Animal Rescue Officer

Job Description

Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) - CoventryLocation: CoventrySalary: £22,620 rising to £23,660 on successful completion of training course (inclusive of 4% shift allowance)Hours: Full time - 35 hours per weekClosing date: NAStart date: Monday 25th April 2022The RSPCA is the oldest animal welfare charity in the world and one of the most widely recognised and loved charities in the UK. Our life-saving work in England and Wales includes helping to improve the welfare of pets, farm animals, wild animals and thoseused in research and testing.Our Inspectors and Animal Rescue Officers are vital front line workers and probably the most recognisable part of the RSPCA.Their work includes alleviating animal suffering by responding to alleged reports of animal cruelty, neglect or injury, and collecting and rescuing sick, injured or stranded animals before taking them to a place of safety.What is less well known is the people-focused work our rescuers carry out, often providing advice and guidance to pet owners who may be unintentionally neglecting their animals.To be considered, you must live within a reasonable travelling distance (30 minutes) of the group area you are applying to.Group areasCoventryAnimal rescue officerAn animal rescue officer (ARO) provides close support to our inspectors and works in a way that enables us to get to animals in need quickly, all year round across England and Wales.What an ARO doesAn ARO alleviates the suffering of animals by investigating alleged reports of animal cruelty, neglect or injury and rescue sick, injured or stranded animals to a place of safety.They proactively prevent or reduce the incidence of animal cruelty and neglect through proactive interactions with members of the public, and through education and advice to owners.One of our toughest rolesAnimal rescue officers are lone workers and this brings significant challenges both physically and mentally. Whilst we ensure we support our rescue workers who work alone, its essential that they consider how they manage this way of working and are confidentthat they have the skills to work independently.Whats expected from an AROGood with people and animalsThe emphasis of the job involves working with people as well as animals. Strong interpersonal skills are essential to be able to cope with pressure and some extremely emotional and stressful situations.A physical jobThe physical demands of the role are intense. At times, working at heights, on and from ladders and roofs. Animals get stuck in tight places, so its not uncommon to work in confined areas like a cramped loft or roof spaces, to perform rescues and other duties.The practical aspects of the work require the lifting, carrying and moving of equipment and animals. Dogs may weigh 30-40kg, but other animals that need help like sheep are more than 70kg - so its a challenging job with high physical activity.Youll get wet!Occasionally, the position demands working on flat water, alongside tow-paths, sea cliffs, and from boats on tidal and flowing water.Our AROs need to be strong swimmers, even when wearing outdoor clothing, to make sure rescues are carried out effectively. We carry out swimming assessments early in training for all successful applicants, to ensure they can carry out this area of the role.Happy with your own companyThe psychological demands are challenging. Animal Rescue Officers work alone, in unfamiliar areas night and day, and manage aggressive, confrontational and emotionally disturbing situations.Essential application criteriaYou will have a passion for animal welfare and for promoting and achieving the aims of the RSPCA is essentialYou need to be 17 or over to apply, and 18 by the time you start the course. Theres no upper age limitYou need to be a British citizen, EU/EEA national or, a foreign national, with no restrictions on your stay in the UKLevel 2 qualification in English Language at GCSE grade C or above, or Grades 4-9.A full, current, UK licence to drive a car with a manual gearboxThe ability to swim 50 metres fully clothed within 2.5 minutesAble and comfortable with working at heights and from laddersA good level of physical fitnessAbility to be resilient in emotionally charged and challenging situationsExcellent organisational and time managementStrong verbal and written communication and influencing skillsConfident with emerging technology and paperworkTraining programme start dateMonday 25th April 2022

Keyskills :
Animal WelfareAnimalsDogsRescuePets