Animal Shelter Officer

the original; Sydney; On-site; AUD 64,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness passport

Novated lease options

Annual flu shots

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Sutherland Shire Council is seeking an Animal Shelter Officer to care for companion animals, support reunification with owners, and promote responsible pet ownership across the community.

You will work collaboratively with staff, volunteers and veterinarians to ensure high welfare standards and compliance with relevant legislation while maintaining accurate records and a welcoming shelter environment.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service and communication skills required.
• Sound administration skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team and follow policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to safely handle, transport and care for animals.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care, handling and monitoring of animals to ensure high welfare standards.
• Conduct basic animal health and behavioural checks and assist veterinary practitioners.
• Support animal reunification and rehoming activities.
• Maintain accurate animal, health and impoundment records.
• Promote responsible pet ownership through education and community engagement.
• Maintain shelter facilities, equipment and hygiene in line with legislative and industry standards.
• Assist with volunteers, foster care and community programs.
• Process registrations, payments and general administrative tasks.
• Transport animals to and from veterinary appointments as required.
• Ensure compliance with WHS requirements, Council policies and relevant legislation.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Administration

Handle and transport animals

Education

Certificate II in Animal Studies

Job description

Join Council’s Community Impact & Innovation Team as an Animal Shelter Officer and play a vital role in delivering compassionate, professional care to animals while supporting responsible pet ownership across the community.

As an Animal Shelter Officer, you will be responsible for the day-to-day care and management of companion animals at Council’s Animal Shelter. You will help create a safe, welcoming and well-managed environment that supports animal wellbeing, reunification with owners and successful rehoming outcomes.

Working collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, veterinarians and the community, you will contribute to high standards of animal welfare, customer service and compliance with relevant legislation.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Provide daily care, handling and monitoring of animals to ensure high welfare standards
• Conduct basic animal health and behavioural checks and assist veterinary practitioners
• Support animal reunification and rehoming activities
• Maintain accurate animal, health and impoundment records
• Promote responsible pet ownership through education and community engagement
• Maintain shelter facilities, equipment and hygiene in line with legislative and industry standards
• Assist with volunteers, foster care and community programs
• Process registrations, payments and general administrative tasks
• Transport animals to and from veterinary appointments as required
• Ensure compliance with WHS requirements, Council policies and relevant legislation

What Success Looks Like

You are compassionate, reliable and confident working with animals and people alike. You enjoy being part of a team, can adapt to a fast-paced environment and are committed to delivering excellent customer service while upholding strong animal welfare outcomes.

What You’ll Bring

• NSW Driver’s Licence
• Certificate II in Animal Studies (or equivalent experience)
• Experience working with animals in a shelter, veterinary clinic or similar environment (paid or volunteer)
• Demonstrated ability to safely handle, transport and care for animals
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Sound administration skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team and follow policies and procedures

It Would Be Great If You Also Have

• Microchipping licence or willingness to obtain
• Animal behaviour or training qualifications
• Knowledge of Companion Animals legislation
• First aid skills (animal and/or human)
• Experience caring for animals other than cats and dogs

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

Join a team that is passionate about animal welfare, community impact and creating positive outcomes. Every day brings the opportunity to support animals in need, reunite pets with their families and educate our community.

Join our Team and Grow with Us!

Package & Benefits

• Package: $63,976 to $67,812 gross p.a. plus 12% superannuation.
• Hours of work: Permanent Full TimeWorking 38 hours per week, across a 7 day spread (including public holidays). Work hours span 5.00am - 10:00pm to support the operational needs of the Animal Shelter. You will have the option of a 19 day month with Council's ADO system (Accrued Day Off).
• To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks, and will also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Lucy Hay Team Leader Animal Shelter [e-mail] for any job specific enquiries.
Breanna Rivers, Talent Acquisition Business Partner [e-mail] can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government’s Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.

About Sutherland Shire Council

Sutherland Shire is a unique area in greater Sydney. Boasting iconic beaches, stunning coastline, vibrant town centres, and incredible national parks. All just 26 km from the CBD. As one of the largest Councils in NSW, we're home to a growing and connected community of more than 230,000 people.

Watch the video to hear from our people about the wide range of projects we're delivering for our community.

It's a great time to join our team and do work that matters.