Apprentice Animal Care Assistant (3369)

We're on the lookout for a passionate Animal Care Assistant Apprentice to join our dedicated team at the RSPCA Gonsal Farm Animal Centre on a 18 month fixed term contract.

At Gonsal Farm we care for animals that have been rescued from cruelty or neglect, and rehabilitate and prepare them for a new life with caring and loving adopters.

Our cattery can house more than 60 cats at a time with comfy sleeping areas, toys and scratching posts to keep them occupied until they go to a new home. Many require gentle and careful handling at first as they recover from previous trauma and mistreatment until they realise they are safe.

Our kennels have been designed to cater specifically for cruelty case dogs that have to stay with us for extended periods, sometimes up to a year, while the court cases are ongoing. With over 30 dogs always on site, walking, socialising and training takes up most of the day to keep them happy and healthy before they start the next chapter of their lives. 

Our Small Animal Unit is able to accommodate a range of species which regularly include Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Rats, Mice and Ferrets.

• 35 hours per week with 20% dedicated to your qualification.
• 2 week rolling rota, working every other weekend (study time cannot be on a weekend day).
• Hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm with a one hour unpaid lunch.
• There is a requirement to work bank holidays.

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. On Wednesday 12th August at 16:00 we will hold an awareness session. This is a chance to learn more about the role.
3. Panel Interview & Site Visit - w/c 17th August

If your application hits the mark, we'll invite you to meet us in person. You'll sit down with the Hiring Manager and our Deputy Manager 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.

As an Apprentice 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 by cleaning the enclosures of our cat,  dog and Small Animal intakes 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.

• This work will be physically and emotionally demanding, but it is also deeply meaningful and highly rewarding.
• Resilience - most of our animals have been through trauma, and need patience and compassion.
• Practicality - you'll be outdoors in all weathers, mucking in as part of the team.
• Communication skills - working with colleagues, volunteers and the public is a big part of the role.
• Adaptability - animal care can be unpredictable, so you'll need to stay calm under pressure
• IT confidence - you'll use digital records to track each animal's journey.

Desirable

• It's great if you already have a little bit of experience helping out with animals! This could be from volunteering at a rescue, helping out at a local boarding kennel, or working with an animal care company

Due to our rural locations and limited public transport links, having your own reliable transport is essential for getting to and from the center.

If you already hold a Level 2 or higher qualification in Animal Care then you will not be eligible for this apprenticeship and cannot be considered for the role.

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 as we are unable to sponsor visas.

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

Our vision is a world where all animals are respected and treated with kindness and compassion. Our purpose is to inspire everyone to create a better world for animals. 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 purpose.  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! 

We're here to support you and encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us at resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0685 so we can ensure the process works for you.