At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for and monitor wildlife, ensuring their comfort and preparing them for release.
- Company: Join the Scottish SPCA, a leading animal welfare charity with over 185 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to animal welfare and conservation efforts.
- Qualifications: Practical experience with animals and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term contract covering maternity leave until August 2026.
The predicted salary is between 23809 - 26500 £ per year.
We are current looking for a Wildlife Assistant to join the team at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, Fishcross, Alloa. This role is to cover a period of Maternity leave.
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 14to include evening and weekend working on a rota basis
- Salary– £23,809.50 per annum (FTE)
- Contract Type – Fixed Term Contract until August 2026
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 a Wildlife Assistant do?
Our Wildlife Assistants are there to provide a caring and safe environment for all animals and maximise their comfort in the National Wildlife Rescue Centre.
Working with many different types of animals, no day will ever look the same.
The role requires feeding; cleaning animal accommodation, isolation areas, pens, treatment rooms and exercise facilities; hands on treatment, care and monitoring all sorts of creatures including administering medications as required; and release of animals back into the wild.
Overview of main duties and responsibilities
- Admitting, caring for, preparing for release and monitoring wildlife casualties and involvement in the release of animals back into the wild
- Ensure that animal accommodation, isolation areas, pens, treatment rooms and exercise facilities are maintained to strict standards of cleanliness and hygiene
- Notifying management and our on-site vet team as soon as possible if an animal will not be fit for release so that, if appropriate, an animal can be euthanized to prevent further suffering
- Identifying animals in care that require to be moved to a different enclosure or animals that may be ready for release
- Where appropriately trained, ensuring medication prescribed is correctly administered, overseeing the safe handling of drugs and accurate record keeping
- Working to help raise awareness of each species and educate about the possible risks/ numbers declining for any species
- Training society staff, volunteers and representatives of other agencies to the standard specified in the centre protocols and procedures
- Demonstrating excellent customer care skills by dealing professionally and competently with members of the public both by telephone and in person including educational tours of the centre
- Maintain the database so that it accurately reflects all existing wildlife in the care of the NWC and assisting in the collation of statistics
- Assist with the functionality and maintenance of all areas and facilities. Support with the improvement of these areas where necessary
- Driving, including transportation of animals, as required
Please see full Job Description link for more detailed information on the role.
What makes a good Wildlife Assistant?
- Practical experience working with animals
- An interest in wildlife and animal welfare
- Excellent customer care and communication skills
- 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.
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Wildlife 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 Wildlife Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific wildlife species that the National Wildlife Rescue Centre cares for. Understanding their needs and behaviours will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain practical experience by volunteering at local animal shelters or wildlife rehabilitation centres. This hands-on experience will enhance your skills and demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the wildlife and animal care sectors. Attend relevant workshops or events where you can meet people who work in similar roles. They might provide insights or even refer you to opportunities at the Scottish SPCA.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising scenarios related to animal care and customer service. Being able to articulate how you would handle specific situations will showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Wildlife Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Wildlife Assistant. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any practical experience you have working with animals or in wildlife care. Mention specific tasks you've performed that relate to the duties outlined in the job description.
Show Your Passion: Express your interest in wildlife and animal welfare clearly in your application. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive your passion for this field, as it can set you apart from other candidates.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial in a role that involves caring for animals.
How to prepare for a job interview at SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
✨Show Your Passion for Wildlife
Make sure to express your genuine interest in wildlife and animal welfare during the interview. Share any relevant experiences you've had with animals, whether through volunteering, work, or personal projects, to demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any practical experience you have working with animals, especially in a rescue or rehabilitation context. Be specific about your responsibilities and the skills you developed, as this will show that you're well-prepared for the tasks involved in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving animal care or customer interactions. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires working closely with a team, be ready to discuss your experiences collaborating with others. Highlight instances where you contributed to a team effort, resolved conflicts, or supported colleagues, as this will illustrate your ability to work effectively in a group setting.