health, feeding regimes and land management.
Acting as a point of contact on the farm for all visitors, including deliveries, contractors and other internal stakeholders.
Maintaining up to date manual and computerised records for the donkeys, ensuring that donkey behaviour and handling information is recorded on the Animal Management System.
Supporting the Farm Manager in maintaining a safe and secure working environment.
Maintaining farm security by regularly checking fences and ensuring gates and access to farm buildings are kept locked.
What we offer in return:
This is a full-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days over 7, with weekend work as part of the Trow Farm team rota.
Benefits:
Competitive pension.
Life assurance.
31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with 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: Wednesday 12th August 2026.
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.
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.
Before submitting your application, please ensure you read our candidate journey page, in particular our FAQs section – https://jobs.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/jobs/candidate-journey/
