Animal Care Assistant - Casual (1766)

A bit about us

We are looking for an Animal Care Assistant to join our team at our Birmingham Animal Centre, which is located in Frankley Green, Birmingham.

Birmingham Animal Centre has state of the art facilities in 72 acres of countryside with the capacity to house 160 cats and 60 dogs, plus a unit that houses rabbits and other small animals.

Some animals in our care have suffered so much abuse that it takes our dedicated team weeks, if not months, to get the animals to trust humans again. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work hard to do this, and help our intakes to find their forever second homes.

Working hours: 14 hours (casual)

Interview date: 11th & 12th November (Face to Face)

You can find out more about the work we do at the centre by visiting our social media pages:

RSPCA Birmingham Facebook

RSPCA Birmingham Instagram

What a day might look like for you

Our Animal Care Assistants are responsible for the care and rehabilitation of animals who have been rescued from cruelty, abuse and neglect.

You'll start your day cleaning the animals' accommodation,as well as feeding and watering them, and then start the daily exercise routine. It can be physically hard, but also very rewarding and satisfying work knowing the animals are comfortable and happy when you are finished.

Our Animal Care Assistants ensure the highest standards of welfare, and will monitor and report on animal behaviour, wellbeing and health. You will also administer medication or treatment prescribed by a Vet, and implement behaviour modification programmes with guidance from our Behaviour and Welfare Advisors and the wider team.

Once the animals in our care are ready for their forever home, you will be involved in the adoption process, helping to find the perfect matched home for the animal you look after. You'll also meet with potential adopters to provide post-adoption advice and support.

Join our dedicated team for this amazing and rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to an animal's life!

What makes a great Animal Care Assistant

Experience working with animals through paid or voluntary work (not including your own pets).
Resilience - many of the animals in our care have been victims of neglect and/or abuse and cruelty.
Willing to undertake practical work outdoors in all weather (subject to reasonable adjustments if required).
Excellent communication and team working skills - you'll be working with colleagues across the RSPCA, volunteers and members of the public.
Able to multitask and work under pressure - working with animals can be busy and unpredictable!
Comfortable with using IT - you'll be keeping computerised records on the animals under your care.
Hold a full manual driving licence, subject to reasonable adjustments. The Birmingham Animal Centre is located in a rural area with limited public transport, and Animal Care Assistants are sometimes asked to drive RSPCA vehicles to undertake aspects of the role, for example Vet visits.
Work shifts including some weekends and bank holidays.

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

Final note from us & good luck with your application!

Due to high interest in some of our roles, we review applications as they are received. This can occasionally result in positions closing earlier than advertised. Therefore, we strongly recommend submitting applications early. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications after the posted closing date.

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible

We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA.

Should you need any support with your application or interview process please contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk / 0300 123 0685.

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