Animal Care Assistant | Rockhampton
What to expect
This rewarding volunteer role would suit applicants that love animals and are committed to improving their welfare; people who wish to experience hands-on work with animals and want to learn about the care and health requirements for future work in the industry; and anyone looking for a worthwhile way to spend their time. It can be physically demanding and sometimes smelly, and you’ll be outside in winter and summer weather. You might feel emotional about the animals you’re working with and may find this difficult, but ultimately the reward is that you’re making a huge, positive difference to their lives – and yours!
What are the tasks?
The position is hands-on and includes:
- The daily cleaning of the animals' pens which involves removing dirty bedding, hosing or wiping out enclosures, sweeping and scooping up of poop, cleaning litter trays, and providing clean bedding and toys
- Hygiene control – ensuring appropriate sanitisation and hand-washing, and avoiding cross contamination – and ensuring that the animals remain stocked up with food, water, bedding and toys.
- Assistance with ensuring the Adoption Centre environment is presentable, and general tidying up.
- Providing enrichment to the animals under your care by walking them around the campus
- Playing and spending time with all animals and providing them opportunities to interact with other animals, toys and people where appropriate.
- Undertake general laundry duties as part of each shift, including loading dirty laundry into the machines, loading and/or taking clean washing out of the dryers, and folding all clean items.
- Following RSPCA philosophy of positive reinforcement with all animal interactions.
What skills and characteristics do I need?
- Confidence in working with domestic animals and/or willingness to learn more about how to work with animals in a shelter situation
- Able to cope with increased noise levels
- Be able to work independently
- Be physically fit (able to lift 10kg) and able to stand for long periods
- Attention to detail and able to accurately follow instructions
- Enjoy working in a team environment
- Excellent communication skills
- Hard working and committed to the RSPCA
When can I volunteer?
- Monday to Saturday 8:00am – 12pm or 12pm – 4pm
- Sundays 10am - 2pm
We request a minimum commitment of 1 x four hour shift per week for a minimum of 3 months to ensure consistency and continuity with the animals. Orientation and training in relation to animal interaction, training and husbandry will be provided.
PLEASE NOTE: It is a requirement that before handling animals at the RSPCA you have an up to date Tetanus vaccination.
For further information, please contact the Rockhampton Op Shop on 07 3637 0040 or volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au, or apply via the link above.
