Location:
Victoria's North-West region & surrounds
Start Date: October ****
with a 6-week onsite induction at Burwood East
About the Role
As an RSPCA Victoria Inspector, you'll be on the frontline responding to reports of cruelty/neglect, educating owners & enforcing animal welfare legislation.
Inspectors work across diverse environments adapting to unpredictable situations with a calm, compassionate, and solutions‐focused approach.
You'll engage sensitively with distressed animals and owners, assess risk, gather and document evidence, and take fair enforcement action when required under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act **** and parts of the Domestic Animals Act ****.
The role combines independent decision‐making with collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, including other Inspectors, veterinarians, local councils, and Victoria Police.
You'll contribute to measurable outcomes for animal welfare through both education and enforcement.
What you'll do
Respond with empathy & professionalism to animal welfare concerns, assessing risk & prioritising animal safety
Investigate reports & manage cases, including site assessments, evidence collection, witness interviews & preparation of briefs for prosecution
Educate & influence animal owners to achieve compliance through guidance & practical advice wherever appropriate
Exercise legal authority to issue notices, direct corrective actions, apply for warrants & facilitate the seizure of animals or evidence
De‐escalate conflict and manage challenging interactions with respect & clarity
Maintain accurate documentation (notes, photos, statements, data entry) to a standard that enables legal proceedings
Work safely in the field, including animal handling & navigating varied terrain & property types.
Collaborate with internal & external stakeholders (e.g., veterinarians, councils, Victoria Police) to achieve the best outcomes for animals
Support state‐wide operations as required, including after‐hours on‐call, weekend duty (Time in Lieu arrangements), long‐distance travel, and occasional overnight stays.
Adapt to operational changes,



including the Inspectorate's transition towards attending jobs in pairs ('2-Up')
About You
Skills & Experience:
You bring a balance of compassion, professionalism & courage to your work
You have a genuine commitment to animal welfare, with the ability to handle animals confidently & compassionately
You possess strong communication & people skills and can educate, influence & build rapport across diverse communities
You have conflict resolution skills & de‐escalation capability in emotionally charged situations.
You demonstrate integrity and ethical judgment, especially when making decisions that impact animals and people
You possess emotional resilience & mental toughness, with strategies to maintain your wellbeing
You pay attention to detail & have strong observation skills
Highly Desirable
Experience in investigations, compliance, enforcement and/or case management
Professional experience with domestic animals and/or livestock
Recruitment Requirements
Eligibility to be appointed as an Authorised Officer by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Psychometric Testing
Current valid Victorian driver's licence
Ability to obtain & maintain a Victorian firearms licence
Willingness to obtain Tetanus, Hepatitis B, & Q‐Fever vaccinations
Pre‐placement medical assessment and national criminal history check
Availability for an initial six‐week induction in
October ****
at our Burwood East headquarters (allowances and accommodation will be provided for regionally based recruits)
Remuneration
Probationary Inspector: $85,****** - $87,****** base salary
dependent on previous experience and skill level with up to 6‐month field probation with training by Senior Inspectors before being authorised
Authorised
General Inspector: $87,****** - $91,****** base salary




Annual TFR increase of 3% in January under the current Enterprise Agreement
Plus super in accordance with legislation (currently 12%)
Additional Entitlements
On‐call allowance & Time Off in Lieu arrangements
80‐hour fortnight with a monthly RDO
Living Away From Home Allowance
Extra week of recreational leave (5 weeks total)
Fully maintained company vehicle with reasonable private use
Full suite of technology, equipment & safety gear required for this role
What we can offer you
A broad range of leave entitlements, including annual leave, personal leave, additional leave (6 days per year pro-rata), purchased leave, paid parental leave, study leave, gender reaffirmation leave & paid family & domestic violence leave
Recognised by Mental Health First Aid Australia as an advanced workplace - access to a range of mental health & wellbeing initiatives, including confidential counselling services & education programs
Generous discount on products & services, including Royal Canin, Hush Puppies footwear & RSPCA Victoria retail, vet clinic products & services
Salary packaging & novated lease arrangements on offer with leading provider, Maxxia
Access to a range of learning & development opportunities
How to apply
To learn more about this job chance, please visit our website at rspcavic.org and download the Position Description for more details.
If you have any questions, please contact our Recruitment Team via ******
All applications require a resume and written responses to Key Selection Criteria to be considered.
Please note: You will be prompted to respond to the Key Selection Criteria via our online recruitment portal during the final stage of your application upload.
Applications close midnight 26th August
RSPCA Victoria is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, and we strongly encourage people from all cultural backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Visit RSPCA Victoria's Diversity & Inclusion Policy here.

📌 General Inspector - Permanent Full Time (North-West Metro Region) (Bendigo)
🏢 RSPCA VIC
📍 Bendigo