Abseiling down mountains, swimming 50 metres fully clothed and being able to handle animals, from puppies to pythons, are all criteria for applying to be a RSPCA inspector.

The animal charity has put out a call to recruit 24 new inspectors from locations across the country, including Essex.

Successful applicants will need both mental and physical strength, facing gruelling hours and emotionally challenging conditions.

Dermot Murphy, Assistant Director of the RSPCA Inspectorate, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for anyone who thinks they’ve got what it takes to be an RSPCA Inspector. No day is ever the same and there’s no better feeling than knowing that you’ve made a real difference to the lives of animals.

“However, anyone considering this job needs to apply with their eyes wide open. It is not easy and you need to be strong mentally and physically to cope with the distressing sights you have to witness, the emotional situations you have to handle and the difficult decisions you have to make every day.

“But for the right person, this could be the chance of a lifetime to get their dream job working on the frontline to improve animal welfare.”

Physical fitness is a core part of the roll as dogs can weigh up to 40kg and sheep 70g. No fear of heights or cramped spaces is also a must as inspectors can be called out to any kind of location.

RSPCA inspectors advise pet owners on how to best provide for their animals’ welfare, investigate concerns of animal cruelty and respond to animal welfare complaints from the public.

While the current ‘average’ inspector is a 28-year-old female, the charity is looking to recruit people from all walks of life.

Successful applicants will undertake a year of training, facing physical tests including a 50 metre fully clothed swim, written exams and specialist animal handling training.

To train and equip each new inspector will cost £50,000.

After the application deadline on Friday, March 17, 160 candidates will be shortlisted and interviewed over a six week period.

Anyone interested in applying can visit: www.rspca.org.uk/jobs