Animal Management Officer

Talent Propeller Limited; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression and training

Health and wellbeing programs

Kiwisaver and superannuation

Sick leave from day one

Appointment time leave

Job summary

Invercargill City Council is seeking a dedicated Animal Management Officer to join our Environmental Services team. You will deliver high-quality animal control services in accordance with legislation and bylaws, with a hands-on, community-facing role.

You will care for animals daily, assist with intake and impounding, educate the public on responsible ownership and maintain thorough records. Preference for NZ residency and a valid driver’s licence.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Animal Care, Veterinary Nursing, Animal Management, Veterinary Technology or equivalent relevant experience
• Full NZ driver’s licence (manual and automatic)
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in animal care/animal management
• Strong understanding of dog behaviour and animal welfare
• High physical fitness and stamina

Responsibilities

• Provide daily animal care including feeding, watering, cleaning, exercising and enrichment
• Assist with site visits, intakes, processing and actions in line with policies and legislation
• Maintain clean, safe environments across all spaces
• Educate the public on responsible dog ownership and welfare
• Carry out impounding duties including transport, care, welfare monitoring and microchipping
• Maintain records of impounded animals, adoptions, releases and contractor coordination
• Support community education initiatives on responsible animal ownership
• Conduct registrations, microchipping checks and issue warnings within delegated authority
• Maintain auditable records of animal intake, care, treatments, movements and inspections
• Escalate serious/high-risk matters to management

Skills

Animal care

Communication

Public education

Safety awareness

Record keeping

Education

Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Animal Care or related

Job description

Invercargill City Council is seeking a dedicated and capable Animal Management Officer to join our Environmental Services team. You'll play a key role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both animals and people by delivering high-quality animal control services in accordance with legislation, bylaws and Council policy.

In this hands‑on and community‑facing position, you will:

• Provide animal care and welfare on a daily basis including feeding, watering, cleaning, exercising and enrichment in accordance with legislation, welfare and council policies.
• Assist team members with site visits, animal intakes, processing and any other activities in line with policies and legislation ensuring respectful and humane treatment.
• Maintain clean, safe and hygienic environment across all operational spaces.
• Educate the public on responsible dog ownership and promote animal welfare.
• Carry out impounding duties, including transportation, care, welfare monitoring, and microchipping.
• Maintain up‑to‑date facility registers and records of impounded animals, adoptions and releases and assisting with contractor coordination when required.
• Actively support and provide community education initiatives, providing clear and practical education on responsible animal ownership.
• Undertake proactive checks for registration, microchipping, issue warnings and notices within delegated authority.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date and auditable records of animal intake, care, treatments, movements, inspections, complaints and outcomes in line with legislative and organisational requirements.
• Monitor ongoing compliance and **escalate serious, repeat or high‑risk matters to management.**

What you will bring (desirable):

• Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Animal Care, Veterinary Nursing, Animal Management, Veterinary Technology or equivalent relevant experience
• Full NZ driver's licence (manual and automatic)
• Minimum 2 years' experience in animal care, animal management or a related field
• Strong understanding of dog behaviour and animal welfare with strong handling skills
• High physical fitness and stamina
• Safety-focused and detail orientated
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to deal with difficult or confrontational situations
• Experience working with legislation, administration and report writing would be an advantage
• Decision‑making, judgement and a team player

Ideally, you'll bring prior experience as an Animal Management Officer, along with a relevant qualification such as Veterinary Nursing or Animal Welfare. Familiarity with the Dog Control Act, Local Government Act, and Council bylaws, as well as compliance‑related unit standards, will be an advantage but is not essential.

What we offer:

• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well‑being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments eg. Doctor, bank, dentist

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award‑winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There's outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach & the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complimented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10‑minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home!

Applications close 2 November 2026.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to candidates currently residing in New Zealand.