Equine Groom
We encourage applicants to apply early, if we receive a high volume of applicants we may close the advert earlier than the planned date
Applicants will be subject to a papersift, interview and then a final suitability assessment demonstrating their equine management skills
Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.
Role purpose
To provide a professional equestrian service ensuring the horses are healthy and in good condition by looking after their everyday needs. This role focuses on a requirement for high standards of care with welfare at the forefront and will include grooming and meeting the exercising needs of a variety of large horses to enable the Mounted Unit to achieve its maximum operational potential.
The equine groom will be supervised by the Equine Stable Manager and undertake jobs directed by them. They may be required to assist in the day-to-day mentoring of apprentice(s).
The role involves working within a small team environment and the applicant must demonstrate a strong team-working ethic as well as an ability to work unsupervised. At times the applicant will be responsible for the welfare of many horses and needs to demonstrate a willingness to take personal responsibility for making decisions regarding equine and stable related issues.
The applicant must be able to communicate effectively at all levels both verbally and in writing. At times they will be the only point of contact between partners such as veterinary surgeons and other professionals.
Essential Skills
- Strong knowledge of professional equine care, nutrition, training, and health management, with a particular focus on welfare and behavioural indicators in a variety of situations including transport, husbandry, and for veterinary treatments.
- Strong evidence-based equitation knowledge including up-to-date understanding of equine behaviour and learning theory alongside an ability to apply this practically when handling, riding and training horses, including large and inexperienced horses.
- Ability to foster positive human-horse interactions across the mounted unit and ensure training and handling methods are ethical promoting confidence and security alongside minimising stress.
- Worked as a Groom in a large-scale stables/riding school.
- Has achieved a good attendance record.
- Able to carry out duties including lifting, bending, stooping, climbing, loading/unloading, carrying. (This post is subject to medical examination).
- Flexible approach to areas of work according to rostered schedules with an alternating/ rotating shift pattern.
Desirable skills
- BHS Stage 2 in Horse Care and Riding or an Extensive equine background working with horses.
- Maintaining a comprehensive log of equine behaviour, activities and exercise.
- LGV C1 driving authorisation .
- Emergency First Aid at work qualification (or willingness to attain).
Hours
Mix of early and late shifts. Shifts can cover between the hours of 07:00 - 23:00. A degree of flexibility will be required.
Location
Within West Midlands force area
Allowances
TBC
Vetting
Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.
Medical
Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.
Interviews
Interview process will include a practical assessment (TBC). Interviews will take place after 30th June 2025.
Contact
For more information please contact mountedunit@westmidlands.police.uk
Benefit Statement
By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:
- Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a very competitive pension scheme.
- Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.
- Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities.
- A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs.
West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.
It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.
"Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities"