At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in caring for and rehabilitating wildlife at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre.
- Company: Join Scotland's leading animal welfare charity, dedicated to protecting animals since 1839.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hands-on experience, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Experience diverse tasks, work with animals, and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts.
- Qualifications: Practical experience with animals, strong communication skills, and a passion for wildlife welfare.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract from July to October 2025; early applications encouraged due to high interest.
The predicted salary is between 23809 - 23809 £ per year.
We are currently looking for a Seasonal Wildlife Assistant to join the team at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, Fishcross, Alloa. The contract dates for this role will be from 21st July until no later than 31st October 2025 to cover the busy season at the wildlife centre.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 10 days in 14 to include evening and weekend working on a rota basis
Salary: £23,809.50 per annum (FTE)
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (from 21st July until 31st October 2025)
About the Scottish SPCA: As Scotland's animal welfare charity, we have been on-hand to protect animals and prevent cruelty since 1839 – that’s over 185 years of creating a better world for all animals. We’ve grown to become a national charity which celebrates the strength of the human-animal bond and enriches the lives of animals and people. We are Scotland’s animal champions.
What does a Wildlife Assistant do?
Our Wildlife Assistants are there to provide a caring and safe environment for all animals and maximise their comfort in the National Wildlife Rescue Centre. Working with many different types of animals, no day will ever look the same. The role requires:
- Feeding; cleaning animal accommodation, isolation areas, pens, treatment rooms and exercise facilities;
- Hands-on treatment, care and monitoring of all sorts of creatures including administering medications as required;
- Release of animals back into the wild.
Overview of main duties and responsibilities:
- Admitting, caring for, preparing for release and monitoring wildlife casualties and involvement in the release of animals back into the wild.
- Ensure that animal accommodation, isolation areas, pens, treatment rooms and exercise facilities are maintained to strict standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
- Notifying management and our on-site vet team as soon as possible if an animal will not be fit for release so that, if appropriate, an animal can be euthanized to prevent further suffering.
- Identifying animals in care that require to be moved to a different enclosure or animals that may be ready for release.
- Where appropriately trained, ensuring medication prescribed is correctly administered, overseeing the safe handling of drugs and accurate record keeping.
- Working to help raise awareness of each species and educate about the possible risks/numbers declining for any species.
- Training society staff, volunteers and representatives of other agencies to the standard specified in the centre protocols and procedures.
- Demonstrating excellent customer care skills by dealing professionally and competently with members of the public both by telephone and in person including educational tours of the centre.
- Maintain the database so that it accurately reflects all existing wildlife in the care of the NWC and assisting in the collation of statistics.
- Assist with the functionality and maintenance of all areas and facilities. Support with the improvement of these areas where necessary.
- Driving, including transportation of animals, as required.
Please see full Job Description link for more detailed information on the role.
What makes a good Wildlife Assistant?
- Practical experience working with animals.
- An interest in wildlife and animal welfare.
- Excellent customer care and communication skills.
- Good attention to detail.
- Good IT skills.
- Resilient and calm approach to the role.
- Ability to act with professional integrity.
- Flexible approach.
- Able to work well within a team.
- A willingness to work within group shift pattern.
We are fortunate that some of our roles attract a high level of interest therefore, we may have to close roles earlier than advertised. Early application submissions are highly recommended. This also means that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates due to receiving high levels of applications.
The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission.
Wildlife Assistant employer: Kate on Conservation
Contact Detail:
Kate on Conservation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Wildlife Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get some hands-on experience with wildlife or animal care before applying. Volunteering at local animal shelters or wildlife centres can give you the practical skills and knowledge that will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific wildlife species that the National Wildlife Rescue Centre cares for. Showing that you have researched their work and understand the challenges faced by these animals can really impress during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your customer care skills, as you'll be interacting with the public. Practising how to communicate effectively and handle inquiries can help you demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility and teamwork abilities. Since the role involves working shifts and collaborating with others, having examples ready to showcase your adaptability and team spirit will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Wildlife Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Wildlife Assistant. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any practical experience you have working with animals or in wildlife care. Include specific examples of your hands-on treatment, care, and monitoring of animals to demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention your customer care and communication skills, as these are crucial for dealing with the public. Provide examples of how you've successfully interacted with others in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is important in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kate on Conservation
✨Show Your Passion for Wildlife
Make sure to express your genuine interest in wildlife and animal welfare during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you've had with animals, whether through volunteering, work, or personal projects, to demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any practical experience you have working with animals, especially in a rescue or rehabilitation context. Be specific about your responsibilities and the skills you developed, as this will show that you're well-prepared for the tasks involved in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you would handle specific situations involving animal care. Think of examples where you had to make quick decisions or manage stressful situations, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of past experiences where you worked as part of a team, highlighting your communication skills and flexibility in adapting to group dynamics.