Overview

We’re recruiting a Wildlife Nurse to join our brilliant team of Wildlife Assistants, vets, and volunteers at RSPCA West Wildlife Centre on a fixed term, part time contract for 12 months.

Since the RSPCA was founded in a London coffee shop in 1824 we have, by all lawful means, strived to prevent cruelty, promote kindness to and alleviate the suffering of all animals. It’s inspiring to think how much more of a difference we can make, and we would love you to be part of this amazing journey!

You will play a fundamental role carrying out vital nursing duties to support the rescue, rehabilitation and release of a variety of British wildlife including orphaned and injured wild animals, from hedgehogs to seal pups. We care for our patients for as long as it takes to get them fit for return to the wild – is there anything more rewarding?

Why work for the RSPCA?

It’s an exciting time to join us in the decade of our bicentenary as we focus on our Strategy to 2030. The RSPCA works 365 days a year, rescuing all animals of all types from abuse, neglect, and injury.

What you’ll be doing as an RSPCA Wildlife Vet Nurse:

  • Admit, care for, prepare for release, release and monitor wildlife casualties according to the standard procedures and protocols of the centre.
  • Carry out care and rehabilitation procedures, as defined in the centre protocols, for the benefit of injured wildlife. This involves hands-on treatment, care and monitoring all sorts of creatures (requiring different approaches).
  • Ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of all areas, including corridors, pens, aviaries, pools, treatment room, kitchen and storage areas, using if necessary specialised substances or equipment to a standard acceptable to the Supervisor/Wildlife Rehabilitation Team Manager/Vet/Clinician/ centre¿s management team.
  • Assist Supervisor/Wildlife Team Rehabilitation Manager/Centre Management/Vet by identifying animals in care that require moving to a different enclosure or animals that may be ready for release.
  • Assist the Manager/Supervisor/Wildlife Rehabilitation Team Manager by carrying out risk assessments and safety audits and other health and safety duties as directed.  Point out safety issues identified.
  • Undertake nursing duties as directed including theatre and ward(s).
  • Administer treatments (Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 Schedule 3 procedures e.g. injections, medication, fluid therapy, dressing, first aid, euthanasia) as directed, and where permitted undertake minor surgical procedures.
  • Dispense drugs in accordance with professional guidelines and hospital/ clinic rules.
  • Check machinery and other equipment as part of pre-ops and provide assistance to the vet as necessary/requested during operations.
  • Ordering and maintaining stock levels of the in-house pharmacy and veterinary equipment.
  • Take X rays and the associated administrative activities.

What we are looking for in you:

  • It is essential to be considered for this role that you hold a University Degree in Vet Nursing or Current Level 3 Diploma in Vet Nursing Qualification and are Registered with RCVS with evidence of CPD
  • Additional requirements:
  • Animal Care experience
  • Field work skills, such as identification of mammals and mammal tracks, bird identification
  • Experience handling wild animals
  • Experience collating statistics
  • Assessment and first aid skills
  • Ability to assess and make sound judgements – thinking on your feet really will set you up for success!
  • Each animal and case is unique so it really helps to have the ability to retain high volumes of information and analyse it on a case by case basis.
  • Highly organised you will be used to multitasking, achieving deadlines and following protocol.
  • Ability to use initiative, specifically  in relation to the organisation and administrative procedures that attach to surgery.
  • A natural and authentic communicator you will find it easy to build rapport and nurture positive working relationships with various internal and external contacts.