Scientific & Policy Officer - General Horsham, England
Job description
We're looking to recruit a Scientific Officer committed to animal welfare to join the RSPCA Wildlife Department on a fixed-term basis for three years. Your role will focus on issues relating to the welfare of wild animals that are living in the wild and in captivity.
The Wildlife Department works to ensure that the RSPCA's actions and messaging around wild animal welfare are based on the most up-to-date science and best practice.
As part of the Wildlife Department, you will be responsible for promoting the highest standards in wild animal welfare, by contributing to building our knowledge about wild animal welfare issues. Our department is also involved in lobbying decision-makers, including the government, on matters relating to the protection and care of wild animals. We also provide support and advice to our colleagues across the Society, including the Inspectorate and Wildlife Centres.
You will join a team who deals with a range of issues that impact wild animal welfare, including wild animal management, zoo animals, and wild animals kept as pets.
Here's some of the key work that you will be doing...
- Supporting the work of the Wildlife Department by gathering, analysing, coordinating and disseminating (internally and externally) scientific and technical information relating to the Society's wild animal welfare work
- Developing/coordinating, updating and maintaining wild animal welfare information, including the departmental information services (e.g. information sheets) and webpages, and producing new materials as needed;
- Conducting and leading research on specific topics and developing project work
- Representing the RSPCA externally, including in the media
- Effectively communicating the Department's scientific/technical advice to internal departments and external individuals, organisations and bodies
- Liaising with individuals across the RSPCA on various collaborative issues, and inputting into RSPCA reports, resources and campaigns
- Contribute to and/or coordinate responses to consultations from external bodies
What we are looking for in you...
- Master's degree in a relevant scientific subject (animal/behaviour/welfare science) or bachelor's degree plus relevant equivalent experience
- Good level of knowledge of wild animal welfare issues and knowledge of and experience with wild animals
- Experience of preparing and delivering (verbally and written) presentations/reports to varied audiences
- Well-developed analytical skills combined with strong attention to detail
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload.
Our Values
* We are compassionate * We are inspirational * We are committed * We are expert * We act with integrity *
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.
Benefits:
- Great Annual Leave benefits - 25 days annual leave on entry rising after 5 years
- Additional Society day around Christmas.
- Generous pension scheme
- Associated life assurance and group income protection scheme
- Access to private healthcare scheme
- Employee assistance programme.
- Flexibility in Hours - We understand the importance of work-life balance
- Family friendly policies
- Dog friendly offices!
How to apply
To make an application please visit our career's site by using the following link:
https://jobs.rspca.org.uk/jobs/vacancy/scientific--policy-officer----general--0547-south-east-london-hub/565/description/
Please note we are unable to accept applications via Indeed - please use the link above.
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.
All online information and documents are available in alternative formats, including Braille and large font, upon request from the Resourcing team.
We strongly believe in being an innovative, diverse, and inclusive organisation and recognise that diversity in all of our people will help achieve that purpose and our mission more effectively. 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.
Please note we are not accepting unsolicited CVs from agencies or seeking support for this opportunity.
Ending cruelty, promoting kindness and alleviating suffering to animals.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 36 months
Salary: £24,013.00-£28,251.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- Private dental insurance
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Education:
- Bachelor's (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Horsham
Application deadline: 11/06/2023
