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- Tasks: Care for animals, assist with treatments, and ensure their well-being.
- Company: Join the Scottish SPCA, a leading animal welfare charity in Scotland since 1839.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to animal welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of animals while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Part-time role covering maternity leave; early applications encouraged due to high interest.
The predicted salary is between 11904 - 16766 £ per year.
Animal Care Assistant (part time maternity cover)
We are current looking for an Animal Care Assistant to join the team at the Edinburgh 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– 18.75 hours per week, 5 days in 14to include weekend working on a rota basis
- Salary– £11,904.75 per annum
- Contract Type – Fixed term to cover a period of maternity leave. (initially 6 months)
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 abetter 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 areScotland’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 record 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.
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Animal Care Assistant (part time maternity cover) 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 (part time maternity cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish SPCA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you align your passion for animals with their goals during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain practical experience by volunteering at local animal shelters or rescue centres. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your dedication to animal care, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've handled challenging situations with animals or customers in the past. This will showcase your problem-solving abilities and your calm approach, which are essential for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of the Scottish SPCA. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying and interviewing.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant (part time maternity cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of an Animal Care Assistant. Highlight your relevant experience with animals and customer service in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise any practical experience you have working with animals, as well as your commitment to animal welfare.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for animal care and your understanding of the Scottish SPCA's mission. Mention specific examples of your experience and how they relate to the duties outlined in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine love for animals during the interview. Share any personal experiences you have had with pets or volunteering at animal shelters, as this will demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare and align with the values of the Scottish SPCA.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any practical experience you have working with animals, whether it's through previous jobs, volunteering, or even caring for your own pets. Be specific about your responsibilities and how they relate to the duties of an Animal Care Assistant.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction Scenarios
Since the role involves handling enquiries from the public, be ready to discuss how you would approach customer service situations. Think of examples where you've successfully dealt with difficult customers or provided excellent service in a previous role.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Flexibility
The job requires working well within a team and being flexible with shift patterns. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to collaborate with others and adapt to changing circumstances, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
