Since its opening in 2009, Yorkshire Wildlife Park has evolved to become the UK’s number 1 on-foot safari. We feature walkthrough exhibits that take the guest directly into the world of the animals. A dynamic centre for conservation and welfare, the park currently has around 475 animals across more than 60 different species. We aim to provide a quality, value for money experience that excites and inspires our guests.

We’re on the lookout for a passionate and driven Equine Groom to join our dynamic team! In this role, you’ll undertake a variety of duties to ensure the smooth running of a small dressage livery yard. Successful candidate must have previous experience working in a professional capacity on a livery yard.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• General yard duties; including but not limited to mucking out, provision of water and food and general tidying duties.
• Working alongside external professionals such as the vet and farrier as required
• Supporting livery clients
• Cleaning of yard equipment and tack.
• Checking fencing and maintaining field shelters.
• Daily exercising of the horses to include lunging and hacking.
• Assisting at shows (including early starts)
• Possibility to work on other departments.

Candidate:

• Excellent interpersonal skills with a flexible approach to work.
• At least 1 year’s previous experience of working with equines.
• Good communication skills and works well as part of a team.
• Sound knowledge of equine care and health needs.
• Demonstrable handling skills with a good health and safety awareness.
• A good level of fitness due to the physically demanding nature of the role.
• Flexibility to work every other weekend.
• Flexible attitude to working hours.
• Flexible hours may be a possibility working around the needs of the business.
• Possibility of bringing own horse.

Experience

• Must have previous experience working in a professional capacity on a livery yard (essential)
• Handling of young horses and stallions (desirable)
• Previous experience of hacking outfit competition horses (essential)
• Previous experience lunging horses (essential)
• Must have at least 1 year’s previous experience of working with equines (essential)

Skills/ Abilities

Able to confidently handle young horses and stallions (desirable) Plaiting and trimming horses in preparation for competitions (essential) Able to turn horses out to a high standard (essential) Clipping (desirable) Able to confidently work as part of a team or independently (essential) Administration of basic first aid treatment including applying dressings and poultices in accordance with veterinary advice (essential)

Knowledge

General equine welfare and husbandry knowledge (essential) Recognising signs of ill health in horses (essential)

Qualifications

Full UK driving licence (desirable)