Interview Process
You’ll sit down with the Manager and Deputy Manager for a competency based interview. First stage: we will assess your application. If we are interested after the first interview, we will invite you to a second stage where we will delve deeper into your knowledge of animal behaviour, particularly dogs.
The second stage will include watching a series of videos and answering questions based on the content. You will also receive a tour of the centre and get to meet some of the team.
Responsibilities
* Clean the accommodation of our intakes, ranging from dogs, cats, rabbits and other small domestic species; feed, water, groom and exercise them.
* Ensure the highest standards of welfare and monitor and report on animal behaviour, wellbeing and health.
* Administer medication or treatment prescribed by a vet and implement behaviour modification programmes with guidance from Behaviour and Welfare Advisors and the wider team.
* Work with adopters to match animals to the right homes and offer post‑adoption support.
Required Experience & Skills
* Experience working with animals, particularly dogs, in a professional or voluntary capacity (not as a pet owner).
* Experience as an animal carer for another charity, animal boarding establishment or as a dog groomer.
* Resilience: most of our animals have been through trauma and need patience and compassion.
* Practicality: you’ll be outdoors in all weathers and 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 need to stay calm under pressure.
* IT confidence: you’ll use digital records to track each animal’s journey.
* Transport: you must have your own means of transport to travel to and from work, as we are located in a rural area with no public transport links nearby.
Desirable
* Animal care qualifications
* Driving licence
Legal & Compliance
Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK – we are unable to sponsor visas.
Shift Pattern
08:30 – 16:30, including every other weekend.
About Us
We’re on the lookout for two passionate Animal Care Assistants to join our dedicated team at the RSPCA Great Ayton Animal Centre, near Middlesbrough on a permanent basis. 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.
Diversity & Equality
We are building the future of a diverse Society and actively encourage a wide diversity of applications – in particular from members of minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities, as these candidates are currently under‑represented at the RSPCA. Your transferable skills and lived experiences could make you a great fit.
Recruitment Journey
Key dates:
* Application – you’ll be asked a few targeted questions designed to help us understand your experience, unique skills and future potential.
* Panel interview – week commencing 30th March. If your application hits the mark, we’ll invite you to meet.
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