This is an on island position.

The Mornington Shire Council is a Local Government Authority providing range of services to the twenty-three islands of the Wellesley Group located 125kms north-west of Burketown, 200kms west of Karumba and 444kms from Mount Isa, in the southern section of the Gulf of Carpentaria, residing within the State of Queensland. The island is 2.5 hours flight from Cairns.

Mornington Shire Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Role

Manage animal control services to help protect community health & safety and animal welfare by managing domestic animals in accordance with local laws and Council policies. The role involves responding to reports of wandering, aggressive, dangerous, injured or neglected animals; investigating complaints; educating residents about responsible pet ownership; and supporting animal registration and compliance activities.

Responsibilities

Domestic Animals

- Undertake community patrols to identify stray, nuisance or sick animals and seize animals (in accordance with relevant legislation and Council’s local laws and Animal Management plan/policy)

- Capture and impound wandering animals where necessary and identify/notify owners

- Investigate dog attacks, gather evidence, interview witnesses and determine appropriate action under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008

- Manage regulated dogs declared dangerous or menacing, and monitor compliance with household animal limits and enclosure standards

- Release impounded animals to owners if appropriate (e.g. household is in keeping with Community/Council regulations, registration paid, animal is micro chipped) and desexed (enlisted for desexing)





- Promptly respond to and investigate complaints including call outs out of business hours with appropriate action and report outcomes to Council.

- Accept owner surrenders and explain rehoming pathways

- Deliver community education on responsible pet ownership and the Animal Management Plan

- Contribute to operational planning, reporting and the development of an animal management work plan

Holding facility maintenance and animal care:

- Respond to urgent call outs outside of business hours

- Provide basic first aid to sick or injured impounded animals where necessary

- Maintain holding facilities including feeding, exercising and caring for impounded animals

- Report sick or injured animals and request veterinary assistance where required.

Skills and Qualifications

- Current Queensland Class C driver licence; a manual licence will be required.

- Relevant qualification in animal management, animal control and regulation, local government compliance, animal care or a related field—for example, a Certificate III or IV—or equivalent practical experience.

- Demonstrated experience safely handling dogs, cats and birds.

- Knowledge of animal behaviour, animal welfare and safe capture and restraint techniques.

- Ability to understand and apply Council local laws and relevant Queensland legislation,



including animal management requirements.

- Solid communication, conflict-resolution and community engagement skills.

- Ability to maintain accurate records, prepare reports and use standard computer programs.

- Physical capacity to undertake patrols, handle animals, work in a team environment and work outdoors in varying conditions.

- Ability to work independently, respond to incidents and undertake after-hours duties when required.

- Current First Aid and CPR certificate, or willingness to obtain one.

Please note: This is an on-island position

An attractive remuneration package based on experience, skills, and qualifications is on offer:

- Superannuation

- 6 weeks holiday

- 15 days personal leave

- 2 return flights per year + 2 negotiated return flights per year

- Relocation Support

This is a full-time, permanent position subject to 6 months’ probation. This recruitment is ongoing until filled.

Should you have any questions or would like a full copy of a Position Description, please contact ••••@mornington.qld.gov.au

Applicants from the community of Mornington Island are highly encouraged to apply.

Employer questions

Your application will include the following questions:

- Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?

- How many years' experience do you have as an Environmental Health or Animal Control Officer?

- Do you have experience in administration?

- Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?

- What's your expected annual base salary?

- Are you available to work public holidays?

📌 Animal Control Officer (Wellesley Islands)
🏢 Mornington Shire Council
📍 Wellesley Islands