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- Tasks: Care for animals, assist with treatments, and ensure their well-being.
- Company: Join the Scottish SPCA, Scotland's leading animal welfare charity since 1839.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with a competitive salary and a chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to animal welfare and community education.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts and a commitment to diversity in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 23809 - 26500 £ per year.
We are currently 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 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
- Complete general administration duties
- 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
- Good attention to detail
- Good IT 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.
Scottish Charity No SC 006467
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Animal Care Assistant employer: Scottish SPCA
Contact Detail:
Scottish SPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Care Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight any practical experience you have with animals, whether through volunteering, previous jobs, or personal projects. This will show your passion and commitment to animal welfare, which is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish SPCA's mission and values. Understanding their approach to animal care and welfare will help you align your answers during any interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss scenarios where you've provided excellent customer service, as this role involves interacting with the public. Think of specific examples that showcase your communication skills and ability to handle enquiries effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your flexibility and teamwork skills. The job requires working in shifts and collaborating with others, so having examples of how you've successfully worked in a team or adapted to changing situations will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Care Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Animal Care Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, such as animal care, customer service, and maintaining hygiene standards.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight any relevant experience you have working with animals or in customer service. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and commitment to animal welfare, as these are crucial for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for animal care and your understanding of the Scottish SPCA's mission. Mention why you want to work there and how your values align with theirs.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in this field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish SPCA
✨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.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any practical experience you have working with animals, whether it's through previous jobs, volunteering, or even caring for pets at home. Be specific about your responsibilities and what you learned from those experiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess how you would handle various situations involving animal care. Think about scenarios such as dealing with a distressed animal or handling a difficult customer, and prepare your responses in advance.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires working closely with a team, be ready to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues.