At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive animals and supplies to help pets in need.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a charity dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Flexible volunteering, skill development, and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of sick and homeless pets.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence, customer service skills, and pet handling experience.
- Other info: Commit a few hours weekly and embrace a diverse community.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Do you have experience of handling dogs, cats and small pets? Do you love being on the road? Are you interested in playing a key role in helping pets in need? With your driving, customer service and team working skills, you could become part of the transport team transferring animals and supplies between our animal hospitals and rehoming centres, and foster carers.
Why we want you
Sick, injured and homeless pets have relied on Blue Cross for help since 1897. Each year, thousands of dogs, cats, small pets and horses turn to the charity’s animal hospitals, clinics and rehoming services for treatment and support. Our team of volunteer drivers help ensure the smooth running of our services. Your driving skills will help pets find new homes more quickly, or ensure they receive the care and equipment they need promptly. We would love you to join us and help us help more pets in need.
What you will be doing:
- Driving a Blue Cross van or your own car
- Transporting animals and supplies between centres and hospitals, foster homes and the vets
- Moving animals in and out of the vehicle
- Completing necessary transfer paperwork
- Supporting team with transfer protocols e.g. transfer tags
The skills you need:
- Full UK driving licence and comprehensive driving insurance
- Excellent customer service skills
- Good team working skills
- Experience of handling dogs, cats and small pets
- Organisational skills and good attention to detail
- Regular commitment and reliability
- A confidential approach
- Access to use of computer equipment
- Computer literacy and experience using web-based services and Microsoft Office e.g. Outlook and Word
- Experience of using/Willingness to learn how to use video technology e.g. Microsoft Teams
- Experience of using/Willingness to learn how to use databases
What’s in it for you:
- You’ll be joining a team of people passionate about animal welfare
- You’ll join a team of great likeminded people
- You’ll have direct involvement with assisting pets that come into our care
- A flexible volunteer role
- You’ll have the opportunity to develop skills in multiple areas, or become a specialist in specific areas
We ask that you can commit to a few hours a week and have access to a laptop/desktop/tablet and a good internet connection. Any vehicle used for the transport of animals must be up to date with MOT, vehicle maintenance and insurance. You need to be 18 or over for this role. Blue Cross holds inclusion as a core organisational value. We positively encourage applications from eligible volunteers regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity. We actively embrace our differences and know that it is our differences that make us unique. You are very welcome at Blue Cross, without the need to hide any part of who you are.
Volunteer Driver (Thirsk) employer: The Blue Cross
Contact Detail:
The Blue Cross Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Driver (Thirsk)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Blue Cross and their mission. When you understand their values and goals, you can tailor your conversations to show how your skills align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current volunteers or staff on social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your skills! During any interviews or meet-ups, be prepared to discuss your experience with animals and driving. Share specific examples that highlight your customer service and teamwork abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and helping pets in need.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Driver (Thirsk)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pets: When you're writing your application, let your love for animals shine through! Share any experiences you've had with pets, whether it's volunteering, fostering, or just being a pet parent. We want to see that you genuinely care about helping pets in need.
Highlight Your Driving Skills: Make sure to mention your driving experience and any relevant qualifications. A full UK driving licence is a must, so don’t forget to include that! If you’ve driven for volunteer roles before, give us the details – it shows you’re reliable and ready to hit the road for our furry friends.
Emphasise Teamwork and Customer Service: We’re all about working together at Blue Cross, so highlight your teamwork skills! Talk about times when you’ve collaborated with others or provided excellent customer service. This role involves interacting with fellow volunteers and the public, so we want to know you can communicate well.
Keep It Organised and Clear: Your application should be easy to read and well-organised. Use clear headings and bullet points where necessary. Don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors – attention to detail is key, especially when handling paperwork for animal transfers!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Blue Cross
✨Know Your Stuff About Animals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of handling dogs, cats, and small pets. Be ready to share any relevant experiences you've had with animals during the interview. This will show your passion for animal welfare and your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Show Off Your Driving Skills
Since this role involves driving, be prepared to discuss your driving experience. Highlight your full UK driving licence and any previous roles where you’ve driven professionally or volunteered. Mention your familiarity with vehicle maintenance and insurance to demonstrate reliability.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Customer Service
This position requires excellent teamwork and customer service skills. Think of examples from past experiences where you worked well in a team or provided great service. Sharing these stories will help illustrate that you’re a good fit for their collaborative environment.
✨Be Organised and Detail-Oriented
The role involves completing paperwork and following transfer protocols, so it’s crucial to showcase your organisational skills. Prepare to discuss how you manage tasks and ensure attention to detail in your work. This will reassure them that you can handle the responsibilities effectively.