RSPCA Job Vacancies

Looking for RSPCA job vacancies means you are not only looking at a great career option but you are also looking at a worthy, charitable employer.

The RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) began in 1824, known then as Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Staff at the RSPCA work tireless to prevent cruelty and alleviate suffering to animals, whilst promoting kindness and education for animal welfare.

This charitable organisation which has running costs around £82 million, receives no lottery funding or state aid, and is solely funded by donations and legacies.

Society Structure

Whilst the RSPCA does rely heavily on volunteer work, it does have a number of paid staff who either work in specialist areas or are part of the support departments for the organisation. Many of these are based at its National Headquarters in West Sussex, whilst others work from home.

Additionally, there are currently 172 regional branches throughout England and Wales which manage the Regional Inspectors, along with a further 38 animal clinics/hospitals and 33 animal centres.

Jobs at the RSPCA are varied and are not hinged on careers which involve animal contact. So, if you have an allergy to animal fur, don’t think working for the RSPCA is out of the question for you. RSPCA job roles can include education officers, branch development advisors, press officers, journalists, secretaries and administrators; as well as wildlife, farm, domestic and research animal experts.

It is also worth bearing in mind, depending on the type of position you are looking for, there may be a need for you to work weekends and bank holidays, as well as provide shift cover for 24 hour practices. Whilst the clinics, centres and charity shops may close, the animals cared for by the RSPCA will still need attending to.

One of the most common jobs we may associate with the RSPCA is that of the inspectors who work for one the 172 branches across the country. An RSPCA inspectors is typically asked to provide 24-hour cover for animals in need, whether this be through investigating cruelty complaints, carrying out rescues, giving advice and help on animal care, inspecting animal establishments or bringing cruelty perpetrators to court.

The role is very rewarding in terms of making a different to animal welfare, but it is also very intellectually, physically and emotionally demanding. You are not just working with animals but also people and you will need to possess good communication skills when conversing with members of the public or other agencies.

There is also a need for you to be physically fit in order to carry out animal cruelty investigations and rescues. On starting your career as a Regional Inspector, you can expect to attend a 12-month training course where you will be educated on animal welfare matters and will also receive training in areas such as:

• Investigation skills and interview techniques.
• Media and public speaking.
• Court work.
• Mountain and boat rescue techniques.
• Basic veterinary skills and animal handling techniques.

An average starting salary for a ‘student’ Regional Inspector will be in the region of £22,000 and this will rise to around £24,000 on Inspector qualification. The role also offers a steady career path to the position of Chief Inspector. For Regional Inspectors in London there is also an accommodation allowance available as part of the job package.

Volunteering

If you are looking for volunteer work, perhaps to gain some work experience, the RSPCA very much depends on its volunteers to carry out roles throughout its 172 local branches, along with its animal clinics and centres. Volunteering can involve welfare work, campaigning, fundraising, shop work and trusteeship. Whilst all roles influence animal welfare, not all of them will involve practical animal care.