Behaviourist - Policies and Processes (1698)
Do you want to create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.
We are looking for a new team member as Clinical Animal Behaviourist for Policies and Procedures. You'll be working as part of the established Clinical Behaviour Team, reporting into the Head of Clinical Behaviour.
Our team is responsible for delivery of clinical animal behaviour services across the RSPCA estate. We use the most up to date animal behaviour and welfare science to promote the welfare of staff and companion animals in RSPCA care.
During this fixed term contract, which will run for 12 months, you will be using your knowledge of animal behaviour and theories of animal learning and cognition, and your practical experience in achieving behaviour change, to develop and document animal behaviour guidance and protocols appropriate for the shelter environment.
- Working hours: 35 hours / Mon - Friday.
- Hybrid role: The position will primarily be home-based, involving extensive computer work. However, visits to animal centre locations will be necessary to grasp the work context, along with occasional meetings at office locations.
Hybrid working isn't a tick exercise for us - we live the values. The expectation for this role will be 2 days per month in office locations and this is open to flex around you and the operation.
We role model our values through our people culture and keep connected through regular/daily check-in's and team meetings, your colleagues are always on hand to support or chat. It's important to us that you feel part of our team from the start!
Are you ready to be part of our journey and make a difference?
Here at RSPCA, we know it's a cliche but no two days are the same. We've added a short summary of what a typical day might look like for a Lead Behaviourist: Policies and Procedures. For a full insight please refer to the attached job description.
The Clinical Animal Behaviourist - Policies and Procedures will play a key role in enhancing animal welfare as part of the RSPCA's transformation initiative, “Animal Journey.” This will be achieved through the collaborative creation of practical guidance and processes to achieve welfare-based animal training and behaviour modification. While the primary focus will be on small companion animals (such as dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, and small rodents), the role also requires supporting the development of guidance for equine, wildlife, and non-mammalian exotic species in collaboration with relevant subject matter experts.
This position will involve collaborating with colleagues across our Behaviour, Veterinary, and Animal Services teams to ensure that the guidance on animal behaviour and welfare is effective and accessible. Additionally, it includes writing and implementing policies with an emphasis on contextual care.
- Accreditation as a Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council, or a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist with CCAB UK Ltd.
- A pragmatic and practical approach to crafting and executing policies and procedures, using your expert knowledge and experience.
- A strong understanding of charity operations or shelter dynamics.
- Capability to inspire and influence at all levels to foster change.
- A proactive self-starter who can prioritise multiple workstreams effectively.
- Development and successful execution of clinical guidance, policies, and procedures across multiple sites.
- Experience in managing large strategic change initiatives.
- Post qualification/accreditation practical experience in a range of animal behaviour presentations in other small animal species, equines, wildlife, exotic species.
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 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.