Equine Clinical Animal Behaviourist (1946)

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 have an exciting new role for the New year and are looking to recruit a Equine Clinical Animal Behaviourist

• Working hours: 35 hours / Mon - Friday. 
• Location: Home-based with extensive travel across England and Wales to various sites where equines are in care, including RSPCA animal centres, private boarding establishments, and partner organisations. A valid driving licence is essential.

Are you ready to join our movement?

First stage interviews will be held virtually 17th & 19th February

This is a newly created role within the RSPCA, and you'll be instrumental in shaping its future. You'll collaborate closely with the rest of the Behaviour team to ensure consistency across all species, as well as our Equine Inspectorate Officers, Equine Welfare Oversight and Equine Centre teams.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Ensuring the RSPCA equine team have a contemporary and evidence-based approach to equine behaviour and rehabilitation
• Contributing expert input into the strategic direction of the equine team, focusing on behaviour and welfare, and supporting a continuous improvement approach
• Providing behaviour and welfare guidance on complex equine cases, working within our existing frameworks
• Making informed, high-level decisions regarding equine welfare, including rehabilitation, rehoming and, where necessary, euthanasia alongside our care and veterinary teams

You will have the opportunity to define the role's direction and contribute to shaping the future of equine welfare within the organisation.

Sounds interesting? Read on!

Essential criteria:

• Level 6 graduate qualification (Diploma / Masters / Doctorate NVQ level 6 etc) or higher in companion animal behaviour, welfare and behaviour modification, or companion animal behaviour counselling
• ABTC accredited Clinical Animal Behaviourist or Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist specialising in equines
• Member of an ABTC registered animal behaviour practitioner organisation or Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourists (CCAB) Certification Ltd
• Extensive experience in equine behaviour rehabilitation and welfare.
• Practical hands-on experience of handling and applying welfare-based behaviour modification techniques with equines, including unhandled and semi-feral horses
• Comfortable making decisions in complex situations and applying pragmatic solutions with support
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, inclusive approach to working
• Full driving licence

Desirable criteria:

• Experience in developing and contributing to organisational policies, processes, and guidelines
• Proven leadership experience 
• Experience managing and facilitating organisational change
• Experience in designing and delivering staff training programs
• Background working in a rescue and rehoming environment
• Ability to influence human behaviour to drive change effectively

Does this sound like the perfect fit for you? If you're excited by this opportunity and ready to make a significant impact, we'd love to hear from you.

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 RSPC

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 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 respect