Position Overview
The Local Laws / Animal Control Officer is responsible for enforcing Council’s local laws, animal management legislation, and related regulations. This role plays an important part in promoting community wellbeing through education, compliance, and the fair and consistent application of local laws.
The position involves responding to community enquiries, managing animal control issues, maintaining the Council pound, and assisting in the development and implementation of local laws and animal management programs.
Key Responsibilities
Local Laws
- Enforce Council’s local laws and relevant legislation.
- Provide information, assistance, and advice to the public on local law matters.
- Assist with the issuing of local law permits.
- Review and recommend improvements to Council’s local laws.
Animal Control
- Undertake animal control and enforcement activities in line with the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and Impounding of Livestock Act 1994.
- Manage the operation and maintenance of Council’s animal pound.
- Respond to community enquiries about animal management and control.
- Conduct compliance inspections and audits of registered domestic animal businesses.
- Assist in preparing and implementing the Domestic Animal Management Plan.
General and Administrative Duties
- Respond to public enquiries and complaints in a timely and professional manner.
- Develop and deliver community education programs related to animal management and local laws.
- Prepare reports, documentation, and correspondence as required.
- Support the preparation and monitoring of budgets related to the role.
- Perform any other duties as directed, consistent with the role’s responsibilities.
Judgement and Decision Making
- Make decisions in accordance with Council policies, procedures, and legislation.
- Exercise sound judgement in determining appropriate actions for local law and animal management issues.
- Escalate complex or high-risk matters to the Senior Local Laws Officer as appropriate.
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
- Sound administrative and computer literacy skills.
- Understanding of regulatory processes and relevant legislation.
- Knowledge of domestic and agricultural animal behaviour and livestock management.
- Ability to liaise effectively with the community and key stakeholders.
Management Skills
- Ability to prioritise tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
- Work independently and as part of a team to achieve departmental objectives.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential:
- Experience in animal management or a related regulatory role.
- Good understanding of local government laws and procedures.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Current Victorian Driver’s Licence.
Desirable:
- Certificate IV in Local Government, Animal Management, or Regulatory Services (or willingness to undertake study).
- Category A & B Firearms Licence.
- Working with Children Check.
- Knowledge of court processes and evidence gathering techniques.
Organisational Relationships
Reports to: Senior Local Laws Officer
Internal Liaisons: All Council staff
External Liaisons: Ratepayers, residents, businesses, contractors, Victoria Police, and state government departments.
Key Selection Criteria
- Certificate IV in Local Government, Animal Management, or Regulatory Services (or willingness to undertake study).
- Demonstrated experience in animal management and control.
- Ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies, and procedures.
- Robust negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
- Availability to participate in Council’s after-hours on-call roster.
Other Information
- A six-month qualifying period applies to this position.
- Annual performance reviews will be conducted with the Senior Local Laws Officer.
Council Expectations and Values
All employees of Loddon Shire Council are expected to:
- Uphold Council’s values as set out in the Council Plan and Staff Code of Conduct.
- Comply with Equal Opportunity, Bullying, Harassment, and Occupational Health & Safety policies.
- Contribute to continuous improvement in service delivery.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with privacy legislation.
- Adhere to Council’s Records Management, Risk Management, and Compliance frameworks.
- Support Council’s commitment to child safety and wellbeing.
Loddon Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a safe and inclusive workplace.
📌 Local Laws / Animal Control Officer
🏢 Tideri Jobbörse
📍 Victoria