Animal Care Assistant (2805)

We're on the lookout for 3 passionate Animal Care Assistant to join our dedicated team at the RSPCA Gonsal Farm Animal Centre. The 3 successful candidates will have staggered start dates between March and May.

Every animal that comes through our gates has a story - most are abandoned, abused or neglected. From cats, dogs, rabbits and small furries to farm animals, we care for them all. On any given day, we can be looking after 150+ animals, each one getting the love, attention and rehabilitation they deserve.

Shift pattern: 08:30–17:15, including some weekends. Twice a month you will be expected to work 8:15-17:15.

Are you one of our kind?

Our recruitment journey - key dates for you to note: 

We believe in transparency and a stress-free experience. Here is a quick look at what you can expect.

1. Application

You'll be asked a few targeted questions designed to help us understand your experience, unique skills, and future potential. This is your first chance to stand out!

2. Panel Interview & Site Visit - w/c 2nd March

If your application hits the mark, we'll invite you to meet us in person. You'll sit down with the Hiring Manager and another member of the team for a competency based interview and a tour of the site. We'll also be asking some scenario based questions on animal handling and would welcome your thoughts and discussion on the content. This stage is designed for you to:

• Explore the Role: Get a feel for the team culture and the real-world impact you'll be making.
• Demonstrate Your Strengths: Show us how you work in a supportive, relaxed environment.

We think this role's going to be popular and are expecting to attract high interest so we strongly encourage early applications to avoid missing out - closing date is  20th February.

As an Animal Care Assistant, you'll be at the heart of our mission helping rescued animals recover, rebuild trust and find their forever homes.

Your day will include:

• You'll start your day cleaning by  the enclosures of our intakes, ranging from dogs, cats, rabbits and other small domestic species, as well as feeding, watering, grooming and exercising them.
• You'll 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.
• Working with adopters to match animals to the right homes, and offering post-adoption support.

No two days are the same, it's hands-on, rewarding and sometimes tough, but always worth it!

Essential

• Experience working with dogs, gained through paid or voluntary roles (excluding personal pet ownership).
  Proven experience handling large dog breeds. Most of the dogs in our care are large and may be unsocialised, so you must have the confidence and skills to manage their behaviour safely and effectively.
• Emotional resilience when working with animals that may have experienced neglect, abuse, or cruelty.
• Emotional resilience when exposed to distressing situations, including euthanasia. While you will not be required to carry out euthanasia, there may be occasions where you are present or involved in related activities (for example, transporting animals). Your behaviour observations in these situations will be considered as part of decision-making processes. 
• Willingness to undertake practical outdoor work in all weather conditions (subject to reasonable adjustments where required).
• Strong communication and team-working skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues across the RSPCA, volunteers, and members of the public.
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a busy and sometimes unpredictable environment.
• Confidence using IT systems, including maintaining accurate computerised records for animals in your care.

Desireable

• A qualification in animal behaviour (level 3 and above)
• A full manual driving licence (required for transporting animals between sites).

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

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 are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed  to our 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. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family! 

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 respec