Wildlife Assistant
******We are looking for Volunteer Wildlife Assistants to help on the following shifts during our busy summer period from April to September (and potentially longer if you are interested):
- Monday 1pm to 5pm
- Monday 5pm/6pm to 9pm
- Tuesday 8am to 1pm
- Wednesday 1pm to 5pm
- Thursday 8am to 1pm
- Thursday 1pm to 5pm
- Friday 8am to 1pm
- Friday 5pm/6pm to 9pm
- Saturday 8am to 1pm
- Saturday 1pm to 5pm
- Saturday 5pm/6pm to 9pm
- Sunday 5pm/6pm to 9pm.****
Ideally, as a wildlife assistant, you will also be happy to volunteer as a driver for us, so whilst you are on shift you can potentially pop out and collect contained wild animals from local vets and other local charities and organisations, as and when required. This is not essential to the role, but is certainly helpful.
At the RSPCA we’ve been at the forefront of animal welfare since 1824, where we were founded in a London coffee shop and we’re proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. With our new strategy ‘Together for Animal Welfare’ we want to improve the lives of more animals in England, Wales, and internationally than ever before.
Our wildlife assistants play a vital role in looking after a variety of animals in our care until they can be rehabilitated back into their natural home. They assist with preparing and carrying out feeds, cleaning and preparing animal accommodation, and they assist with centre laundry. They also spend time ensuring all areas are kept tidy and clean.
You’ll be working as part of a team and have some experience and knowledge of the behaviours of wild animals, however we’ll provide you with full training. You’ll also need to have some level of physical strength to be able to pick up animals and to perform the manual labour, again full training will be provided.
You’ll make friends and meet new people, caring for wild animals whilst they wait to be integrated back into their wild home. You may have lots of experience with many different types of animals, or maybe you have experience with a particular animal and want expand your knowledge. This could be the perfect role for you.
Important note: Owing to the zoonotic disease risks associated with caring for RSPCA animals in this role you will need a professionally fitted face mask.
We celebrate and respect the diversity of our RSPCA team and embrace the individual qualities, skills and experiences that everyone brings.
To keep you safe and support your wellbeing, we’ll ask you to complete all the necessary training for your role and keep this up to date. We have a suite of wellbeing resources available and can make reasonable role adjustments to support you in your volunteering.
If you are interested in volunteering in this role, please click the apply button to complete our online application form.