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- Tasks: Help care for animals, ensuring their health and happiness while assisting with rehoming.
- Company: Join the Scottish SPCA, a leading animal welfare charity dedicated to protecting animals since 1839.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, gain valuable experience, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of animals and connect with like-minded individuals.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals and excellent communication skills are essential; a passion for animal welfare is a must.
- Other info: This role requires weekend work on a rota basis and offers opportunities for extra shifts.
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 – 7.5 hours per week, 2 days in 14 to include weekend working on a rota basis (plus extra to cover holiday, maternity and sickness as required)
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 184 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-focused 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.
Relief 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 Relief Animal Care Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to gain practical experience with animals before applying. Volunteering at local shelters or participating in animal care workshops can give you the hands-on skills that are essential for this role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills, as you'll be interacting with the public regularly. Consider practicing how to handle enquiries and provide information about animal care and rehoming.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish SPCA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you align your passion with their goals during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility and teamwork skills. This role requires working on a rota basis, so demonstrating your ability to adapt and collaborate with others will make you a strong candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief 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. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any practical experience you have working with animals or in customer service. Mention specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare and your ability to handle various situations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that reflects your passion for animal care and your understanding of the Scottish SPCA's mission. Make sure to address how your values align with theirs and why you want to be part of their team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
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 and commitment to their welfare during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you've had, whether through volunteering or previous jobs, that demonstrate your dedication to animal care.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any practical experience you have working with animals, especially in a rescue or rehoming context. Be prepared to talk about specific tasks you've performed, such as feeding, grooming, or administering medications, as these are key responsibilities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves interacting with the public, it's important to showcase your customer service skills. Prepare examples of how you've handled enquiries or provided support in previous roles, emphasising your ability to communicate effectively and compassionately.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and approach to animal care. Think about how you would handle situations like an animal in distress or dealing with a difficult member of the public, and be ready to explain your thought process.
