Animal Rescue Officer in Sheffield

As an Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) with the RSPCA, you'll respond to reports of cruelty, neglect, or injury and play a vital role in preventing animal suffering through education, advice, and, where necessary, intervention. If you are motivated by animal welfare and want to make a meaningful difference, a career as an ARO could be perfect for you. This work can be physically and emotionally demanding, but it is also deeply meaningful and highly rewarding.

You’ll see the direct impact of your decisions and actions on animals' lives and the people connected to them. We recognise the emotional demands of animal rescue work, and as part of our commitment to your wellbeing, you’ll have access to mental health resources, inclusive policies, and ongoing development opportunities to support both your personal resilience and long-term career progression.

Much of the role involves working independently and travelling long distances, including frequent motorway driving and visits to remote rural locations. While you’ll often be out on your own, you’ll remain closely connected to a supportive and experienced team. We provide comprehensive training, equipment, and guidance to help you work safely and confidently.

You will regularly engage with members of the public in emotionally charged situations. People may be distressed, angry, anxious, or defensive, and effective communication is essential. You’ll need to ask the right questions quickly, gather accurate information under pressure, and use calm, confident influencing skills to de-escalate heightened emotions while remaining professional and empathetic. These skills are critical in enabling you to make accountable decisions without immediate supervision, often with real consequences for animal welfare and public safety.

There are not many careers that allow you to pursue your passion while making a real difference in the world. As an ARO, you’ll help improve animals' lives every day. We recognise that people bring different strengths, backgrounds, and experiences. If you are resilient, reflective, committed to learning, and motivated by making a difference - even if you don’t meet every requirement perfectly but share our values - we encourage you to apply.

Important Dates:

• Mandatory online awareness sessions: w/c 9th February.
• Online assessments: You will be offered slots on any day between 23rd February and 6th March.
• Online interviews: You will be offered slots on any day between 16th March and 27th March.

To be considered, you must live within one of the postcodes specified in the document attached to this advert (scroll down) titled 'South Yorks (Sheffield) - Postcodes.' Unfortunately, we are not currently considering applications from candidates who wish to relocate.

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds. You do not need previous animal welfare experience to apply; many of the skills needed for this role can be gained through other careers, caring roles, volunteering, or community-facing work.

Essential requirements:

• Aged 17 or over at application and 18 by the course start date.
• Resilience, good judgement, and strong communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive conversations.
• Ability to work independently, with the support of a wider team.
• Willingness to work varied shifts between 8am and 9pm, including bank holidays and weekends.
• Availability to start on 18th May 2026 and commit to a continuous, intensive 26-week training programme (annual leave cannot be taken during this period).
• Flexibility to travel for training at locations across the country, with occasional overnight stays.
• Full manual driving licence, with recent experience and confidence driving long distances (up to 150 miles per day).
• Comfortable with lone working.
• Confident swimmer: able to swim 50 metres fully clothed within 2.5 minutes by the point of assessment during training.

Securing animal welfare isn’t a 9 to 5 role. AROs work a range of shifts between 8am and 9pm, including bank holidays and weekends, and may occasionally need to stay later to complete tasks. Rotas are planned in advance wherever possible, with wellbeing and sustainability in mind.

You’ll receive comprehensive training throughout the 26-week programme and continued support once in post. We are committed to helping you succeed and grow in the role.

We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our mission. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from minority ethnic communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from non-traditional career paths.

If you need any support with your application or interview, please contact us. Good luck with your application - we look forward to hearing from you.