Animal Care Assistant – Casual RSPCA in West Malling

The RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre is located near West Malling in Kent. The site covers approximately 23 acres and provides facilities including kennels for dogs, pens for cats, and a small animal house for other species.

Working hours: This is a casual role where the post-holder will work as and when shifts arise, for example when staff members are sick or on annual leave.

Interview dates: Week commencing 16th December.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for the care and rehabilitation of animals rescued from cruelty, abuse and neglect.
• Start each day by cleaning the animals’ accommodation, feeding and watering, and then starting the daily exercise routine.
• Help ensure the highest standards of welfare, monitor and report on animal behaviour, wellbeing and health, and administer medication or treatment prescribed by a Vet.
• Implement behaviour modification programmes with guidance from the Behaviour and Welfare Advisors and the wider team.
• Be involved in the adoption process and provide post-adoption advice and support to adopters.
• Work with colleagues across the RSPCA, volunteers and members of the public to support a positive candidate experience for each animal in our care.

Requirements

• Experience working with animals either through paid or voluntary work (not including your own pets).
• Experience working around large dog breeds; the organisation currently faces large, unsocialised dogs and requires someone with the experience and confidence to manage these characteristics effectively.
• Resilience – many animals in our care have experienced neglect, abuse or cruelty.
• Emotional resilience regarding euthanasia – you may encounter euthanised animals in the course of transporting or being present during euthanasia.
• Willingness to undertake practical outdoor work in all weather (practical work subject to reasonable adjustments if required).
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills – you will work with colleagues across the RSPCA, volunteers and members of the public.
• Able to multitask and work under pressure in a busy and unpredictable environment.
• Comfortable with using IT and keeping computerised records on the animals under your care.

Desirable

• Experience working in a kennel, animal rescue or welfare environment.
• Knowledge of canine behaviour.
• A qualification in animal management.
• Hold a full manual driving licence.

Additional information

• Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK – We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA.
• Due to high interest in some of our roles, we review applications as they are received, which may result in positions closing earlier than advertised. We strongly recommend submitting applications early.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications after the posted closing date.
• We strive to provide a positive candidate experience during recruitment; due to high application volumes, feedback may not always be possible.
• Diversity and inclusion – We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission and actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds, including from minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities, which are currently under-represented at the RSPCA.
• Support with your application – If you need any assistance with your application or interview process, please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0685.

Our mission is to ensure animals have a good life by rescuing and caring for those in need, advocating on behalf of all animals and inspiring everyone to treat them with compassion and respect.