Animal Rescue Officer in Nottingham

As an Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) with the RSPCA, you will respond to reports of cruelty, neglect, or injury and play a vital role in preventing animal suffering through education, advice, and, where necessary, intervention. This work can be physically and emotionally demanding, but it is also deeply meaningful and highly rewarding. You will see the direct impact of your decisions and actions on animals’ lives and the people connected to them. We recognise the emotional demands of animal rescue work, and as part of our commitment to your wellbeing, you will have access to mental health resources, inclusive policies, and ongoing development opportunities to support both your personal resilience and long-term career progression.

Much of the role involves working independently and travelling long distances, including frequent motorway driving and visits to remote rural locations. While you will often be out on your own, you will remain closely connected to a supportive and experienced team. We provide comprehensive training, equipment, and guidance to help you work safely and confidently.

You will regularly engage with members of the public in emotionally charged situations. People may be distressed, angry, anxious, or defensive, and effective communication is essential. You will need to ask the right questions quickly, gather accurate information under pressure, and use calm, confident influencing skills to de-escalate heightened emotions while remaining professional and empathetic. These skills are critical in enabling you to make accountable decisions without immediate supervision, often with real consequences for animal welfare and public safety.

We recognise that people bring different strengths, backgrounds, and experiences. If you are resilient, reflective, committed to learning, and motivated by making a difference - even if you don’t meet every requirement perfectly but share our values - we encourage you to apply. This role is likely to attract high interest, so early applications are encouraged.

• Respond to reports of cruelty, neglect, or injury and take appropriate action to protect animals.
• Educate and advise the public to prevent animal suffering and promote welfare.
• Travel independently, often long distances, and work safely in various environments.
• Assess situations, gather information under pressure, and make accountable decisions.
• Collaborate with a team when needed while maintaining professional conduct in emotionally charged scenarios.

• Aged 17 or over at application and 18 by the course start date.
• Resilience, good judgement, and strong communication skills for sensitive conversations.
• Ability to work independently with support from a wider team.
• Willingness to work varied shifts between 8am and 9pm, including bank holidays and weekends.
• Availability to start on 18 May 2026 and commit to a continuous, intensive 26-week training programme (annual leave cannot be taken during this period).
• Flexibility to travel for training at locations across the country, with occasional overnight stays.
• Full manual driving licence with recent experience driving long distances (up to 150 miles per day).
• Comfortable with lone working and being sworn in to uphold welfare duties.
• Confident swimmer: able to swim 50 metres fully clothed within 2.5 minutes by the point of assessment during training.
• Disability Confident employer acknowledges declarations of disability and will consider suitable applicants.

• Rotas include shifts between 8am and 9pm, bank holidays, and weekends; some tasks may require staying later to complete them.
• Training and ongoing support are provided during the 26-week programme and after posting.