Animal Care Assistant

We're on the lookout for a passionate Animal Care Assistant to join our dedicated team at the West Hatch Animal Centre. Every animal that comes through our gates has a story - most are abandoned, abused or neglected. From cats, dogs, rabbits and small furries to farm animals, we care for them all. On any given day, we can be looking after 150+ animals, each one getting the love, attention and rehabilitation they deserve. Shift pattern: 35 hours per week (8:30am - 5pm) on a 12 week rolling rota that includes 2 weekends out of 4. Are you one of our kind? Our recruitment journey - key dates for you to note: We believe in transparency and a stress-free experience. Here is a quick look at what you can expect.

• Application
You'll be asked a few targeted questions designed to help us understand your experience, unique skills, and future potential. This is your first chance to stand out!
• Panel Interview & Site Visit - 9th & 10th June
If your application hits the mark, we'll invite you to meet us in person. You'll sit down with the Hiring Manager and our Deputy Manager for a competency based interview and a tour of the site. We'll also be asking some scenario based questions on animal handling and would welcome your thoughts and discussion on the content. This stage is designed for you to:
• Explore the Role: Get a feel for the team culture and the real-world impact you'll be making.
• Demonstrate Your Strengths: Show us how you work in a supportive, relaxed environment.
What a day might look like for you As an Animal Care Assistant, you'll be at the heart of our mission helping rescued animals recover, rebuild trust and find their forever homes. Your day will include:
• You'll start your day cleaning by the enclosures of our intakes, ranging from dogs, cats, rabbits and other small domestic species, as well as feeding, watering, grooming and exercising them.
• You'll ensure the highest standards of welfare, and will monitor and report on animal behaviour, wellbeing and health.
• 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.
• Working with adopters to match animals to the right homes, and offering post-adoption support.
  
  Experience working with animals, particularly dogs, in a professional or voluntary capacity (not as a pet owner). We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you have experience of working in a similar setting.
• Resilience - some of our animals have been through trauma, and need patience and compassion.
• Practicality - you'll be outdoors in all weathers, mucking in as part of the team.
• Communication skills - working with colleagues, volunteers and the public is a big part of the role.
• Adaptability - animal care can be unpredictable, so you'll need to stay calm under pressure
• IT confidence - you'll use digital records to track each animal's journey.
• Transport - 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.
Desirable:
• Animal care qualifications
• Driving licence
• Handling of challenging dogs