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- Tasks: Care for and rehabilitate animals, ensuring their comfort and wellbeing.
- Company: Join RSPCA, the UK's largest animal welfare charity dedicated to improving animal lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, supportive team culture, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a positive impact on animal welfare every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals is essential; resilience and strong communication skills are a must.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 28000 £ per year.
Do you want to help create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe animal welfare is everyone's welfare. Join us in creating a better world for every animal. We can do it if we work together, everyone for every animal.
We are looking for a new team member as an Animal Care Assistant located in our Ashley Heath Animal Centre in Ringwood.
Working hours: 11.25 hours per week on a 4 week rolling rota which is split by:
- Week 1 - Sunday and Monday
- Week 2 - Sunday and Monday
- Week 3 - Monday
- Week 4 - Friday
Applicants must be located within a commutable distance to our Centre. Interviews will take place on Friday 18th July.
It's important to us that you feel part of our team from the start. We like to keep in touch with regular check-ins and team meetings. There's always a teammate around for support or a quick chat.
As an Animal Care Assistant, you will work as part of a team with our staff and volunteers in providing care, compassion, enrichment, and socialisation for all animals in the centre. Our Animal Care Assistants are responsible for the care and rehabilitation of animals who have been rescued from cruelty, abuse, and neglect.
You will start your day cleaning the animals' accommodation, as well as feeding and watering them, and then start the daily exercise routine. It can be physically hard, but also very rewarding and satisfying work knowing the animals are comfortable and happy when you are finished.
Our Animal Care Assistants ensure the highest standards of welfare, and will monitor and report on animal behaviour, wellbeing, and health. You will also administer medication or treatment prescribed by a Vet, and implement behaviour modification programmes with guidance from our Behaviour and Welfare Advisors and the wider team.
Once the animals in our care are ready for their forever home, you will be involved in the adoption process, helping to find the perfect matched home for the animal you look after. You'll also meet with potential adopters to provide post-adoption advice and support.
Experience required:
- Experience working with animals either through paid or voluntary work (not including your own pets).
- Experience with dealing with large dog breeds.
- Resilience - many of the animals in our care have been victims of neglect and/or abuse and cruelty.
- Emotional resilience regarding euthanasia - although you will not be required to conduct euthanasia, there may be times where you will be exposed to this; such as transporting or being present at a euthanised animal.
- Willing to undertake practical work outdoors in all weather.
- Excellent communication and team working skills.
- Able to multitask and work under pressure.
- Comfortable with using IT - you'll be keeping computerised records on the animals under your care.
Desirable:
- Experience working in a kennel, animal rescue or welfare environment.
- Knowledge of canine behaviour.
- A qualification in animal management.
- Hold a full manual driving licence.
Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - we are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA.
We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible.
We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed to our mission. For this reason, we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities.
Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk / 0300 123 0685.
Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, by advocating on behalf of all animals and by inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect.
Animal Care Assistant employer: RSPCA
Contact Detail:
RSPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Care Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RSPCA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you align your passion for animal care with their goals during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain hands-on experience with large dog breeds, as this is a key requirement for the role. Volunteering at local shelters or fostering dogs can provide you with the necessary skills and confidence to manage these animals effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the physical demands of the job by staying active and developing your stamina. Being able to demonstrate your ability to handle the physical aspects of animal care will show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former RSPCA employees if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying and interviewing.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Animal Care Assistant position. Highlight your relevant experience with animals, especially large breeds, in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise any previous work with animals, your ability to handle stressful situations, and your communication skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal welfare and your commitment to the RSPCA's mission. Include specific examples of your experience and how it relates to the job.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals and commitment to their welfare. Share any relevant experiences, whether through paid work or volunteering, that demonstrate your dedication to animal care.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any previous experience you have with large dog breeds or in animal care settings. Be specific about your roles and responsibilities, especially if you've dealt with challenging situations involving animal behaviour.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Resilience
Be prepared to talk about your emotional resilience, especially regarding the challenges of working with animals that have faced neglect or abuse. Show that you can handle tough situations with compassion and professionalism.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific scenarios related to animal care. Think about questions like how you would manage a distressed animal or what steps you would take to ensure their wellbeing during daily routines.
