Complete Staff Solutions are seeking a Shelter Operations Manager, on behalf of our client, to lead and inspire a dedicated team of employees and volunteers. This is a rewarding leadership opportunity for a resilient and solutions-focused professional who is passionate about animal welfare and thrives in a fast-paced environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference.

Our Client

Northern Rivers Animal Services (NRAS) is a respected not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the welfare, rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs and cats throughout the Northern Rivers region. Operating under the governance of a volunteer Committee, NRAS is committed to the highest standards of animal care, responsible pet ownership, and compassionate community engagement.

About the Role

Reporting to, and supported by, the NRAS Committee, the Shelter Operations Manager will be responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the NRAS shelter in Ballina. You will lead shelter operations, oversee animal welfare outcomes, support and develop staff and volunteers, manage facilities and compliance requirements and build robust relationships with community stakeholders.

This is a hands-on leadership role, effectively balancing operational demands with people leadership and animal welfare operations, requiring sound judgement, emotional intelligence and a calm approach.

Key Responsibilities

As the Shelter Operations Manager, you will:

- Lead, motivate, guide and develop a team of staff and volunteers to deliver exceptional animal welfare outcomes.
- Mentor, coach and support volunteers,



including assisting with challenges associated with compassion fatigue and animal welfare work.
- Coordinate volunteer recruitment, induction, training and rostering.
- Oversee the day-to-day operation of the shelter and ensure compliance with all relevant animal welfare legislation, policies and procedures.
- Ensure animals receive appropriate care, assessment, rehabilitation and rehoming opportunities.
- Manage disease control, infection prevention and biosecurity measures across the facility.
- Coordinate veterinary care and maintain effective relationships with veterinary providers.
- Monitor animal welfare outcomes and maintain accurate records and reporting.
- Manage facility maintenance, cleanliness, grounds presentation and contractor engagement.
- Ensure compliance with Work Health and Safety requirements and maintain a safe environment for staff, volunteers and animals.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with Council Rangers, local councils, veterinary clinics, suppliers and community stakeholders.
- Represent NRAS professionally within the community and promote the organisation's mission and values.
- Identify operational improvements and contribute to the ongoing success of the organisation.

About You

You are a confident and resilient leader with proven experience managing and developing people. You are calm under pressure,



highly organised and able to make sound decisions in a challenging environment. Passionate about animal welfare, you are a strong communicator, effective problem solver and relationship builder who can support and inspire volunteers while delivering positive outcomes for animals in care.

Essential Requirements

- Demonstrated experience leading and developing staff and/or volunteers.
- Strong leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
- Genuine passion for animal welfare and commitment to achieving positive outcomes for animals.
- Knowledge of animal care, behaviour and welfare principles.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
- Sound organisational, administrative and computer skills.
- Understanding of Work Health and Safety obligations.
- Ability to remain calm, professional and solutions-focused in a demanding environment.
- Current NSW Drivers Licence, National Criminal History Check & Working with Children Check.
- Ability to work occasional weekends and attend adoption events when needed.

Why Join NRAS?

This is more than a management position. It is an opportunity to lead a passionate team, support a dedicated volunteer workforce and make a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable animals in our community.

Apply Now

If you are a confident and resilient leader with a passion for animal welfare, proven people management experience, and the ability to inspire and develop others, we encourage you to apply. Join NRAS in making a lasting difference to the lives of animals across the Northern Rivers community.

📌 Shelter Operations Manager (Ballina)
🏢 Complete Staff Solutions
📍 Ballina