Osborne Richardson is assisting Aurukun Shire Council in its search for a permanent Animal Control Officer — a practical, culturally aware professional who wants to make a lasting difference to animal welfare and community wellbeing in a remote Cape York community.
Based in Aurukun, you'll take responsibility for domestic animal management under Council's Local Law, including wandering animal patrols, the holding facility and animal care, registrations and record keeping, dog management, animal welfare programs and feral animal monitoring.
This is a unique and rewarding prospect. You'll work alongside the Indigenous Environmental Health team to improve animal health and population control, and help shape Council's Animal Management Plan. Applicants recruited from outside the Shire receive subsidised accommodation, additional isolation leave and return flights to Cairns.
Key Responsibilities
- Patrol the community to identify stray, nuisance or sick animals, and capture and impound wandering animals where necessary
- Respond promptly to and investigate complaints, reporting outcomes to Council
- 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
- Maintain the holding facility, including feeding,
exercising and caring for impounded animals and arranging veterinary assistance
- Operate and maintain Council's dog registration system and keep accurate statutory records
- 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
About You
- A Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation or equivalent
- Demonstrated experience in a similar role, with knowledge of animal behaviour, control and identification
- Knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Indigenous people
- A strong commitment to working positively in a remote Aboriginal community (experience living and working remotely is desirable)
- High-level interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to negotiate and manage conflict
- Ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team
- Understanding of animal management local laws, or the ability to acquire this knowledge quickly
- Computer literacy across the Microsoft Office suite
- Class C (manual) driver's licence, current firearms licence, Senior First Aid certificate and hazardous chemicals handling certificate
To apply, click the link below or contact Rebecca at Osborne Richardson on 0473 825 278 or at
[email protected]
📌 Animal Control Officer (Aurukun)
🏢 Osborne Richardson
📍 Aurukun