Probationary Inspector

SCOTTISH SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team as a Probationary Inspector with a leading animal welfare charity in Scotland. This role involves investigating animal cruelty cases, conducting welfare assessments, and engaging with the community to promote animal welfare. You'll be part of a passionate organization that has been protecting animals for over 185 years, making a real difference in the lives of animals and people alike. If you have a strong commitment to animal welfare and the skills to handle challenging situations, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to contribute to a noble cause.

Qualifications

• Ability to write complex reports for submission to authorities.
• Experience with livestock and handling challenging public situations.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints of animal cruelty and take appropriate action.
• Conduct routine visits to assess animal welfare and management.
• Deliver educational talks and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Good communication skills

Practical experience with livestock

Experience working with the public

Strong interest in animal welfare

Resilient and calm approach

Professional integrity

Flexibility in work approach

Education

Qualification in animal husbandry or science

Tools

Full UK manual driving licence

Job description

We are currently looking for a Probationary Inspector to join the team in the South West region (Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway).

If this sounds like a role you would be interested in, please read on for more information.

• Hours – 37.5 hours per week, 10 days in 14 to include evening and weekend working on a rota basis
• Salary – starting at £29,463 per annum (FTE)
• Contract Type – Permanent

About the Scottish SPCA

As Scotland’s animal welfare charity, we have been on hand to protect animals and prevent cruelty since 1839 – that’s over 185 years of creating a better world for all animals. We’ve grown to become a national charity which celebrates the strength of the human-animal bond and enriches the lives of animals and people. We are Scotland’s animal champions.

What does a Probationary Inspector do?

Our Probationary Inspectors deal with many different types of cases such as welfare concerns, suspected animal cruelty, removal of animals from situations where this is deemed the most appropriate action, and routine visits to establishments trading or displaying animals.

Working as part of a team, Inspectors will be involved in regular communication and collaboration with other Inspectors and Animal Rescue Officers when working on cases allocated to them by the Animal Helpline.

The first 6 months of a Probationary Inspector's role will equip them with the knowledge and experience required to become an authorised Inspector. The Scottish SPCA is the only animal welfare charity able to directly prosecute those involved in animal welfare violations.

Overview of main duties and responsibilities

• Fully investigate complaints of animal cruelty, determining the degree of neglect or cruelty and taking appropriate action; remove animals from situations when necessary; make follow-up inquiries or visits to ensure advice given has been acted upon; record all actions taken accurately; prepare and present reports to the Chief Inspector and, if required, to the Procurator Fiscal.
• Alleviate suffering and distress to injured or trapped animals by assessing the degree of injury or illness and taking appropriate action.
• Carry out routine visits to animal establishments, inspecting and assessing the welfare of animals, their accommodation, husbandry, and management, taking appropriate action as needed.
• Deliver educational talks as required.
• Maintain knowledge of Society operation instructions and be conversant with animal welfare legislation.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues, the general public, other Society Departments and Branches, and agencies such as the Police, Veterinary Surgeons, State Veterinary Surgeons, Procurator Fiscal, and Local Authorities.

What makes a good Probationary Inspector?

• Good communication skills, including the ability to write complex reports for submission to the Procurator Fiscal.
• Practical experience with livestock, horses, and domestic animals.
• Experience working with the general public, with the ability to handle challenging situations.
• Ideally, a qualification in animal husbandry or science.
• A strong interest in and commitment to animal welfare.
• A resilient and calm approach to their role.
• Act with professional integrity.
• A flexible approach to work and the ability to work well within a team, including a willingness to work within a group shift pattern.
• Hold a Full UK manual driving licence.

This role is subject to a Standard Disclosure Scotland check.

We are fortunate that some of our roles attract a high level of interest; therefore, we may have to close roles earlier than advertised. Early application submissions are highly recommended. This also means that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates due to the high volume of applications.

The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission.

The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equine Welfare Member of the National Equine Welfare Council.