Animal Shelter Officer
Job No:
SSC1661
Location:
Sutherland Shire
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.
Key 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
About You
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.
Essential Requirements
- 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
Desirable
- 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
Join our Team and Grow with Us!
If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that makes a real difference in the community, apply now to join our team at Sutherland Shire Council!
- Apply by responding to our online application questions and submitting your resume outlining why we are a great fit!
- Get your application in by 11.59pm: Sunday 1st February 2026.
- Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated within 2 weeks of job ad closing.
- Package: $61,515 - $65,203 gross p.a. (full time equivalent) plus 12% superannuation.
- Hours of work: Full Time, working 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 through Council’s flex system.
- Temporary Part Time, working 20 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.
- 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 Jeremy Bennett, Team Leader Animal Shelter, JBennett@ssc.nsw.gov.au for any job specific enquiries.
Jodi Johnson, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, JJohnson@ssc.nsw.gov.au can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.
Click on the link to check out the Position Description
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.