Wildlife Assistant

We are current looking for 6 Seasonal Wildlife Assistants to join the team at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, Fishcross, Alloa for a period of 6 months to cover the busy season at the wildlife centre.  

If this sounds like a role you would be interested in, please read on for more information. 

• Hours – 37.5 hours per week, 10 days in 14 to include evening and weekend working on a rota basis
• Salary – £23,400 per annum (FTE)
• Contract Type – Fixed Term Contract 6 months 

About the Scottish SPCA

As Scotland’s animal welfare charity, we have been on-hand to protect animals and prevent cruelty since 1839 – that’s over 185 years of creating a better world for all animals. We’ve grown to become a national charity which celebrates the strength of the human-animal bond and enriches the lives of animals and people. We are Scotland’s animal champions.

What does a Wildlife Assistant do? 

Our Wildlife Assistants are there to provide a caring and safe environment for all animals and maximise their comfort in the National Wildlife Rescue Centre. 

Working with many different types of animals, no day will ever look the same. 

The role requires feeding; cleaning animal accommodation, isolation areas, pens, treatment rooms and exercise facilities; hands on treatment, care and monitoring all sorts of creatures including administering medications as required; and release of animals back into the wild. 

Overview of main duties and responsibilities

• Admitting, caring for, preparing for release and monitoring wildlife casualties and involvement in the release of animals back into the wild
• Ensure that animal accommodation, isolation areas, pens, treatment rooms and exercise facilities are maintained to strict standards of cleanliness and hygiene
• Notifying management and our on-site vet team as soon as possible if an animal will not be fit for release so that, if appropriate, an animal can be euthanized to prevent further suffering
• Identifying animals in care that require to be moved to a different enclosure or animals that may be ready for release
• Where appropriately trained, ensuring medication prescribed is correctly administered, overseeing the safe handling of drugs and accurate record keeping
• Working to help raise awareness of each species and educate about the possible risks/ numbers declining for any species
• Training society staff, volunteers and representatives of other agencies to the standard specified in the centre protocols and procedures
• Demonstrating excellent customer care skills by dealing professionally and competently with members of the public both by telephone and in person including educational tours of the centre
• Maintain the database so that it accurately reflects all existing wildlife in the care of the NWC and assisting in the collation of statistics
• Assist with the functionality and maintenance of all areas and facilities. Support with the improvement of these areas where necessary
• Driving, including transportation of animals, as required

Please see full Job Description link for more detailed information on the role. 

 What makes a good Wildlife Assistant? 

• Practical experience working with animals
• An interest in wildlife and animal welfare
• Excellent customer care and communication skills
• Good attention to detail
• Good IT skills
• Resilient and calm approach to the role
• Ability to act with professional integrity
• Flexible approach
• Able to work well within a team
• A willingness to work within group shift pattern

We are fortunate that some of our roles attract a high level of interest therefore, we may have to close roles earlier than advertised. Early application submissions are highly recommended.  This also means that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates due to receiving high levels of applications. 

The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission.

Scottish Charity No SC 006467