We are currently searching for a suitably experienced and self-motivated individual to join our Inspectorate team in a permanent full time capacity. The ideal candidate is required to have a Certificate IV in Government Investigations.

This position will be located in Launceston, Tasmania. 

Inspectors are responsible for responding to reports of animal cruelty including case management, conducting investigations, and enforcing the Animal Welfare Act 1993.

This diverse and interesting role will give you the opportunity to:
• Contribute to improving animal welfare within the community by educating about appropriate animal care and legislative responsibilities; providing high quality advice, education, guidance and referral to other appropriate agencies where required.
• Manage and respond to animal welfare and cruelty reports, carry out inspections, and ensure that animals which are injured, distressed or at risk are provided with assistance and care.
• Enforce relevant legislation and facilitate timely prosecutions for offences; including case management, brief compilation and warrant applications.
• Effective case management by keeping records up-to-date, data entry, and note-taking.
• Support state-wide operations as required with long-distance travel, overnight stays including after hours and weekend work 
• Represent the RSPCA in a variety of public forums including educational, media and promotional activities, and building and maintaining relationships internally and with other relevant agencies and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Enforcing the Animal Welfare Act 1993, as well as other legislation and regulations as amended and introduced from time to time, concerning the welfare, care, use, treatment, and seizure of animals.

• Conducting investigations and inspections; issue instructions, infringement notices, warnings, and summonses; and report on activities as and when required.

• Educating the public, including schools and government and community groups, about relevant animal legislation and best practice animal care.

Specific accountabilities

• Routinely patrol designated area, including outside of their own area if requested by a manager, enforcing the Animal Welfare Act 1993 and other relevant legislation and regulations

• Respond to calls/complaints in priority order; determine and effect appropriate action as required and as per legal and procedural requirements.

• Educate the public, including schools and government and community groups, regarding responsible pet ownership and animal welfare best practice.

• Issue advice, warnings, instructions, infringement notices and summonses as required.

• Appear for scheduled court dates and testify as required.

• Coordinate efforts with, and liaise with, other community professionals such as police officers, councils, court officials and veterinarians.

• Conduct general inspections and/or investigations of domestic animal businesses and their premises  including but not limited to, pet shops, breeding establishments, pounds and shelters, sanctuaries etc.

• Prepare written investigative reports that may be introduced as court evidence.

• Maintain inspection files in line with document management control procedures.

• Assist the community with information regarding animal welfare policies and laws.

• Collect, seize and confine at risk animals in the most safe, humane, and approved manner possible.

• Administer or arrange basic emergency first aid to animals as  required while seeking appropriate treatment.

• Ensure court documents submitted are of a high written standard and contain relevant information.

• Attend or participate in training courses and meetings as developed from time to time.

• Comply with the operational procedures manual, code of conduct, and all RSPCA policies as required.

• Assist with the training and induction of incoming inspectors as required and requested.

• Conduct media interviews from time to time regarding specific cases of animal cruelty or outcomes from prosecution cases.

Ideal professional qualifications and experience

• Qualifications in, or equivalent demonstrated  knowledge of, relevant animal welfare and related legislation including law enforcement techniques, principles and  practices; court procedures; and law enforcement environments.

• Understanding of animal welfare issues and the relevant legislation.

• Knowledge and experience in humane animal handling technique, including capture, care and restraint methods and the ability to interpret animal body language.

Personal attributes

• Ability to juggle competing priorities and demands, whilst being highly responsive to customer needs including the ability to work autonomously.

• Sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable people.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills with proven ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences.

• Ability to work in a small team environment and be able to develop effective professional relationships internally and externally.

• Ability to be self-motivated and to work on your own with limited supervision.

• Ability to undertake multi-task and deliver to agreed deadlines.

Other Requirements

• Current Tasmanian manual drivers’ licence, free of restriction – or the ability to obtain one.

• Demonstrated computer skills and the capacity to adapt to new computer programs and procedures  

• Current first aid certificate, or the ability to obtain one.

• Current police and working with vulnerable people checks, or the ability to obtain one.

• Current firearms licence, or the ability to obtain one.

• Out of hours work and interstate travel may be required from time to time.

Animal Welfare Inspector Job in Launceston & North East at RSPCA TAS – SEEK