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- Tasks: Care for animals, supervise staff, and maintain high hygiene standards in the kennels.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to animal welfare in South Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days holiday, competitive pay, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work outdoors in a dynamic setting with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of animals while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care and strong teamwork skills are essential.
Senior Kennels Assistant
Location: South Oxfordshire (OX10)
Reports To: Kennel Manager / Animal Care Supervisor
Salary: Circa £13 p/hr DOE
Job Type: Full Time/Perm Benefits: 28 Days Holiday (inc BH)
Hours: Full Time – 5 Days per week 8am-1pm & 2pm-5pm (includes weekends and BH)
The Role
The Senior Kennels Assistant plays a key role in the day-to-day care of animals within the kennels, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, health, and welfare are upheld at all times. This role involves supervising junior staff, assisting in the training of new team members, and supporting the Kennel Manager with operational duties. The Downlands Team is small but all of us enjoy getting to know our extended family of visiting dogs and cats. Our staff are passionate about animals and have all completed Animal Care courses.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide high standards of care for all animals in the kennels, including feeding, cleaning, bathing, grooming, and exercising.
- Monitor animal health and behaviour, reporting concerns promptly to the Kennel Manager.
- Administer basic medications as prescribed and maintain accurate health records.
- Supervise and support junior kennel assistants, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard.
- Train new staff on kennel routines, animal handling, and hygiene protocols.
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene across the kennels and associated areas, following infection control procedures.
- Handle animals with care, patience, and compassion, including those with behavioural or medical needs.
- Ensure compliance with health and safety and animal welfare regulations at all times.
- Maintain inventory of food, bedding, cleaning products, and supplies, reporting shortages or placing orders as needed.
- Assist with rota planning, record-keeping, and reporting tasks as delegated by the Kennel Manager.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Demonstratable experience in animal care, preferably in a kennel, rescue centre, or veterinary setting.
- Level 2/3 Diploma or equivalent in Animal Care.
- Proven ability to handle dogs and cats safely and confidently.
- Strong understanding of animal welfare, behaviour, and basic health issues.
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior team members.
- Physically fit and able to perform demanding manual tasks in all weather conditions.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills, along with excellent customer service.
- High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
- Flexible, reliable, and committed to animal care.
Desirable:
- Experience in administering medications or working with animals.
- First Aid for Animals certification.
- Familiarity with kennel management software or record-keeping systems.
Working Conditions
- The role involves outdoor work in all weather conditions and includes weekends and public holidays on a rota basis.
- We would recommend candidates have their own transport, as we are based in a rural location.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a one page cover letter highlighting your motivations, skills and relevant experience.
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Senior Kennels Assistant employer: HR Dept
Contact Detail:
HR Dept Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Kennels Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Downlands Team and their values. Mentioning specific things you admire about their approach to animal care can really help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on experience! When you're chatting with the interviewers, share stories from your past roles that highlight your skills in animal care and teamwork. Real-life examples make a big impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions that matter! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the kennel's operations or their approach to animal welfare. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about the role and the team before you even step in for an interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Kennels Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Care: When writing your application, let us see your love for animals shine through! Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to animal welfare and care.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of a Senior Kennels Assistant. We want to know why you're the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at HR Dept
✨Know Your Animal Care Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal care, especially regarding health and behaviour. Be ready to discuss your experience with different animals and any specific situations you've handled. This will show that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role.
✨Show Off Your Supervisory Skills
Since this role involves supervising junior staff, think of examples where you've successfully led a team or trained someone. Highlight your ability to mentor others and ensure tasks are completed to a high standard. This will demonstrate your leadership potential.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Questions
Expect questions that test your practical knowledge, like how you'd handle a specific animal behaviour issue or what steps you'd take in an emergency. Practise answering these types of questions so you can respond confidently during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your love for animals shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to animal welfare. This will help the interviewers see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the animals you'll be working with.