At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for animals, assist with treatments, and ensure their well-being at our rescue centre.
- Company: Join the Scottish SPCA, Scotland's leading animal welfare charity since 1839.
- Benefits: Part-time role with a competitive salary and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Work hands-on with animals and help them find loving homes.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals and excellent customer service skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a supportive team environment await you!
The predicted salary is between 11904 - 16766 £ per year.
We are currently 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 14 to 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 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
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 (part time maternity cover) in Edinburgh 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) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Scottish SPCA and their mission. When you walk into that interview, show us that you’re not just passionate about animals but also about the values we stand for. Research our work and be ready to chat about how you can contribute!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Think about your experiences with animals and how they relate to the role. We want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress appropriately for the interview. While we love a casual vibe, looking smart shows us you’re serious about the role. Plus, it sets a great first impression when you walk through the door!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows us you’re keen and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make our decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant (part time maternity cover) in Edinburgh
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 Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Animal Care Assistant role. Highlight relevant experience, especially if you've worked with animals or in customer service before. This helps us see how you can contribute to our team at the Edinburgh Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.
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 understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.
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! Applying early gives you a better chance of being considered, so head over to our website and get your application in!
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.
✨Show 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 enquiries 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 and show your practical knowledge.
