RSPCA Victoria Volunteer Driver

About Us

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Victoria) is a non-government, community-based charity that works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection. The RSPCA Victoria was established in Melbourne in 1871. Since this time, RSPCA Victoria has become Australia’s leading animal welfare charity.

Volunteers are an integral part of the RSPCA Victoria team. They play an active and vital role in helping to support our work to improve the welfare of animals, and protect them from cruelty and neglect. Volunteering involves commitment, dedication and passion.

Role Purpose

RSPCA Victoria Volunteer Drivers play an essential role in supporting the day to day operations of RSPCA Victoria and every kilometre driven supports the vision of RSPCA Victoria to ending cruelty to all animals. Drivers can work to a set roster or work on an on-call basis depending on the program and we will work with your preferences for the length of drive you prefer to undertake.

Volunteer Drivers support our Animal Care Team by transferring animals to increase their opportunity to find their forever home or for medical care/rehabilitation or transporting wildlife to dedicated carers for rehabilitation.

Volunteer Drivers also support our Retail Team by transporting goods and donations for Op Shops between locations.

Volunteer Drivers support our Events and Community Fundraising Team by transporting recyclable containers to a container deposit location in the Western suburbs.

Key Responsibilities

RSPCA Victoria Volunteer Drivers may undertake the following activities:

Animal Transport

 Driving an RSPCA vehicle (VW Transporters) to transport animals / equipment and goods between locations. These locations can include animal care centres, specialist clinics, wildlife carers, animal welfare organisations, regional shelters, nominated driver meeting points and adoption centres

 Assisting with the loading/unloading of animals / equipment and goods

 Observing animal behaviour and reporting any concerns to the relevant staff member

 Cleaning and disinfecting the vehicles after use

Goods/Donations Transport

 Driving an RSPCA vehicle to transfer a variety of supplies and equipment including assisting to load and unload supplies and equipment as needed

 Driving a vehicle which may include a car with a trailer or a 4.2m moving van/truck (car license required)

Container Deposit Scheme Transport

 Driving an RSPCA vehicle to transfer recyclable containers from Burwood East to the Western suburbs including loading and unloading the containers

 Depositing the containers into the Container Deposit location and assigning the refund to RSPCA Victoria

Drivers are to report any vehicles issues or maintenance needs to the Fleet team asap.

Please note: Private vehicles must be comprehensively insured by the owner and roadworthy if being used for RSPCA business. The driver of the private vehicle must be a nominated driver on the vehicle’s insurance policy. A volunteer must have Manager’s permission in advance in order to use a private vehicle to undertake RSPCA business as outlined in the RSPCA Vehicle policy.

Requirements

To be successful in this role, the volunteer will possess the following skills and attributes:

Essential:

 A current full driving license

 Attention to detail and the ability to follow oral and written instructions carefully

 Strong communication skills and a love for engaging with people and animals

 The ability to work effectively in a team, while working independently

 A good level of general fitness; some lifting may be required

 As this role either a set day and/or is an on-call basis both flexibility and availability are required for short (2-3 hour) and long trips (8 hours) Desirable:

 Relevant experience in an animal handling role with the RSPCA Victoria (for Animal Transport)

 Experience/ability to tow a trailer/drive small van

Training & Support Requirements

The following training will be provided:

 RSPCA Victoria Driver Training (for Animal Care transport roles)

 Animal care, health and behaviour module for the animal transport role

 Ongoing opportunity to discuss your role and any concerns with the Volunteer Program Team