RSPCA is on the look out for animal rescue officer - The Evesham Observer

RSPCA is on the look out for animal rescue officer

Evesham Editorial 8th Jul, 2021   0

THE RSPCA is looking for 23 new animal rescue officers across the country, including one in West Mercia and one in the West Midlands.

The newly-formed role is also the route to becoming an RSPCA inspector with further responsibilities.

The successful applicants will be on the frontline, rescuing a range of animals – from hedgehogs to huntsman spiders – and helping those who care for the creatures.

The role also includes working alongside inspectors, probing allegations of neglect and cruelty which could lead to prosecutions.




RSPCA head of the inspectorate Dermot Murphy said: “As someone who started my career in an entry level role, I know what an exciting opportunity this is for the right candidate.

“This is a difficult job which needs a resilient character but there are also truly magical moments, such as removing animals from a situation where they are suffering and seeing them heal, physically and mentally.”


He added releasing wildlife was always a joy with recent incidents including a fox tangled in goal netting, a squirrel stuck in a bird feeder and a cat reunited with its owners after been missing for 13 years.

“Helping an owner by giving advice or assistance where a person is struggling is also rewarding.

“Often by helping an individual you can rectify an issue to improve animal welfare.”

Officers also carry out media interviews and work with others in society to help raise awareness of wider welfare issues.

The unique training includes abseiling down a mountain, swimming 50m fully clothed and carrying out water rescues.

Animal rescue officers are called out to all sorts of locations, so applicants must have no fear of heights or cramped spaces and no allergies to animals.

The RSPCA is hoping to attract applicants from all walks of life to this physically demanding job to reflect the communities served.

People of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, race, faith, sexual orientation, parental or relationship status, are urged to apply.

Physical fitness and psychological and emotional strength is also needed as officers need to cope with distressing, disturbing and heart-breaking situations involving animals.

Communication skills, as well as empathy to handle difficult, extremely emotional and sometimes confrontational situations, are also needed.

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