Assistant Horseperson - Cambridge

We are looking to recruit a friendly and hard-working member of staff to work alongside our Shire horses and smaller equines on our open farm. Previous equine experience is essential, although training will be given to develop new skills, particularly in harness and ridden work. You will be required to provide an exciting and unique visitor experience, educating the public and encouraging interaction with the horses. You will be part of a team who deliver a high standard of presentation across the farm site, providing a safe and enjoyable experience at this popular visitor attraction. This will involve opening and closing procedures, safety and compliance checks and the maintenance of facilities., This role involves working alongside staff and volunteers to provide daily care for our Shire horses, ponies and donkeys, taking sole responsibility for the horses when covering days off and annual leave. This includes grooming, feeding, turning out and getting in, general handling and maintaining high presentation standards across the farm. Through lunging, long reining, riding, carriage driving and working horses from the ground, you will work alongside the horse team to exercise the horses, providing demonstrations for our visitors and assisting the driver during horse drawn carriage rides. Home Farm is a busy visitor attraction, you will follow opening and running procedures to ensure timely opening of the farm, visitor safety and enjoyment are maintained throughout every day. Through engaging with the visitors, sharing your knowledge and promoting our rare breeds, you will help to deliver an excellent customer experience. You will work with the rest of the team to complete safety checks, maintain equipment and care for the farm.

• Previous experience of working with horses, ponies or donkeys.
• Good knowledge of a horse's daily needs and welfare standards, alongside an understanding of the health and safety aspects of working around horses.
• Friendly, customer focused approach, with experience in delivering high standards of customer service and presentation.
• Experience in working in a team and managing volunteers, as well as being able to work independently using initiative.
• Flexible and adaptive with good communication skills.
• A team player, willing to help out across the whole farm.
• A desire to learn new skills and gain knowledge.
  
  The National Trust is committed to promoting and preserving those places of natural beauty and historic interest for which it has the privilege to be responsible for the benefit of the nation, for everyone for ever.
The Trust is proud of what has been achieved over the last 126 years and is determined to maintain those high standards of conservation, stewardship and curatorial care for which it has been recognised throughout the world. Its achievements have enabled the general public and the Trust's members and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the countryside, coastline, gardens, historic buildings and collections, all of which encapsulate so much of the history of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There is a duty to tell that history in a complete, balanced and accurate way, and without judgement. The National Trust continues as a guardian of the past, and for the future, to uphold its duty to maintain and enhance what has been entrusted to its care.

The National Trust has the motto 'For everyone, for ever' at its heart. We're working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It's important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we're for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places