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- Tasks: Care for animals, including feeding, grooming, and administering medication.
- Company: Join SRUC, a leader in agricultural research and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Why this job: Make a difference in animal welfare while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Interest in animals; qualifications in animal care are a plus but not required.
- Other info: Work weekends and be flexible for holiday cover; full training provided.
The Opportunity: In this role you will undertake the care and welfare of a range of animals housed in the Animal Care Training Centre and associated areas during weekends and college holidays, paying particular attention to their welfare needs. This will include but is not limited to feeding, watering, grooming and cleaning. In addition to this you will be required to administer medication where required, maintain accurate animal records and communicate any issues arising.
The post-holder would ideally have some experience with horses and be able to help with duties on the yard, though this is not essential.
Minimum experience: Applicants should have an interest in animals; a qualification in animal care would be desirable but not essential as full training will be given. Averages 8 hours per week. Applicants must be available to work a rota of weekends 9am to 1pm, Saturday & Sunday, and must be flexible to provide additional holiday cover during the week for staff holidays and unplanned leave as required.
Why work for SRUC?
- Generous annual leave
- Enhanced pension contributions
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted RAC Membership
- Generous family leave
- Flexible working patterns
- Hybrid working solutions (in some areas)
- Tailored investment in individuals' learning and development
How to Apply: Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”.
SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.
Animal Care Assistant employer: Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)
Contact Detail:
Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Care Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific animals you'll be caring for. Research their needs and behaviours, especially if you have a particular interest in horses, as this could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for animal welfare during any informal conversations or interviews. Share personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to animal care.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your availability and flexibility regarding the rota. Emphasising your willingness to cover additional shifts can demonstrate your dedication and reliability.
✨Tip Number 4
Connect with current or former employees of SRUC on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
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. Pay special attention to the welfare needs of animals and the specific tasks mentioned.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don't have formal qualifications, mention any relevant experience you have with animals, especially horses. If you've volunteered or worked in similar roles, be sure to include that information.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect your passion for animal care. Use specific examples to demonstrate your interest and any related skills that align with the job requirements.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to download and read the Job Particulars document as instructed. Complete the online application form carefully, ensuring all required fields are filled out accurately before submitting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)
✨Show Your Passion for Animals
Make sure to express your genuine interest in animal care during the interview. Share any personal experiences you have with animals, whether it's pets at home or volunteering at shelters. This will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Job Description
Before the interview, thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the specific tasks mentioned, such as feeding, grooming, and administering medication.
✨Prepare Questions About Animal Welfare
Think of insightful questions related to animal welfare and the care practices at the training centre. This shows that you are proactive and genuinely interested in the well-being of the animals, which is crucial for this position.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Teamwork
Since the role requires working weekends and covering for staff holidays, highlight your flexibility and willingness to work as part of a team. Share examples from past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others or adapted to changing schedules.
