Qualifications for entry
Candidates to become a Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer should have a reasonable standard of education and ideally a qualification in an animal related discipline. In addition, candidates should have previous experience of working with large and small animals and preferably be from a farm or veterinary background.
Candidates must be able to conduct educational duties, therefore part of this job is termed as a 'childcare' position, which will require you to successfully join the Disclosure Scotland PVG Scheme.
Candidates must also possess a full, preferably clean current UK driving licence.
Personal characteristics
The job demands a dedicated and caring person with a genuine concern for animals. It can often be unpleasant and can include dealing with animals which have suffered severely. Animal rescue officers must be able to cope with highly charged and often emotional people and emergencies. Excellent customer care skills are required. Animal rescue officers will have to humanely destroy animals to prevent further suffering.
Hours of work
A Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer's normal hours, other than for attendance at specific events or emergencies, are 37.5 hours per week, with one hour for lunch. Duties vary depending on region and a shift system may operate which will include weekend working and on-call duties until 10pm. Emergency call outs may also occur.
Training
Animal rescue officers will initially receive two weeks training, which will be enhanced as required.
Annual leave
An animal rescue officer is entitled to four weeks annual leave, increasing to five weeks over a five year period. In addition, an animal rescue officer is entitled to eleven paid holidays each year including New Year, Easter, Christmas and the five local seasonal holidays, except when such fall on market days, in which case other days to be substituted with approval.
Uniform
Animal rescue officers are provided with uniform and protective clothing.
Salary
An animal rescue officer's salary is £17,466.
Additional information
The Society offers a contributory pension scheme and all employees may join if eligible under the terms of the scheme. All employees are covered by free life assurance.
Successful applicants are advised to have an anti-tetanus vaccination.