Volunteering with the RSPCA QLD

What to expect

RSPCA Queensland are currently seeking volunteers who would like to be part of our Rescue Unit as a Volunteer Rescue Unit Driver. Rescue Unit Drivers form an integral part of our front line rescue team. RSPCA Qld have several Rescue Units on the road in such areas as Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast, Townsville, Toowoomba and Rockhampton.

RSPCA Qld provides a Volunteer Rescue Unit service on the Gold Coast dedicated to rescue any sick, injured or orphaned animals in the Gold Coast City Council area.

We ask that all new Gold Coast Drivers attend the Wacol Campus (Brisbane) to do 2 x training shifts with our Rescue Officers to gain an insight into the Department and on the road training with a Rescue Officer, prior to commencing shift. 

The shift time for this training is 7am-2pm Monday to Sunday. The 2 days do not have to be consecutive and can be done across 2 weeks. 

As a Volunteer Recue Unit Driver you would be responsible for actioning jobs that come in via the Call Centre that are dispatched via the Rescue Unit (in a vehicle that we provide with iPhone and iPad).  Your duties in these situations would vary depending on your level of skill and experience. This is not your typical role volunteering at a shelter environment as we need people who are independent and can be flexible to accommodate needs on a daily basis. An ability to deal constructively with stressful situations, and to remain calm in confronting situations, is of high importance.

For the Gold Coast we only recruit Drivers (people who hold a drivers license).

Couples/friends are eligible to work together in this role with one being a Driver and the other an Assistant.

What are the benefits?

• Assisting animals in need on the front line
• The opportunity to improve animal handling skills and gain knowledge of the how the RSPCA operates
• The opportunity to learn from RSPCA Rescue Unit Officers
• Increased awareness of our native wildlife and the issues they face
• The opportunity to make a difference and know you are keeping our animals comfortable
• Becoming part of a friendly team and community

What are the tasks?

The position involves transporting injured or unwell animals as required and includes:

• Locating, handling and rescuing injured or unwell animals
• Significant driving around the greater Gold Coast area using an RSPCA vehicle
• Collecting and transporting animals from vet clinics back to the Wacol Wildlife Hospital, or delivering animals to vet clinics for collection
• Generally interacting with the public while assisting animals, or to gain further information

What skills and characteristics do I need?

• Have a valid and clean driver's license and the ability to use a GPS to navigate
• Good driving record
• Confidence or willingness to learn in handling a variety of animals
• Proficient in emails and sending and receiving photos via iPhone or iPad devices
• Committed and reliable
• Be physically fit (able to lift 10kg) and comfortable in a wide variety of outdoor situations
• Attention to detail for paperwork admissions, and able to accurately listen and follow instructions
• Enjoy working in a team environment
• Able to be flexible and adaptable
• Excellent communication skills

It is also important to mention that you will witness animals in distress that may sometimes be injured. The capacity to constructively deal with this both at the time and after the event is crucial. To help potential volunteers to fully understand the role requirements, we have created the Essential Capabilities of an RSPCA QLD Rescue Volunteer. 
Please read this before you apply to ensure you understand what we look for when reviewing applications. If an applicant is not able to meet these essential requirements, unfortunately, we are unable to progress their application any further. 

When can I volunteer?

• Shifts available: Monday - Sunday 8am-4pm. Please indicate your available days when applying.
• We request a minimum commitment of 1 x shift per fortnight for a minimum of 3 months. Orientation and animal training will be provided.

PLEASE NOTE: It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact the Volunteer Ambulance Coordinator via email on: animalambulance@rspcaqld.org.au or fill in the application above.

Due to the time involved in training new Volunteers to become Rescue Unit Drivers, we are looking for those who will be able to maintain their commitment ongoing and are reliable. All of our vehicles are automatic and we recruit volunteers who hold an Australian Drivers License.