Animal Shelter Attendant

Careers at Council; Port Macquarie; On-site; AUD 36,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

PPE provided

Fitness Passport

The Welcome Experience

Career development

Annual salary increase

Long service leave

Employee assistance program

Salary packaging

Annual awards

Job summary

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is seeking an Animal Shelter Attendant for the permanent part-time Environmental and Regulatory Services Team. The role supports a busy animal shelter, handles dogs, assists the public, and ensures lawful compliance in animal care, with strong emphasis on records and shelter operations.

The successful candidate will work 28 hours per week, receive a starting salary pro rata around the local award, and enjoy benefits including PPE, gym discounts, relocation

Qualifications

• Resilience in challenging shelter scenarios.
• Comfortable handling large dogs; experience with an animal snare pole is a plus.
• Pro-active and able to work alone at the shelter.
• Willing to undergo pre-employment medical/full functional assessment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing a professional shelter facility.
• Assist customers in person and by phone.
• Handle animal management, including care, transport, microchipping, reunification, rehoming and euthanasia when required.
• Maintain accurate records, registers and databases.

Skills

Dog handling

Customer service

Record keeping

Job description

At PMHC every employee plays a part in ensuring we work together to achieve positive outcomes for our community. We have an exciting permanent part-time opportunity to join the Environmental and Regulatory Services Team as an Animal Shelter Attendant. Our animal shelter keeps lost, stray and abandoned animals safe until their owners are found and we aim to rehome all animals that are surrendered or not reclaimed by their owners after the required legal impound time period.

On a typical day our Animal Attendants will:

• Assist in the provision of a professional shelter facility;
• Assist customers both in person and over the phone;
• Assist in a wide range of enquiries, assist pet owners to meet their legislative requirements as pet owners and provide advice/education as necessary;
• Assist in animal management, including animal care, transportation, microchipping, returning animals to owners, rehoming and euthanasia;
• Maintain accurate records, registers and databases.

To be successful in this role you must be:

• Resilient - whilst we do lots of amazing work in the community in rehoming and reuniting animals, we also have to make the tough decisions and euthanise; not only if they are suffering from severe illnesses or are a danger to humans and animals but sometime due to capacity and likelihood of rehoming.
• Confident in dog handling - we deal with lots of large dogs who need firm handling. Experience of using an animal snare pole would be advantageous.
• Pro-active - this role will be required to work alone at the shelter
• Due to the nature of this role, successful candidates will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical/full functional assessment.

Remuneration and Benefits

Employment type: Permanent, part-time role - 28 hours per week

Salary (exclusive of super): Starting salary of $894.82 pro rata, per week with the opportunity for competency-based progression

• PPE provided
• Discounted gym membership through
  membership to Fitness Passport
• Candidates relocating to the region have access to TheWelcome Experience
• Career development opportunities OR Opportunities for learning and development and internal career progression
• Annual salary increase as per the
  Local Government (State) Award 2026 plus annual salary review
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options available
  through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awards
  ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

About the Port Macquarie Hastings Region

The region is one of Australia's most enviable
locations. We boast a stunning hinterland, kilometres of pristine beaches,
national parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, restaurants, galleries,
theatres and a genuine community vibe. The Mid-North Coast is perfect for
hiking, surfing, camping, fishing, exploration, sports, arts, theatre, food and
wine.

Questions?

If you would like to know more about this
opportunity or have any questions about the role, please contact Sophie Gibbs, Team Leader Animal Shelter on (02) 6581 8***.

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at ****@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Notes

Suitable candidates may be placed on an eligibility list for future identical positions for 6 months or a talent pool for similar positions for a period of 12 months.

Preferred applicants are required to complete pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment (includes drug and alcohol testing); Qualification verification; Working with Children Check verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview).

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.