Animal Welfare Assistant
ANIMALS IN DISTRESS (TORBAY AND WESTCOUNTRY)
Rescue Centre, Biltor, Edgelands Lane, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 5UF
Full-time
Listed today
JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Animal Welfare Assistant Department: Rabbit and Guinea Pigs (R&GP) Location: Job Type: Hours: Reporting to: Rescue Centre, Biltor, Edgelands Lane, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 5UF Permanent Full-Time. 35 hours/5 days per week on roster to include frequent weekends and Bank Holidays. Hours 09:00hrs-17:00hrs Rabbit & Guinea Pig Manager Direct Reports: None Purpose of the role To provide daily care and husbandry for the rabbits and guinea pigs in the Rescue Centre, establish good customer relations and maintain administration procedures in use Principle Responsibilities • Ensure daily routines are carried out following the set procedures for the R&GP Department • Carry out checks on the animals, including the taking of temperature and inspection of eyes, ears, nose and throat for signs of infection or abnormality, reporting any abnormality to the R&GP Supervisor at the Recue Centre • Prepare and provide food and water for all animals in the department. • Clean, disinfect and maintain to a standard of cleanliness set by management, animal accommodation, isolation and exercise areas; food preparation, laundry, storage and treatment that facilities as well as offices, stores, staff buildings/exercise areas are secure at all times facilities and outside areas. Ensure • Attend to the needs of the individual animals, including exercise, coat care/grooming, administration of first aid, treatments and medications as directed and to assist with euthanasia if required, including carcase disposal. • Routine animal behaviour monitoring/assessment prior to rehoming • Assist with the inspection and or treatment of animals by a Veterinary Surgeon, or other authorised person at the Centre when requested • Attend to the needs of the client/customer/general public, face to face or via the telephone. Liaise with colleagues in other Departments as well as volunteers • Assist members of the public when looking at the animals, supervising first visits and animal introductions. Help any volunteers in the department as required. • Attend meetings, courses, seminars etc. as requested by management • Move animals to and from Reception and the vets as and when requested • To be conversant with and implement Animal in Distress’ Health & Safety procedures at all times • Complete documentation in relation to the care & rehoming of the animals as required • Represent the Charity whilst at the Recue Centre, offsite and at events as required In addition to your normal duties, you may be required to undertake such other reasonable duties that are within your competence and training as required by the Charity’s management in order to meet the needs of the Charity. Required Competencies: • Respect and empathy for animals and a proven commitment to their welfare • Good interpersonal and communication skills, able to communicate with people at all levels including staff, clearly and precisely to ensure a high quality of animal care to help prevent mistakes. • Professional, proficient, reliable and hard-working, able to work as part of an effective team • Methodical and thorough approach to work, motivated and dedicated to the role and the work of the Charity, having focus and resilience • Confidence and competence in handling rabbits and guinea pigs, also a variety of other domestic animals at the Rescue Centre if required • Good physical endurance during physically challenging workdays and adequate strength to restrain animals when needed. Patience and the ability to maintain calm are essential as the rabbits and guinea pigs might be scared, stressed or in pain, which can result in erratic or aggressive behavior • Behaviour and dress whilst at work must reflect the working environment and the Charity • Sound literacy and numeracy skills • Good administration skills as accuracy and attention to detail are required for record keeping • Basic computer knowledge and skills • Ability to organise, prioritise and manage work and tasks on a daily basis, staying calm under pressure and have a flexible approach • Possess emotional strength, stability, maturity and resilience to care for sick and neglected animals and to be able to cope with euthanasia • Willingness to undertake routine tasks Person Specification - Animal Welfare Assistant Criteria Essential Desirable Experience and Job Knowledge Experience of working with the general public Animal related qualification/s (i.e. NVQ L2 in animal care) Experience of working to set procedures and following instructions Experience of domestic animal care and husbandry gained from working in the animal care/welfare sector Experience working as part of a team Administration experience Skills & Competencies Competent oral and written communication skills Understanding of animal health Ability to work in a physically and demanding role under pressure Proficient in assessing animals and potential re-homers’ suitability Good attention to detail Ability to remain professional in emotionally stressful situations Proficient in the use of IT software packages Personal Qualities Hardworking & reliable Excellent interpersonal skills Flexible Good organisational skills Highly motivated Work on own initiative Focussed Working a roster which involves frequent weekend & Bank Holiday working Participate in Charity events Full UK Driving licence Commitment to animal welfare Additional requirements