Wildlife Assistant

About the Role

This is a casual, zero-hours contract position offering flexible shifts to cover periods of staff absence and provide support during the busy summer season. Each shift runs for 7 hours, either 08:00 to 16:00 or 13:00 to 21:00, with regular weekend and bank holiday availability required. You'll be working at West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Somerset, part of the RSPCA's commitment to wildlife welfare and rehabilitation.

If you're passionate about British wildlife and have the stamina for hands-on, unpredictable work, you'll find purpose here. Every day brings different animals, different challenges, and the satisfaction of knowing you're directly contributing to their recovery and release back into the wild.

Key Responsibilities

• Admit new animal casualties, provide initial first aid, and monitor recovery progress across a wide variety of species
• Administer medications and calculate dosages under veterinary guidance, ensuring each animal receives species-specific treatment
• Maintain strict hygiene standards in aviaries and treatment rooms to create a safe, sterile recovery environment
• Identify and survey potential release sites, transport animals to the wild, and assist with field research including radio-tracking activities
• Supervise volunteers and vocational students, sharing wildlife handling knowledge and inspiring the next generation of animal advocates

Requirements

• Prior experience in wild animal care, preferably within a welfare or charity setting
• Solid understanding of wild animal handling techniques and safety protocols
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong interpersonal skills for multidisciplinary teamwork and accurate written record-keeping
• Excellent organisational abilities and flexibility as priorities shift throughout shifts
• Full manual driving licence
• Legal right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)

Desirable: Experience supervising and working with volunteers.

Benefits

• Hourly rate of £15.07 including holiday pay
• Flexible casual contract with zero guaranteed hours
• Access to RSPCA staff benefits package including pension scheme, healthcare cash plan, and occupational sick pay
• Life assurance and Employee Assistance Programme
• Dog-friendly workplace policies
• Cycle-to-work scheme and various discount schemes
• Family-friendly policies

About the Practice

The RSPCA is the UK's leading animal welfare charity, operating nationwide to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in distress. West Hatch Wildlife Centre specialises in the care and rehabilitation of native British wildlife, from birds of prey to hedgehogs and other small mammals. The centre is staffed by a passionate, hands-on team dedicated to giving injured and orphaned wildlife the best possible chance at returning to the wild.

The RSPCA actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds and is committed to building a diverse workforce. Successful candidates may be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The organisation provides support and reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.