We are looking for a new Animal Care Assistant to join us part-time! You will be working as part of the team at the RSPCA Blackberry Farm Animal Centre in Quainton, near Aylesbury.
Blackberry Farm boasts 20 rehoming kennels and 34 cat rehoming pens, providing a safe haven for animals in need of new loving homes. Additionally, the centre features a small animal house to cater to various creatures. Not only do we offer spaces for rehoming, but we also have dedicated kennels for case animals that require long-term care and attention. Dogs at the centre get the opportunity to stretch their legs and have fun in the exercise field, as well as refine their agility skills in the training barn.
Furthermore, the centre extends its care to small farm animals, with two stables and a field shelter to accommodate them. This holistic approach ensures that animals of different sizes and needs are looked after with compassion and dedication.
Working hours: 08.30-16.30 on a shift basis to include every other weekend.
What a day might look like for you
Here at RSPCA we know it’s a cliché but no two days are the same. As an Animal Care Assistant, we’ve added a short summary of what a typical day might look like; for a full insight please refer to the attached job description.
Our amazing Animal Care Assistants are critical in the day-to-day operation of our Animal Centres. You will work as part of a team with our staff and volunteers in providing care, compassion, enrichment, and socialization for all animals in the centre. Some days you may find yourself freshening up the kennels and pens with a mop in hand, or other days you could be updating admin records.
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’ll work with potential adopters to assess their suitability and provide post-adoption advice and support.
To find out more about life at the centre, you can visit our social media pages:
RSPCA Blackberry Farm Facebook
What makes a great Animal Care Assistant?
* Experience working with animals, either through paid or voluntary work (not including your own pets).
* Resilience – many of the animals in our care have experienced neglect and/or 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.
* We are located in a rural area with limited public transport. It is therefore important you have your own means of transport to travel to and from work.
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.
Documents
* Final – FC19 – Animal Care Assistant JD – V1.pdf (69.84 KB)
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