At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for animals, ensuring their health and happiness while helping them find loving homes.
- Company: Join the Scottish SPCA, Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity since 1839.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible shifts, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Work with animals every day and be part of a compassionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24784 - 24784 € per year.
We are currently looking for 2 Animal Care Assistants to join the team at the Aberdeen Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre. This centre offers rehabilitation and rehoming to both domestic animals and equine. If this sounds like a role you would be interested in, please read on for more information.
Hours – 37.5 hours per week, 10 days in 14 to include weekend working on a rota basis
Salary – £24,784.50 per annum (FTE)
Contract Type – Permanent
About the Scottish SPCA
As Scotland’s animal welfare charity, we have been on‑hand to protect animals and prevent cruelty since 1839 – that’s over 185 years of creating a better world for all animals. We’ve grown to become a national charity which celebrates the strength of the human‑animal bond and enriches the lives of animals and people. We are Scotland’s animal champions.
What does an Animal Care Assistant do?
Our Animal Care Assistants are there to provide a safe environment for all animals whilst in the care of the animal rescue and rehoming centre and to help animals find loving new homes. Working with many different types of animals, no day will ever look the same. The role requires feeding and grooming the animals as well as clearing out their accommodation and ensuring each animal gets the appropriate exercise and socialisation they need. Many of the animals in our care also need routine health checks completed including administering relevant medicines, and this is the role of the Animal Care Assistant to provide this action when required.
Overview of main duties and responsibilities
- Assist with any treatments, medications, births and general care of all animals within the ARRC
- Maintain and monitor accurate animal records following and updating each animal’s care plan as required
- Attend to the welfare needs of all animals (food preparation/feeding routines, grooming & exercising)
- Animal accommodation, isolation areas, pens, treatment rooms and exercise facilities are maintained to strict standards of cleanliness and hygiene
- Handle enquiries from the general public and provide excellent customer service
- Conduct educational tours of the centre
- Assist with home checks for rehoming animals
- Assist with the humane destruction of animals including carcass disposal in line with the Society’s policy of not putting healthy animals to sleep
- Promote Scottish SPCA membership to the public where appropriate
- Provide key holder duties in case of sickness/emergency where applicable
Please see full Job Description link for more detailed information on the role.
What makes a good Animal Care Assistant?
- Practical experience working with animals
- Experience working with the general public
- Previous experience in a customer focussed environment
- Excellent customer care and communication skills
- A commitment to animal welfare
- Resilient and calm approach to the role
- Ability to act with professional integrity
- Flexible approach
- Able to work well within a team
- A willingness to work within group shift pattern
We are fortunate that some of our roles attract a high level of interest therefore, we may have to close roles earlier than advertised. Early application submissions are highly recommended. This also means that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates due to receiving high levels of applications.
The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission. The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equine Welfare Member of the National Equine Welfare Council.
Animal Care Assistant in Aberdeen employer: SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
The Scottish SPCA is an exceptional employer for those passionate about animal welfare, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and dedication. Located at the Aberdeen Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, employees benefit from meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of animals, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development within Scotland's leading animal welfare charity. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Scottish SPCA fosters an environment where every team member can thrive while making a difference in the community.
Contact Detail:
SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Care Assistant in Aberdeen
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Scottish SPCA and their mission! Understanding their values and how they operate will help you connect with the team during interviews. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn or at local events. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role involves caring for animals, be ready to demonstrate your skills. Practise handling different types of animals and think about how you’d manage various scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the Aberdeen Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals:When writing your application, let us know why you love working with animals. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to animal welfare. This will help us see your genuine interest in the role!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Animal Care Assistant position. Highlight relevant experience, skills, and any customer service roles you've had. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Early!:Since we often receive a high volume of applications, it's best to submit yours as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute—get your application in through our website and stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
✨Know Your Animals
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of different animal species and their care needs. Being able to discuss specific animals you’ve worked with or cared for will show your passion and expertise in animal welfare.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves interacting with the public, prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Think about situations where you handled inquiries or resolved issues effectively, as this will demonstrate your communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Animal Welfare
Be ready to talk about why animal welfare is important to you. Share any relevant experiences or volunteer work that highlights your dedication to helping animals, as this aligns perfectly with the values of the Scottish SPCA.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations involving animal care, such as administering medication or dealing with a distressed animal. Practising these scenarios can help you respond confidently during the interview.