Animal Shelter Attendant

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council; Port Macquarie; Hybrid; AUD 36,000 - 46,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

PPE provided

Fitness Passport gym discount

Welcome Experience for new arrivals

Career development opportunities

Long service leave after 5 years

Job summary

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is seeking a part-time Animal Shelter Attendant to support our Environmental and Regulatory Services team. The role involves working at the animal shelter to care for lost, stray and surrendered animals, assist with microchipping, returning pets, rehoming and related administrative tasks.

The position requires resilience, the ability to handle larger dogs with firm but humane methods, and the capacity to work independently at the shelter.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated dog handling experience; willingness to work alone at the shelter.
• Pro-active and capable of making decisions in a shelter environment.
• Pre-employment medical/full functional assessment is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in a professional shelter facility and care for animals.
• Assist customers in person and over the phone.
• Provide advice/education on legislative requirements for pet owners.

Skills

Dog handling

Independent worker

Customer service

Job description

At PMHC every employee plays a part in ensuring wework 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 throughmembership 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 theLocal Government (State) Award 2026 plus annual salary review
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options availablethrough Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awardsceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

About the Port Macquarie Hastings Region

The region is one of Australia's most enviablelocations. 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 forhiking, surfing, camping, fishing, exploration, sports, arts, theatre, food andwine.

Questions?

If you would like to know more about thisopportunity 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 of12 months.

Preferred applicants are required to completepre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National CriminalPolice Check; Medical Assessment (includes drug and alcohol testing); Qualification verification; Working withChildren Check verification.