Donkey Welfare Adviser

Donkey Welfare Adviser

Do you have a high level of equine knowledge with significant experience of working with equines? Are you passionate about animal welfare?

We have an excellent opportunity for a dynamic and resourceful professional with a proven track record of community based animal welfare work.

If you have excellent decision-making and time-management skills and a strong customer service ethic, then apply today to join the team as a Donkey Welfare Adviser for Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and North Somerset.

Position: Donkey Welfare Adviser

Location: Defined as ‘home-based’ it is preferable that candidates live centrally within region to gain easy access to travel and communication networks. However, locations close to the defined area may be considered if operationally viable. You are required to have broadband access, a suitable space for a home office and good mobile phone reception

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £39,212

Contract: Permanent - starting as soon as possible

Closing Date: Sunday 1 June 2025. However, we reserve the right to close this role early if a suitable candidate is found.

Interview Date: Tuesday 10th June 2025 in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Before applying, please ensure that if successful in being called to interview, you would be able to attend in person on the specified date, as we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate requests for alternative arrangements

About the Role

Donkey Welfare Advisers are professionals in the field of donkey and mule welfare. They play a key front line role in the work of the sanctuary: responding to donkeys in need, supporting donkeys in the community, growing and managing a high quality rehoming scheme, and acting as an ambassador for the charity at all times.

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include:

• Promoting good welfare for donkeys and mules by working proactively to support, guide and educate key audiences and by sharing best practice.
• Communicating effectively with groups from all social, racial, and cultural backgrounds, often in highly emotive and sometimes confrontational circumstances.
• Delivering high quality, impactful training to a range of stakeholders in a style suitable to the audience and the resources available.
• Responding to future care enquiries, working creatively to identify suitable alternatives to sanctuary care where appropriate, and gathering and co-ordinating relevant information to inform donkey placement decisions and help owners make informed choices for their donkeys, including end of life decisions.
• Supporting a good quality rehoming scheme by ensuring donkeys are placed in the most suitable environments for their needs.
• Work proactively to prevent/alleviate suffering, referring to and/or collaborating with enforcement agencies when necessary.
• Providing reliable evidence for welfare investigation cases, including witness statements and other relevant evidence in court compliant formats, and attending court to give evidence as required.

What we offer in return:

This is a full-time, Permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working an average of 37.5 hours per week on an annualised hours basis.

Working primarily within the geographical area defined with the position (refer to map) this role requires extensive travel within the region across various terrains and driving conditions. You will be a lone worker within a remote team of other DWAs. Occasional periods of work at Sanctuary sites and other locations will be necessary.

Defined as ‘home-based’ it is preferable that candidates live centrally within region to gain easy access to travel and communication networks. However, locations close to the defined area may be considered if operationally viable. You are required to have broadband access, a suitable space for a home office and good mobile phone reception.

About You

You will be a positive influencer, able to promote and model the charity’s values in all areas of your work.

You will have:

• A high level of equine knowledge with significant experience of working with equines.
• A working knowledge of legal practicalities and experience of the application of relevant animal welfare legislation.
• An understanding of equine behaviour and demonstrable practical experience in the field.
• The ability to influence change and respond appropriately in emotional challenging or confrontational situations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to deliver advice and training to stakeholder groups with varying experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills, comfortable with making new contacts and able to develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits include

• Competitive pension.
• Life assurance – 2 x annual salary.
• 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
• Free parking.
• Subsidised restaurant and shop.

About the Organisation

The sanctuary is one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.

The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, 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.

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PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation