Barking Advisor

Auckland Council; Auckland; On-site; NZD 67,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Auckland Council is seeking a Barking Advisor to join the Licensing & Compliance team on a fixed-term basis until 8 October 2027. The role focuses on enforcing theDog Control Act 1996 and related legislation, promoting responsible dog ownership, and ensuring public safety.

Based at the Manukau Office, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. You will handle complaints, provide education, and support proactive compliance initiatives with a strong focus on customer service.

Qualifications

• National Diploma in Animal Management or a relevant regulatory discipline.
• National Certificate in Regulatory Compliance.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a customer service, regulatory, or enforcement environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of dog behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to the Our Charter and council conduct standards.
• Provide excellent, fair customer service to complainants and dog owners.
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate outcomes while retaining Council’s discretion to prosecute offenders.
• Drive behaviour change through education, proactive monitoring, and community engagement.
• Investigate incidents and document information to support warnings, infringements, and prosecutions.
• Represent Auckland Council in court proceedings and regulatory hearings.

Skills

Dog behaviour

Customer service

Legislation interpretation

Conflict management

Communication

Education

National Diploma in Animal Management

National Certificate in Regulatory Compliance

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

Microsoft Office

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

• Resolve barking complaints through education, enforcement and community safety
• Apply Dog Control Act and animal welfare legislation to protect public safety
• Work Monday to Friday in a full-time fixed term until 8 October 2027 role based at Manukau Office

He angitūtanga: The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a Barking Advisor to join Auckland Council’s Licensing & Compliance team on a fixed term until 8 October 2027, full-time basis (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday), based at our Manukau Office.

In this role, you will be responsible for implementing and enforcing the Dog Control Act 1996 and related legislation across Auckland. You’ll play a key role in protecting public safety, resolving nuisance barking issues, promoting responsible dog ownership, and increasing community awareness and compliance.

You will carry out Council’s statutory and regulatory obligations under the Dog Control Act 1996, Animal Welfare Act, and other relevant legislation including the Noise Control Act and Privacy Act, contributing to positive outcomes for our communities, customers, and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Demonstrating and adhering to the principles of Our Charter, setting out expectations for conduct at Auckland Council
• Providing excellent, fair, and unbiased customer service to both complainants and dog owners
• Resolving conflict and negotiating outcomes between parties, while retaining Council’s discretion to prosecute offenders
• Driving behaviour change through education, proactive monitoring, and community engagement
• Conducting research and consultation to support effective compliance advice and action plans
• Investigating incidents, analysing information, and completing documentation to support warnings, infringements, and prosecutions
• Representing Auckland Council in court proceedings and regulatory hearings
• Accurately entering and maintaining customer interactions and case information in Council systems
• Identifying and recommending process and system improvements
• Providing advice and education to dog owners to abate nuisance barking
• Applying sound judgement using legislation, bylaws, assessment techniques, and problem-solving skills

Success in this role means delivering practical, fair outcomes that reduce barking-related issues, improve public safety, and promote responsible dog ownership. You’ll balance education and enforcement to support compliant communities while ensuring Auckland Council meets its obligations under the Dog Control Act and related legislation.

He kōrero mōu: About You

You are a confident, customer-focused professional with a strong interest in animal management and regulatory compliance. You bring sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to manage challenging situations while delivering positive outcomes.

You will also have:

• A good understanding of dog and animal behaviour
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills
• The ability to interpret and apply legislation in real-world situations
• Excellent analytical, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proven conflict management and resolution capabilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Job requirements:

• National Diploma in Animal Management or a relevant regulatory discipline
• National Certificate in Regulatory Compliance
• A minimum of two years’ experience in a customer service, regulatory, or enforcement environment
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of dog behaviour

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What We Offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.
As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Salary ranges from $67,000 and $79,000 plus KiwiSaver and benefits. Find a copy of the position description here. Applications close Saturday 3 October 2026.

Auckland Council is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. We collect personal information directly from you and, where relevant for the purpose of assessing you for employment, and employing you as part of the transport reform process, from third parties such as referees, previous employers (including Auckland Transport) recruitment agencies, and background checking providers.

By applying for this role, you consent to Council obtaining a reference from your current employer, including information about any active conduct investigations and current performance management processes, if you are the preferred candidate. Reference checks will only be undertaken at the preferred candidate stage. Any non-active performance or conduct matters may also be discussed with referees as part of the reference checking process.

If you do not consent to this information being provided, Council may be unable to properly assess your application and your application will not progress further. If you wish to withhold your consent, or to access or correct your personal information, please contact the Privacy Officer at [e-mail].

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.