Overview
As an Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) with the RSPCA, you will respond to reports of cruelty, neglect, or injury and play a vital role in preventing animal suffering through education, advice, and, where necessary, intervention.
Key Responsibilities
* Work independently and travel long distances, including frequent motorway driving and visits to remote rural locations.
* Engage with members of the public in emotionally charged situations, using calm, confident communication to de‑escalate heightened emotions.
* Make accountable decisions impacting animal welfare and public safety, often with minimal supervision.
* Assist with training, equipment provision, and safe working procedures for new staff.
Essential Requirements
* Age 17 or over at application and 18 by the course start date.
* Resilience, good judgement, and strong communication skills to handle sensitive conversations.
* Ability to work independently with support from a wider team.
* Willingness to work varied shifts between8 am and 9 pm, including bank holidays and weekends.
* Availability to begin on 18 May 2026 and commit to a continuous 26‑week training programme (no leave during this period).
* Flexibility to travel for training across the country, with occasional overnight stays.
* Full manual driving licence and confidence driving long distances (up to 150 miles per day).
* Comfortable with lone working and confident swimmer (able to swim 50 m fully clothed within 2.5 minutes).
Important Dates and Availability
* Mandatory online awareness sessions: week commencing 9 Feb.
* Online assessments: slots available between 23 Feb and 6 Mar.
* Online interviews: slots available between 16 Mar and 27 Mar.
How to Apply
To be considered you must live within one of the postcodes listed in the attached document titled 'Merseyside & Cheshire – Postcodes'. We are not considering relocations. You do not need prior animal welfare experience; transferable skills are valued.
Contact
For support with your application or interview, contact resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0685.
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