Animal Welfare Officer

Ashton Recruitment; Craigavon; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashton Recruitment is seeking an Animal Welfare Officer to support investigations and enforcement of welfare matters involving non-farmed animals.

The role is based in Craigavon or Banbridge, with travel across council areas and a salary of £39,481-£41,177 per annum (pro rata). The position is 37 hours per week, temporary for three months, starting soon.

Qualifications

• All applicants must meet one of two routes for relevant qualifications and experience.
• Route One requires an HNC or higher in Animal Care/Management and 1+ year experience with non-farmed animals.
• Route Two requires 2+ years in professional care and handling of non-farmed animals if no HNC.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints relating to unnecessary suffering of non-farmed animals.
• Assess animals and environments for compliance with welfare legislation.
• Take action to safeguard welfare in line with policies and procedures.
• Undertake enforcement activities including notices and witness statements.
• Prepare case files, evidence and prosecution documentation.
• Attend court hearings and provide evidence when required.
• Maintain records and complete reports and statistical returns.
• Coordinate with veterinary professionals and contracted transport providers.
• Provide owners with practical welfare advice and prevention guidance.
• Liaise with external agencies and other council areas as required.
• Participate in out-of-hours arrangements and respond to emergencies.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Driving licence

Independent decision making

Problem solving

Teamwork

Public interaction

Education

HNC or higher-level qualification in Animal Care/Animal Management

Degree in Animal Care/Animal Management or related

Job description

Ashton Recruitment is recruiting an Animal Welfare Officer to support the investigation and enforcement of animal welfare matters involving non-farmed animals.

Animal Welfare Officer

Location: Craigavon or Banbridge, with travel across council areas
Salary: £39,481-£41,177 per annum, pro rata (£20.52 - £21.40 per hour)
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm
Contract: Temporary, initially for three months

The successful candidate will investigate complaints, assess the welfare of animals and their living environments, and take appropriate action under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. This is a public-facing role requiring sound judgement, compassion and the confidence to manage potentially difficult situations.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints relating to the alleged unnecessary suffering of non-farmed animals.
• Assess animals and their environments to determine compliance with animal welfare legislation.
• Take appropriate action to safeguard animal welfare in line with legislation, policies and established procedures.
• Undertake enforcement activity, including serving notices, conducting interviews and obtaining witness statements.
• Prepare evidence, case files and prosecution documentation.
• Attend court hearings and provide evidence when required.
• Complete written reports, incident documentation, statistical returns and other associated records.
• Work with veterinary professionals during investigations and enforcement proceedings.
• Coordinate with contracted providers to arrange the transportation and boarding of animals at approved establishments.
• Provide owners and carers with practical advice and information to improve animal welfare and prevent suffering.
• Conduct joint investigations with colleagues and liaise with external agencies and voluntary animal welfare organisations.
• Participate in scheduled out-of-hours arrangements and respond to emergency call-outs.
• Maintain allocated equipment and vehicles in a clean and serviceable condition.
• Attend relevant training, meetings, seminars and professional development activities.
• Provide cover across other council areas in Northern Ireland when required.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must meet one of the following qualification and experience routes:

Route One

• Hold an HNC or higher-level qualification in Animal Care, Animal Management or a related discipline.
• Have at least one year's experience handling non-farmed animals within a business or other professional working environment.

Route Two

• Applicants without a relevant HNC-level qualification must have at least two years' experience in the professional care, management and handling of non-farmed animals within a business or other working environment.

Relevant experience must include:

• Providing advice and guidance to members of the public.
• Producing written reports and maintaining accurate records.
• Working in partnership with public or professional bodies.

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competence in Microsoft Office applications.
• The ability to deal effectively with members of the public and resolve difficult situations.
• The ability to work independently and make reasoned decisions.
• Effective teamwork and partnership working.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• A genuine commitment to animal welfare.
• A full current driving licence valid in the UK.

Desirable Criteria

• A degree in Animal Care, Animal Management or a related discipline.
• At least one year's experience of enforcement processes.
• Knowledge of legislation relating to animal welfare.

Additional Information

A flexible working scheme is in operation. Occasional additional weekday and out-of-hours work may be required, with time off in lieu available where applicable.

The postholder may also share responsibility for responding to emergency call-outs across Northern Ireland. An allowance will be paid for participation in this arrangement.

The role will be based in the Craigavon or Banbridge locality office. Travel across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon and Newry, Mourne and Down council areas will be required, depending on operational needs. Regional cover for other council areas may occasionally be necessary.

Appointment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a Basic AccessNI check.