Community Dog Welfare & Safety Officer

Napier City Council; Napier; On-site; NZD 76,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks' annual leave after 2 years

Discounted health insurance workscheme

Eye test subsidy

Retailer discounts

Study assistance

Birthday vouchers

Employee Assistance Program (OCP)

Quarterly values awards

Social club

Free flu vaccinations

Ka Awatea Cultural Wānanga

NCC Kapa Haka

Te Reo Māori language classes

Job summary

Napier City Council is seeking an Animal Control Officer to work in the community, handling dogs and educating owners while supporting safety and animal welfare. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role with a focus on humane treatment and community wellbeing.

You will join a close-knit team, operate in varied settings, and contribute to shelter operations, outreach, and responsive action during incidents. The position includes supportive training and opportunities to grow within NCC.

Qualifications

• Confident and capable in safely handling dogs with good understanding of animal behaviour.
• Strong communicator who can balance education and empathy with firmness when required.
• Reliable, organised and physically fit; able to stay calm in challenging situations.
• Education or on-the-job experience in animal control or regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Be a visible presence in the community, promoting responsible dog ownership and public safety.
• Work hands-on with dogs in our shelter, supporting their care, wellbeing, and rehoming where possible.
• Respond to animal-related incidents, complaints and enquiries with sound judgement and strong communication.
• Join a supportive team environment where training, professionalism, and doing what’s right for animals and people matters.

Skills

Dog handling

Communication

Calm under pressure

Physical fitness

Education

National Certificate in Compliance and Regulatory Control (Animal Control) Level 4

Job description

Napier City Council is seeking an Animal Control Officer to work in the community, handling dogs and educating owners while supporting safety and animal welfare. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role with a focus on humane treatment and community wellbeing.

You will join a close-knit team, operate in varied settings, and contribute to shelter operations, outreach, and responsive action during incidents. The position includes supportive training and opportunities to grow within NCC.