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 an experienced RCVS qualified nurse to join our Veterinary Department at our fully equipped veterinary hospital at Brookfield Farm, near Honiton. The veterinary team are responsible for the clinical care of the all our donkeys and mules that are resident on our seven farms within a 30-mile radius of Honiton.

Within this varied and rewarding role, your main duties and  responsibilities will include:

• Providing nursing care for hospitalised patients, including preparation and administering of treatments.
• Monitoring animals under treatment and liaising with farm staff concerning current health and treatment of donkeys in their care.
• Assisting vets with all medical and surgical procedures, including preparing patients and equipment, calculating drug doses, and monitoring anesthesia and recovery.
• Carrying out medical procedures such as blood samples, dung sampling, IV fluid therapy and vaccinations.
• Taking and processing diagnostic X-rays in compliance with Health & Safety regulations.
• Maintaining specialist equipment, including endoscope, and X-ray, ultrasound, and anaesthetic machines.

General equine experience, including delivering a high standard of care and nursing to equines, is essential, as are good communication and IT skills and the ability to make good decisions and maintain a high degree of attention to detail whilst working with a number of conflicting demands and deadlines. The ability to adapt to new technology and experience of working with donkeys is desirable.

If you feel you have the qualifications, skills and experience to fulfil this varied and rewarding role, and would like to be part of the evolving programme of change taking place within the charity, we would love to hear from you. This is a full-time, 12-month fixed term contract starting as soon as possible, working 37.5 hours per week. The post holder will be required to provide evening and weekend nursing cover as part of the team on-call rota.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 7 September 2022.

For further information regarding this role, including application instructions, please click the apply button.

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.