Relief Facilities Support Worker

Relief Facilities Support Worker

We have an excellent opportunity for a proactive and flexible team player to join our busy Estates and Facilities team as a Relief Facilities Support Worker.

Position: Relief Facilities Support Worker (2153)

Location: Sidmouth

Hours: Part Time

Salary: £12,514 per annum

Contract: Permanent

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 a proactive and flexible team player to join our busy Estates and Facilities team as a Relief Facilities Support Worker. You will provide flexible cover and relief support across Security and Site/Facilities Operations. This includes assisting with the security and management of premises, plant, equipment and soft services, ensuring buildings and grounds operate smoothly. Duties include routine maintenance and minor repairs, cleaning, gardening and preparing spaces for use. This is a hands-on, multidisciplinary role requiring flexibility to cover early mornings, evenings, nights and weekends across site support teams.

About you:

• Demonstrable knowledge of site security procedures and personal safety practices, with the ability to apply them in a working environment.
• Proven ability to respond effectively to emergencies and urgent situations, using sound judgement, initiative and problem-solving skills under pressure.
• Valid First Aid qualification (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience of maintaining accurate records and producing timely incident or activity reports.
• Working knowledge of Health & Safety and Fire Safety legislation and the ability to implement safe systems of work.
• Demonstrable customer service experience, including handling enquiries and resolving complaints professionally.
• Competent IT skills, including practical experience using Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Experience of landscape construction or grounds-related works.
• Full, valid UK driving licence.

About the role:

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include –

• Maintaining site security in line with charity policies through regular patrols (foot/vehicle), securing property, land, equipment, vehicles and access points, and logging all checks.
• Responding promptly and professionally to emergencies affecting premises, staff or visitors.
• Acting as the out-of-hours contact for EFM issues, escalating in line with Issues and Emergencies Support Guidance.
• Providing operational support for onsite services including deliveries, waste, cleaning, and grounds maintenance, ensuring compliance with charity policies.
• Carrying out regular inspections of gates, to include keys and padlocks in all public areas to ensure they are operational and safe, oiling latches and reporting any repairs required via CAFM.
• Maintaining safe public access by clearing snow, ice and debris.
• Carrying out basic grounds and maintenance work (gardening, painting, benches, plaques, bins, recycling areas).
• Acting as designated First Aider, responding to incidents and coordinating with department leads to ensure safe, calm and professional resolution.
• Providing support for visitor incidents, including lost children.

What we offer in return:

Based in Sidmouth, Devon – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – this is a part-time permanent contract working 17 hours per week. Fridays will be a full day.  Please note that flexibility will be required over 7 days.  We aim to give at least a weeks’ notice for emergency cover when required.

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: Thursday 26 March 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. #INDNFP

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.