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Remember to really bring your skills to life on the application form in terms of your animal management skills and why you’d be a great new team member. This is a popular role so it’s great to hear why you stand out above others!

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the advert once sufficient submissions are received.

NB: This position is subject to a standard disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service and a check will be made against the Society’s animal welfare prosecutions database as part of the Society’s pre-employment checks. Successful candidates will be asked to provide permission for this check as part of their Criminal Record Declaration.

All online information and documents are available in alternative formats, including Braille and large font, upon request from the Resourcing team.

We realise that our workforce needs to reflect and understand the communities we are working in, and so we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation, or parental or relationship status.

We actively encourage and seek applications from a wide diversity of candidates and in particular welcome applications from minority ethnic, black, and candidates with disabilities, who are currently under-represented at the RSPCA.

Introduction

Have you always wanted a career working with animals & people? Are you genuinely passionate about animal well-being and would like to join us in our mission is to end cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate suffering to animals? Then we would love to hear from you.

We are now inviting applications for our next intake of Animal Rescue Officers, you don't need to have previous animal handling experience, we are keen to hear from anyone who shares our values, and wants to create a world that's kinder to animals.

A comprehensive training ‘Academy' style programme will be undertaken over four months when joining to ensure all new starters are given the full support needed.

We are the oldest animal welfare charity in the world and our life-saving work includes helping to improve the welfare of pets, farm animals, wild animals and those used in research and testing.

Whats involved?

As an ARO you will be a vital front line worker, alleviating animal suffering by responding to alleged reports of animal cruelty, neglect or injury, dealing with complaints, and collecting and rescuing sick, injured or trapped animals before taking them to a place of safety.

No two days are ever the same and there's no better feeling knowing you've made a real difference to the lives of animals (and owners through education and sharing knowledge). The role is extremely rewarding, but very challenging at the same time. You will be dealing with difficult situations, so will need the ability to stay calm, professional and focused, whilst resilient. Your genuine love for animals and sense of duty will keep you motivated.

Why work for the RSPCA?

It's an exciting time to join us in the decade of our bicentenary as we focus on our Strategy to 2030. The RSPCA works 365 days a year, rescuing all animals of all types from abuse, neglect, and injury.

You'll have an opportunity to work for the largest animal welfare charity in England and Wales that has been voted as one of the top 50 companies to work for by The Dots.

We value and recognise our employees' contribution and are proud to offer an extensive benefits package that includes:

• 35 hour week with flexible working
• 4% shift allowance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to 31 days with service
• a generous pension scheme with associated life assurance and group income protection scheme
• access to private healthcare scheme
• support for professional development after qualifying period
• access to our employee assistance programme

What do I need to be considered?

• You need to be 17 or over to apply, and 18 by the time you start the course.

To be considered, you must live within a reasonable travelling distance (30 minutes) of the vacancy location you are applying to.

• You must be available to start working on the 11th September 2023 and be fully available for a 4 month intensive training period, during which you may not be able to take annual leave.
• The 4 month training period will entail multiple training locations across the country, so it is important that you are free to travel during this period, including occasional overnight stays.
• The role does involve a lot of driving so you need a full manual drivers licence and be comfortable driving long distances in urban and rural areas.
• Ideally you have a Level 2 qualification in English Language at GCSE grade C or above, or Grades 4-9.
• The role will also involve working on, or near water on occasions, so you must be able to confidently swim. The role can also be physically demanding, including lifting and moving animals and equipment across a variety of environments and distances.What else do I need to know?
• The role will include humanely euthanising some wild animals when necessary, so it is important that you are comfortable to be able to do this. We know this can be distressing to consider so please think carefully about this aspect. It is important that you are competent and able to do this, to prevent animals suffering, or a legal requirement for invasive alien species.
• The role involves working a shift pattern, including some weekends and Bank Holidays. The shifts may start as early as 8am, and some rostered shifts will end at 8pm (winter months) or 9pm (summer months). You will be a member of a local team of Inspectors and Animal Rescue Officers, but the role is mostly lone working, and you must be comfortable with that aspect.
• Appointed candidates will be required to attend an occupational health and functional assessment to determine your suitability for the needs of the role.

Recruitment Process

As part of the recruitment process we will be asking for applicants who are selected to attend/ undertake the following as part of the recruitment process:

• Awareness session which will be held at the end of April 2023 dates TBC
• Virtual assessment sessions within the first two weeks of May dates TBC
• If successful at the virtual assessment stage you will be invited to attend a virtual interview the day after the assessment

Please note: We do not accept CVs without a fully completed application form.

How to apply

Please visit our website to make an application by following this link:

https://jobs.rspca.org.uk/jobs/vacancy/animal-rescue-officer-0446-slough-maidenhead/464/description/

Please note we are unable to accept applications via Indeed. Please only make your application via our website.

We review applications as they are received, so early submissions are highly encouraged. We reserve the right to close this advert once sufficient applications have been screened and progressed.

Please bring your skills to life on the application form in terms of your animal management skills and why you'd be a great new team member. This is a popular role so it's great to hear why you stand out above others!

Our Values

* We are compassionate * We are inspirational * We are committed * We are expert * We act with integrity *

NB: This position is subject to a standard disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service and a check will be made against the Society's animal welfare prosecutions database as part of the Society's pre-employment checks, Successful candidates will be asked to provide permission for this check as part of their Criminal Record Declaration.

All online information and documents are available in alternative formats, including Braille and large font, upon request from the Resourcing team.
We realise that our workforce needs to reflect and understand the communities we are working in, and so we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation, parental or relationship status.

We actively encourage and seek applications from a wide diversity of candidates and in particular welcome applications from minority ethnic, black, and candidates with disabilities, who are currently under-represented at the RSPCA.

We review applications as they are received, so early submissions are highly encouraged. We reserve the right to close this advert once sufficient applications have been screened and progressed.

Please note we are not accepting unsolicited CVs from agencies for this opportunity.

Ending cruelty, promoting kindness and alleviating suffering to animals.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: From £23,015.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Company pension
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Wellness programme

Work Location: On the road

Application deadline: 19/04/2023
Reference ID: 0446