Equine Assistant

For many years The Donkey Sanctuary has promoted the self-development of children and adults through the benefits of being in the presence of donkeys. We offer Donkey Assisted Activities (DAA) at our DAA centres, including Donkey Facilitated Learning (DFL), Donkey Management Programme (DMP) and Wellbeing with Donkeys (WWD). These ground-based activities support the development of people’s life skills and wellbeing, helping individuals to better deal with challenges in everyday life, while also promoting positive attitudes towards donkeys.

Do you have a passion for Donkeys? Would you like to help make a difference?

We have an excellent opportunity for a flexible and proactive team player with strong interpersonal and equine skills to join our dedicated team at The Donkey Assisted Activities Centre, Manchester. As Equine Assistant, you will care for the centre’s donkeys in line with current policy and practice and assist in the provision of donkey-assisted activities for vulnerable children and adults both on and off The Donkey Sanctuary sites.

**About you**:

- Good communication and customer care skills.
- Experience of working with animals.
- Experience of working with vulnerable children and adults.
- Able to work as part of a team.
- Competent IT skills.
- Willing to undertake work related training including The Donkey Sanctuary Pathways and
- Donkey Assisted Activities courses.
- Full, Valid Driving Licence.

**About the role**:
Your principal duties and responsibilities will include
- Feeding, grooming and caring for donkeys, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness throughout the centre, including stables, arena and pastures.
- Ensuring the care and welfare of all donkeys is maintained to a high standard, including observing signs of ill health/potential ailments and treating where appropriate.
- Supporting and assisting with donkey-facilitated activities.
- Assisting in the training of donkeys under the guidance of the Equine Co-Ordinator and provide input into shaping plans when appropriate.
- Working alongside internal & external equine professionals such as the vet and farrier as required.
- Assisting with promotional activities both in and out of The Donkey Sanctuary, including the supervision of volunteers, donkeys and work experience students.

**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 team rota.

**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.

**The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer.