Animal Care Officer

• Permanent Full-Time position available (9 day fortnight)
• Cert III in Companion Animal Services, or equivalent experience with the ability to obtain.
• Blue card (Working with children)
• LGO 2 ($62,580 - $68,144 per annum + superannuation) based on skills, qualifications and experience.

Why Choose Us

Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia.

We are committed to creating value by growing Townsville through driving economic diversity and generating an enriching lifestyle.

Our organisation provides and maintains over $7b worth of community assets including water and wastewater network and treatment, bridges, drainage, roads, waste management, community facilities, sporting venues and more. We contribute to an active lifestyle for our residents and visitors through events, providing recreational facilities, protecting the natural environment and heritage, while creating a mentally and physically healthy city.

We lead creation of a city for this and future generations by focusing on our transition to a circular economy that is resilient to social, financial and environmental shocks.

We are a Council led by our community to create an exciting and dynamic future.

Townsville City Council is growing Townsville.

About the role

This position plays a key role in providing frontline service to the Townsville Community on behalf of the organisation through the provision of timely and accurate information, processing of lost animals, reuniting owners and pets, and the care of animals in the shelter, and working collaboratively across Council to champion our purpose of Growing Townsville and to deliver the Corporate Plan in consultation with the Townsville Community.

The position will work within the Environmental Health and Regulatory Services Team to ensure flexibility in resource allocation to achieve outcomes across the unit, teams, and council. The role will participate in coaching, mentoring and training to ensure appropriate and sufficient skills and knowledge are developed to be effective in the general husbandry of all animals in care and to ensure animals are reunited with their owners. The Animal Care Officer will demonstrate objective decisions incorporating legislative and community expectations.

This position is accountable to the General Manager Environmental Health and Regulation and will be focused on the needs and aspirations of the Townsville community; growing and managing customer relationships, developing a culture of customer-centricity and personal accountability; and reshaping how we deliver services to maximise value.

About you

Our ideal applicant will have:

• Demonstrated experience role modelling a positive safety culture and adherence to the Health Safety Management Systems through visible leadership and exercising due diligence and management of compliance and legislative obligations.
• Cert III in Companion Animal Services, or equivalent experience with the ability to obtain.
• Proven experience in animal husbandry, animal handling and animal shelter industry.
• Experience in Technology One, software applications or other similar local government business management systems and intermediate skills in Microsoft applications.
• Demonstrated ability to verbally and visually identify and describe animals, for instance the colours, sizes and breeds of different species.
• Detailed knowledge of interpreting and applying local and state legislation relating to animals.
• Advanced level of knowledge and skills to critically assess the behavior of dogs and cats for suitability in rehoming taking into consideration current climate and community expectations.
• Advanced level of interpersonal skills and dispute/resolution skills, with the ability to relate in an authoritative and diplomatic manner.
• Experience in effectively and positively dealing with a wide range of stakeholders and the public.
• Well-developed level of organisational, prioritisation and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment to meet deadlines and achieve work commitments.
• Current unrestricted ‘C’ class drivers licence

Applications should be submitted through the 'Apply' button and include a Cover Letter (maximum 2 pages), Resume outlining previous academic and work experience and must include attachments of the relevant qualifications and licenses, relating to the role. 

For further information review the Position Description. 

Closing Date:  11.45pm Tuesday 20th February 2024

What We Offer

• 17.5% annual leave loading 
• Up to 5 weeks annual leave
• Up to 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
• 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Domestic and Family Violence Leave
• Natural Disaster Leave
• Long Service Leave available pro rata after seven years
• Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected gym, pool, and yoga facilities
• Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
• Employee Assistance Program

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply!

If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact **************@townsville.qld.gov.au for a confidential discussion.