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- Tasks: Care for animals, manage boarding, and support rehoming efforts.
- Company: Join the RSPCA Isle of Wight, dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in animal care and work with a passionate team.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the lives of vulnerable animals every day.
- Qualifications: Must have animal care experience and a Level 2 diploma or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
We have a vacancy for an Animal Care Assistant – Kennels at the Island Animal Centre, near Rookley. The RSPCA cares for some of the Island's most vulnerable animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, small animals and wildlife. We also run a busy commercial boarding business looking after cats and dogs while their owners are on holiday. Following recent expansion, we’re looking for an additional member of staff primarily to support our rehoming and boarding kennels. We're interested in hearing from applicants with a range of animal-care experience, but particularly with dogs.
Job Role
- Attending to the needs of the animals in our care, including enrichment activities, grooming, and the administration of medications.
- Regular walks and exercising.
- Cleaning all areas of the centre, including animal accommodation, isolation, and exercise areas; food preparation, laundry, and storage facilities to maintain to a high standard of cleanliness.
- Welcoming boarding customers, and managing their check-in and check-out.
- Carrying out routine health checks on animals, looking for signs of infection or abnormality.
- Working with our visiting vets, and taking animals off-site for veterinary treatments where required.
- Providing training and support to the team of volunteers who work at the Island Animal Centre.
- Working with the general public to rehome animals, including meeting potential adopters, assessing their suitability and providing post-adoption advice.
Working Hours
The post is for 7 days per week – 37.5 hours each week. Our team work on a 3-week rota, which includes weekend working.
Job requirements
Essential:
- A passion for caring for animals.
- Commitment to working in the charity sector, and upholding the values of the RSPCA.
- Applicants must have professional experience of animal care.
- Animal Management Level 2 diploma or equivalent animal related qualification.
- Confidence and experience of handling a range of dogs.
Desirable:
- The role may include taking animals to the vets. A driving licence is therefore desirable.
- Our team work flexibly across the centre, so experience of working with other animals is desirable.
- A Level 4 Dog Training qualification approved by the ABTC. A successful candidate with this qualification would take a wider role undertaking behaviour assessments and creating training plans, and be eligible for the higher salary.
Animal Care Assistant - Kennels - RSPCA Isle of Wight employer: RSPCA Isle of Wight
Contact Detail:
RSPCA Isle of Wight Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Care Assistant - Kennels - RSPCA Isle of Wight
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the RSPCA Isle of Wight! Familiarise yourself with their mission and values. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate – you’re genuinely passionate about animal care and ready to support their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on experience! Whether it’s grooming, walking dogs, or caring for other animals, be ready to share specific examples. We want to hear about those moments when you made a difference in an animal's life.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! This shows your interest and helps you understand if the role is right for you. Ask about their approach to animal care or how they support their team – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and serious about joining the RSPCA team. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant - Kennels - RSPCA Isle of Wight
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals: Make sure to highlight your love for animals in your application. We want to see that you genuinely care about their well-being and have the experience to back it up!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that match the job description. We’re looking for specific animal care experience, especially with dogs, so make that shine through.
Be Clear About Your Qualifications: If you’ve got an Animal Management Level 2 diploma or any other relevant qualifications, shout about them! We want to know what makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA Isle of Wight
✨Know Your Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of different animal species, especially dogs. Familiarise yourself with their behaviours, needs, and common health issues. This will show your passion for animal care and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Commitment
The RSPCA values dedication to animal welfare. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work in the charity sector and how you align with their values. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to caring for vulnerable animals.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
As an Animal Care Assistant, you'll be working closely with a team and volunteers. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight your ability to support and train others, as this is key for the position.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face practical questions or scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a specific situation with an animal or a customer. Practise your responses to these types of questions to showcase your problem-solving skills and hands-on experience.