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- 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, permanent contract, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to animal welfare and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a supportive environment for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 23809 - 26500 £ per year.
We are current looking for an Animal Care Assistant to join the team at the Highland and Islands Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre. This centre offers rehabilitation and rehoming to domestic animals.
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 – £23,809.50 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
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.
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Animal Care Assistant employer: SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
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
✨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 your genuine interest in animal welfare.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! As an Animal Care Assistant, you might be tested on your practical skills. Brush up on animal handling and care techniques to impress during the evaluation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest job openings and updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals: When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to animal welfare. We want to see that you genuinely care about the role and the animals you'll be working with.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight relevant experience, especially any hands-on work with animals or customer service roles. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their skills to what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to easily understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position, so make it easy for us to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at the Scottish SPCA!
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 and their behaviours will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past experiences working with animals or in customer service. Highlight any relevant skills, like handling animals or dealing with the public, to demonstrate you’re a great fit for the team.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Welfare
Be ready to talk about why animal welfare is important to you. Share any personal stories or experiences that reflect your dedication to helping animals, as this aligns perfectly with the values of the Scottish SPCA.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the centre's approach to animal rehabilitation or how they handle challenging situations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
