Animal Ranger

Greater Shepparton City; Shepparton; On-site; AUD 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Greater Shepparton City Council invites applications for a permanent Animal Ranger position within our dynamic team. The role focuses on delivering animal management services, enforcing welfare standards, and educating the community about responsible pet ownership.

As an Animal Ranger, you will handle domestic animals, investigate breaches, and support the Shepparton Animal Shelter. A current driver licence and police checks are required. Closes 18 September 2026.

Qualifications

• Current Victorian Driver Licence.
• National Police Check.
• Working with Children Check.

Responsibilities

• Deliver animal management services including Domestic Animal Management Plan and Emergency Animal Welfare Plan.
• Promote responsible pet ownership and welfare through education and enforcement.

Skills

Animal handling

Customer service

Legislation interpretation

Job description

Greater Shepparton City Council, situated in the heart of the Goulburn Valley, is the fifth largest provincial centre in Victoria and has a well-developed economy due to its strong agricultural and irrigation base, with major industries related to food processing, manufacturing, transport and health care. The Goulburn Valley is often referred to as 'The Food Bowl of Australia' as around 25% of the total value of Victoria's agricultural production is generated in this area.

Greater Shepparton has a population of approximately 69,000 and is culturally rich with 17.4% of residents being born overseas. The area has excellent education, recreation, cultural, social and health facilities and tourism is a developing focus for the region.

Salary: $80,385.24 Per annum
Closing: Friday 18 September 2026
Full time - Permanent

Are you passionate about animal management and welfare? We’re inviting applications for a permanent Animal Ranger position within our dynamic team.

We’re looking for someone who shares our values around responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, and who can deliver high-quality customer service through innovation and collaboration.

As an Animal Ranger, you will work closely with the community and be responsible for:

• Delivering a range of animal management services, including applying the Domestic Animal Management Plan and Emergency Animal Welfare Plan.
• Promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare through education and enforcement, in line with relevant legislation, codes of practice, Council policies, procedures, and internal plans.
• Investigating breaches of legislation, issuing infringements, notices and warnings, collecting evidence, and preparing reports for legal proceedings.
• Handling and capturing a variety of domestic animals, including dogs, cats, and livestock.
• Protecting the community and environment from feral, nuisance, or wandering domestic animals and livestock.
• Assisting with the operation of the Shepparton Animal Shelter.

To thrive in this role, you will:

• Be confident in interpreting and applying legislation, with sound judgement and decision-making skills in law enforcement activities.
• Have best-practice animal handling skills, or the ability and willingness to learn.
• Be a collaborative team player, adaptable to new processes and procedures.
• Be committed to delivering excellent customer service and community education.
• Current Victorian Driver Licence
• National Police Check
• Working with Children Check

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience or qualifications in animal management, animal welfare, veterinary services, law enforcement, or community education will be highly regarded.

Please note: This role may require work outside normal business hours, including responding to declared emergencies. Compensation will be provided in accordance with the Greater Shepparton Enterprise Agreement.

For further information about this position, please contact Naomi Harrington , Coordinator Animal Rangers on ( 03) 5832 9700 .

Note: This position is subject to a 6 month qualifying period in accordance with the Fair Work Australia minimum employment period. During the qualifying period employees will be provided with appropriate on-going induction, support, assistance, resources and training to enable them to meet the required performance standards for the position.

We strongly encourage job applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. If selected for an interview and you require any additional support or adjustments regarding interview arrangements, please advise the contact listed above in advance.

Greater Shepparton City Council is committed to being a child safe organisation and has zero tolerance for child abuse. Greater Shepparton City Council is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation where protecting children and preventing and responding to child abuse is at the centre of our everyday thinking and service delivery.