General Inspector - Permanent Full Time (Metropolitan Melbourne Regions)

Location: Melbourne's South-East, South-West, North-West, North-East Metropolitan regions

Start Date: October 2026 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 environmentsadapting to unpredictable situations with a calm, compassionate, and solutions‑focused approach.You’llengage 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 1986 and parts of the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

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.

Whatyou’lldo

- 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 asrequired,



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, Workplace and Climate Action
- Psychometric Testing
- 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 2026 at our Burwood East headquarters (allowances and accommodation will be provided for regionally based recruits)

Remuneration





- Probationary Inspector: $85,358.59- $87,877.79base salarydependent onpreviousexperience and skill level withup to 6‑month field probation with training by Senior Inspectors before being authorised
- Authorised General Inspector: $87,878.79 - $91,506.68 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

Applications close midnight 26August 2026 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 .

Job Ref: RT000755

Submitted: 06-08-2026

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📌 General Inspector - Permanent Full Time (Melbourne)
🏢 Rspca Victoria
📍 Melbourne