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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for animals, assist with treatments, and ensure their well-being at the rescue centre.
- Company: Join the Scottish SPCA, Scotland’s leading animal welfare charity since 1839.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hands-on experience, and a chance to make a difference in animal lives.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to animal welfare and find loving homes for pets.
- Qualifications: Experience with animals and excellent communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and making a real impact.
We are currently looking for a Relief 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.
Job Details
- 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 can end up doing 3‑4 days a week)
- Salary – £4,797 per annum (£23,985.00 pa FTE)
- Contract Type – Fixed Term contract (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 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
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.
Scottish Charity No SC 006467
Apply Now
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Relief Animal Care Assistant employer: Scottish SPCA
Contact Detail:
Scottish SPCA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Relief Animal Care Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Scottish SPCA and their mission. When you walk into that interview, show us you’re passionate about animal welfare and how you can contribute to our cause. Research the centre and be ready to chat about what makes it special!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your animal handling skills! If you’ve got experience with different types of animals, share those stories during your interview. We want to hear how you’ve cared for animals in the past and how you can bring that experience to our team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for scenario questions. We might ask how you’d handle a specific situation with an animal or a member of the public. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of an Animal Care Assistant.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at the Edinburgh Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Relief Animal Care Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals: When writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share any relevant experiences you've had with animals, whether it's volunteering, fostering, or just being a pet parent. We want to see that you genuinely care about animal welfare.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Relief Animal Care Assistant role. Highlight your practical experience and customer service skills, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that relate to the duties mentioned in the job description.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate a well-structured application! Keep your language clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion and qualifications come across without unnecessary fluff. A tidy application makes it easier for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish SPCA
✨Know Your Animals
Familiarise yourself with the types of animals you'll be working with. Research common breeds, their behaviours, and specific care needs. This shows your passion for animal welfare and helps you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss any hands-on experience you've had with animals, whether through previous jobs, volunteering, or personal projects. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills in animal care and customer service.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
The role requires teamwork, so think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues, especially in a busy environment like an animal rescue centre.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the centre's operations, animal care practices, or team dynamics. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and work style.