At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for animals, maintain cleanliness, and assist with customer service.
- Company: Four Paws Country Pet Hotel, Guernsey's largest boarding facility.
- Benefits: Full training provided, varied hours, and a rewarding work environment.
- Other info: Must be physically fit and available for weekend shifts.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a difference in the lives of pets.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals, strong communication skills, and a can-do attitude.
The predicted salary is between 18900 - 23100 £ per year.
Main Purposes of Job:
Here at Four Paws, we run various services such as dog boarding, cat boarding, small animal boarding, doggy daycare, horse rug washing, and grooming. It is your duty to oversee all these services.
A Kennel and Cattery assistant job is varied. You are required to feed, water, medicate, and provide exercise to various types of animals. The animals’ welfare and happiness must be met, and you must maintain the cleanliness of their living space at all times.
We are Guernsey’s biggest and busiest boarding facility with 48 kennels, 21 cat pens, and six small animal hutches. It is crucial to be organised, have excellent time management skills, and listen attentively to customers to understand the animals’ individual needs and requirements regarding their welfare and any medical needs they may have. Safety and confidentiality are paramount to the business, and everyone must ensure all policies and procedures are met for the safety of the staff, customers, and all the animals.
If you are physically fit, confident in handling animals, and can work well in a team and on your own, this job could be right for you.
Your duties as a Kennel and Cattery assistant include but are not limited to:
- General welfare of all animals (cats, dogs, small animals, etc.)
- Feeding and playtime
- Animal handling – confidence while physically handling animals is critical
- Supervising playtimes and being able to read dogs' body language
- Monitoring animal behaviour for any changes
- Washing and preparing horse rugs/animal bedding
- Updating our social media platforms
- The reception: greeting customers, taking bookings, payments, and data entry into the Petlinx system
- Preparing food and feeding the animals
- Maintaining the pens, runs, and grounds
- Cleaning and sanitation - disinfecting all kennel/cattery blocks, corridors, and play areas to a very high standard
Being a kennel & cattery assistant is a physically demanding job. You must be able to bend and stretch constantly throughout the day. This job is a lot more than just playing with puppies! Working with animals can be challenging, stressful at times, and unpredictable, but it is a very rewarding job.
What we require from you:
- Honest and reliable
- Be available to work every other Saturday including Bank Holidays, Easter, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day (On-shift rota)
- Availability throughout the school holidays/weekend periods (Holidays must be taken off outside of these busy times)
- Be able to work well under pressure, quickly and efficiently
- Work as a team and work on your own
- Have great time management and know how to prioritise your workload
- Be physically fit - upwards of 20,000 steps a day and be able to lift heavy items (15kg/20kg food bags)
- Have a passion for all animals
- Have excellent communication and people skills
- Experience and confidence with dogs and cats
- A can-do, self-motivated attitude
- Full Driving licence or motorbike to get to St Saviours (Buses do not run very well up here in St Saviour) as some days can start early or overrun in busy periods
- Previous animal care experience with dogs and cats
- Be over 17 due to working on your own sometimes with tasks
- Be a team player
The hours are varied Monday to Friday and some Saturdays on a rota. We have two rotas - hours can vary between two rotas (37.5 hours a week): 6.30am to 2pm or 12pm to 7.30pm (more in peak seasons such as school holidays/bank holidays). Salary based on experience. The start date is to be confirmed with the candidate. Full training will be given. Please note you must have a local Guernsey housing licence to apply.
Junior Kennel & Cattery Assistant, Four Paws Country Pet Hotel employer: Island FM
At Four Paws Country Pet Hotel, we pride ourselves on being Guernsey's largest and busiest boarding facility, offering a dynamic work environment where animal welfare is our top priority. Our team-oriented culture fosters growth and development, providing comprehensive training and opportunities to engage with a variety of animals while ensuring their happiness and safety. With a commitment to excellence and a supportive atmosphere, we offer a rewarding career for those passionate about animal care in the beautiful setting of St Saviour's.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Kennel & Cattery Assistant, Four Paws Country Pet Hotel
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Island FM often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Kennel & Cattery Assistant, Four Paws Country Pet Hotel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Island FM does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Island FM
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Island FM will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Island FM.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Island FM.
