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- Tasks: Care for horses and other animals, ensuring their health and wellbeing.
- Company: Join the RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre, a compassionate animal welfare organisation.
- Benefits: Permanent contract, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Transform the lives of animals and help them find loving homes.
- Qualifications: BHS Level 2 qualification and experience in equine care required.
- Other info: Inclusive recruitment process with opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 1040 - 1248 £ per month.
RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre is set across 23 acres of beautiful Kent countryside near West Malling. Each year, we welcome over 15,000 visitors and care for a wide range of animals, including up to 10 horses, 57 dogs, 72 cats, and many other domestic species. Our centre is a place of compassion, learning, and second chances. Every role here contributes directly to transforming the lives of animals who have experienced neglect, cruelty, or uncertainty - and helping them find safe, loving homes.
We are excited to welcome a Groom to our dedicated team.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 16 hours per week
Working pattern: Hours between 08:30 - 17:00, including every other weekend and Bank Holidays, on a rolling rota.
Whether you are looking to grow your career in equine welfare or bring your existing skills into a purpose-driven environment, this role offers the chance to make a genuine difference every day.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assessing equine health and wellbeing
- Carrying out daily yard duties such as mucking out, feeding, pasture management, and maintaining a safe, clean environment
- Keeping accurate records and completing welfare-related paperwork
- Supporting the rehoming process, including engaging with potential adopters to help match horses with suitable forever homes
- Assisting with other animal species as and when required (dogs, cats and small animals)
Essential:
- BHS Qualification Level 2
- Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in equine care and husbandry
- Confidence working with a wide range of horses and ponies, including those who may be unhandled or have experienced trauma
- A genuine passion for equine welfare and making a positive difference
- Ability to work well as part of a team, alongside colleagues, volunteers, and members of the public
- Clear communication skills and a calm, flexible approach in a busy and sometimes unpredictable environment
- Confidence using IT systems to maintain accurate digital records
Desirable (but not essential):
- Experience working with other animals in a rescue or shelter setting
- Experience rehabilitating horses with behavioural challenges
- A full manual driving licence (for transporting animals between sites)
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 - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family.
We are here to support you and encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process.
Groom in Tonbridge employer: RSPCA
Contact Detail:
RSPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Groom in Tonbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre before your interview. Check out their social media pages to see the animals and the team in action. This will help you connect with their mission and show your genuine interest during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the competency-based interview by thinking of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in equine care and teamwork. We want to hear how you've handled challenges and what you've learned along the way!
✨Tip Number 3
During your site visit, don’t hesitate to ask questions! This is your chance to learn more about the role and the team. Plus, it shows us that you're engaged and eager to be part of the RSPCA family.
✨Tip Number 4
After your interview, follow up with a thank-you message. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on our radar and shows your appreciation for the opportunity. Remember, we’re all about building connections!
We think you need these skills to ace Groom in Tonbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: This is your chance to shine! When answering the questions, let your personality come through. We want to know what makes you tick and how your experiences have shaped your passion for animal welfare.
Show Your Passion: Make sure to highlight your genuine love for equine welfare. Share any relevant experiences, whether it's caring for horses or volunteering at an animal shelter. We’re looking for that spark that shows you truly care about making a difference!
Tailor Your Answers: Read the job description carefully and align your responses with the key responsibilities and skills we’re after. This will help us see how you fit into our team and the role of a Groom at RSPCA Leybourne.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our centre there.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA
✨Know Your Equine Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your equine care knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with common health issues, daily care routines, and welfare standards. This will show your genuine passion for equine welfare and help you stand out.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your compassion for animals, especially horses. Talk about any relevant volunteer work or situations where you've made a positive impact on an animal's life.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during your site visit. This could be about the rehabilitation process, team dynamics, or how they support their staff. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
✨Be Yourself
Remember, the interview is as much about finding the right fit for you as it is for them. Be honest about your skills and experiences, and don’t hesitate to express your eagerness to learn and grow within the role.
