Volunteer Drivers Assistant

Newcastle Dog & Shelter; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local animal shelter is seeking a volunteer driver’s assistant to support transportation needs for animals. Responsibilities include collecting donations, transporting animals, and maintaining storage. Ideal candidates should be physically fit, have a valid driving license for a category B vehicle, and demonstrate strong teamwork and customer service skills. Flexible weekday availability is required.

Benefits

Training provided

Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed

Experience in animal care

Qualifications

• Valid driving licence for category B vehicle.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy items.
• Willingness to undertake various tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist driver in transporting animals for vet visits.
• Collect donated items from various locations.
• Arrange storage for donated items at the shelter.

Skills

Physically fit

Customer service

Teamwork

Flexibility

Communication

Job description

Overview

Our volunteer driver’s assistant (driver’s mate) will play a key role in the day to day running of transportation requirements for the shelter. The requirement to transport our animals for essential veterinary care and the ability to transport and move stock and collections around our sites is fundamental to us being able to look after the animals in our care.

Responsible to:

General Manager

Main Duties:

• All tasks are travelling with our driver in a shelter vehicle to offer support.
• Pick up donated items from our collection points in and around North Tyneside and Newcastle.
• Transferring items of stock between our donation points, shelter and retail stores (stores at Four Lane Ends and Wallsend).
• Arranging storage of donated items at the shelter.
• Transporting our animals to and from the vet (based in Gosforth).
• On occasion deputising for our driver in the event of sickness and annual leave, etc. This will be after a period of induction and in completion of an internal driving suitability assessment.

Skills and Qualifications:

• You will need to be physically fit and able to lift and carry heavy items.
• Hold a valid driving licence that permits driving of a category B vehicle.
• Flexibility and a willingness to complete a variety of tasks, no two days are the same.
• An individual who gets on well with people to facilitate good customer service and advocacy for the shelter.
• An ability to work well with fellow team members, staff and volunteers and the ability to communicate well with the wider shelter team as well as working independently.
• Enthusiasm and good team working skills.
• A love of dogs and cats!

Time Commitment:

We are looking for volunteers on a weekday from 8am till noon or 10am till 4pm.

On occasion we may ask you to help at shelter fundraising events outside of these hours, if you are able to do so.

Join an inclusive and diverse organisation that has been re-homing animals since 1896.

Have fun, meet new people and be part of a motivated team who are making a difference to the lives of our animals.

Learn new skills and gain experience to enhance your CV.

Share skills and knowledge that you have.

Gain the satisfaction giving back to our community.

Training to fulfil your volunteer role will be provided and reasonable out of pocket travel expenses will be reimbursed.