Volunteer Driver & Site Support Assistant

We’ve got an exciting opportunity for volunteers to support Bristol Animal Rescue Centre within our Facilities team – helping care for our site and the future of its animals. In this multifaceted role, you’ll be undertaking a wide range of duties, from driving animals in need to medical/rehabilitation specialists, to helping us ensure our site is health and safety compliant, and to helping us maintain the site with our maintenance crew. On one day, for example, you might be transferring animals from our Clinic or Animal  Rehoming Centre to other rescues we partner with in the South West. You might be involved in transporting dogs, cats, and small animals (such as ferrets and rabbits) to and from veterinary practices in Bristol. Then, on a different day, you may be helping with the testing of our emergency lighting, looking after our facilities and helping to collect supplies. Every effort makes a difference, and our volunteers are such a support to our team, making a vital difference to the lives and outcomes of the animals in our care. At our charity, you’ll be volunteering as part of a team of passionate, dedicated people committed to making a difference in animal welfare. What would I be doing as a Volunteer Driver and Site Support Assistant? Transferring sick and injured wildlife and domestic animals to a local vet practice or wildlife centre, e.g. in Taunton or Wiltshire. You would be driving the Bristol A.R.C. van, which is specially equipped for transporting animals Helping the Maintenance Team with various aspects of building maintenance and facilities at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre. This might include painting, drain and  gutter maintenance, changing locks, for instance Assisting in Health and Safety duties, helping to ensure the site remains a safe place to work and volunteer Generally keeping the Charity site clean and tidy, and supporting with weeding /  gardening Other ad-hoc driving duties on a needs-basis, for example collecting and dropping off  donations What’s important for me to know? Part of your shift might involve transferring animals, and this will take priority when necessary. Therefore, we are looking for volunteers who have a full, clean driving licence for this role. In addition, we would ask that as a volunteer, you can: adhere to our protocols, procedures and policies as set out in your training and  guidance manage time well and transfer animals in a timely manner (to the best of your ability) ensure that appropriate footwear and PPE is worn when directed and as necessary update us with any changes to your driving license or driver status How often would I volunteer? Shifts are weekly, at the same time each time. We have morning or afternoon shifts available, on any weekday (Mon-Fri) – at the following times: Morning – 09:00-12:00 Afternoon – 12:00-17:00 Saying this, we can offer some flexibility on times. Please let us know your availability, or any preferred shift times, when you apply for the role – thank you. What skills and attributes might I ideally need for this role? Experience, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved are always a great help, and we would like to hear in particular (with some specific examples, if you can) about your: Driving licence and its ability to enable you to drive B category vehicles (Transit Van) Understanding of health and safety, and its importance Experience in any aspects of site or building maintenance; and general ‘DIY’ Communication skills and ability to follow and carry out instructions Confidence driving longer distances, and your feelings about using a utility vehicle Interest in animal welfare Motivations for volunteering What might I get out of volunteering with Bristol A.R.C.? The opportunity to volunteer with Bristol’s oldest and largest Animal Rescue Centre Training and guidance to help you become a volunteer. This will include general  information, as well as specifics about the role Ongoing support from your designated Volunteer Supervisor – the Facilities and  Health and Safety Manager, as well as the Volunteer Coordinator The chance to learn about the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of an animal welfare  organisation Opportunities to see other animal sites and centres, and meet like-minded people We hope you would find it rewarding to directly contribute to animals’ rehabilitation through undertaking transfer journeys The potential to gain new skills, and make new peers and friends through your  volunteering I haven’t had much experience. Can I still apply? Knowledge of building maintenance or health and safety is desirable, yet we welcome applications from anyone. If you are not particularly experienced, we would be pleased to hear about any other relevant skills or qualities you feel you could bring to the role. The one thing that you will need, is a clean driving licence and the willingness to drive a Transit-sized vehicle. What else might I need to consider before I apply? We ask that applicants bear in mind that whilst