Bob Ward on his journey through the career jungle to become a senior animal rescue officer for SSPCA.
Career history:
Music and animals are my two passions and I’ve been playing the drums from an early age. We formed a band called Calcium and toured all over Europe. We did that for six or seven years until we disbanded. We were quite successful, supported Status Quo and worked with the people who produced Tricky, the trip-hop artist, and Gary Numan. After the band split, I tutored drums privately at Lochgelly High School. Previous to all that, I helped out in a local exotic pet shop.
What does your current role involve?
I’m a senior animal rescue officer so I train up all the new starts in my area. I make sure that they are fully equipped to deal with circumstances that arise and I’m on hand to advise them at all times. I’m also involved in community working groups. I still rescue animals, am an advisor on animal welfare and an enforcer.
Did formal qualifications help get your job?
No. After the band split, I began to tutor at the high school. One of my mum’s friends worked at the Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre and asked if I wanted to help. I had some spare time as I was teaching part time, so I applied and was appointed as volunteer wildlife assistant. I did that for seven or eight months and then got a permanent job and worked my way up from there. I’ve always loved animals; when I was young I wanted to be a vet. I have vast experience with exotic animals as I’ve owned them since I was eight years old. My first was a checkered garter snake called Suzie.
Most satisfying job you’ve had?
Playing in front of thousands of people is very satisfying but helping save a three and a half tonne minke whale is incredible. What we do every day is so rewarding.
Is this job where you always wanted to be?
I made music my career as it was what I did every day so I pursued that. But I’m very happy in this job. I’ve been offered other jobs in music and elsewhere, but I’ve turned them down so I am very happy here.
What’s your best piece of career advice?
Be as educated as you can. Practical experience with domestic and wild animals is invaluable. Nothing can prepare you for the things that you’ll come across when working with animals so if you have experience already, that’s a massive bonus. You need to think on your feet and not be scared to tackle something you’ve never done before. I always advise people to think in three stages, basically breaking down a job. If you need to rescue a fox, don’t think of the bigger picture, get hold of it first then on to the next stage.
Most memorable moment in the workplace?
A classic example was the swan at Lochgelly Loch which had an abscess on the back of its foot. I took her to the wildlife centre where she was treated and rehabilitated. I took her back to the loch and she started making weird and wonderful noises as she was so happy! Then her friend came and greeted her and they swam off together. Experiences like that make my job worthwhile.
What’s your favourite animal?
That’s a very tricky question! I do have a soft spot for a magpie as they’re quite gung-ho and cheeky, like me! And if it was a domestic animals, I do love a crested gecko as they are very cute. One of my absolutely favourite animals has to be my husky, Odin.
Do you love animals more than people?
Yes. 100%. Animals are faithful and genuine and they show a loyalty that is very rare in humans.
Is self-development crucial in climbing the career ladder?
Absolutely. You don’t always need a qualification. I started out as a volunteer and worked hard, I focused and progressed from there. You don’t need a degree but you do need self-belief and dedication.
How can others get into your profession?
By getting as much experience as you can. Be that on a farm, at a livery, with dogs, you can’t buy the practical side of things. Books don’t bite you when they’re nervous or scared. When you put things into practice it’s a different kettle of fish.
