* Permanent Full Time opportunity available.
* Demonstrated experience working in the industry with domesticated animals.
* Working with Children Blue Card
* LGO2-3 ($64,201 - $77,515 per annum + superannuation) based on skills, qualifications and experience
Why Choose Us
Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We are committed to creating value by growing Townsville through driving economic diversity and generating an enriching lifestyle.
Our organisation provides and maintains close to $9 billion worth of community assets including water and wastewater network and treatment plants, bridges, drainage, roads, waste management, community facilities, sporting venues and more.
We contribute to an active lifestyle for our residents and visitors through events, providing recreational facilities, protecting the natural environment and heritage, while creating a mentally and physically healthy city.
We are driving economic diversity and cultivating an enriching lifestyle, growing a city for this and future generations by building a vibrant, sustainable and innovative city.
Council’s vision is for Townsville to be a connected, lifestyle driven and innovation focused city while continuing to deliver service excellence and to be led by our community to create an exciting today and future.
Our Vision
A globally connected community driven by lifestyle and nature.
Our Purpose
Grow Townsville
Our Values
Safety, Excellence, Respect, Value, Enjoyment
About The Role
This position plays a key role in providing frontline service to the Townsville Community on behalf of the organisation through the provision of timely and accurate information, processing of lost animals, reuniting owners and pets, and the care of animals in the shelter, and working collaboratively across Council to champion our purpose of Growing Townsville and to deliver the Corporate Plan in consultation with the Townsville Community.
This is a fast-paced, hands-on role, working closely with animal care officers, attendants, veterinary professionals, and volunteers to deliver exceptional care. As an Animal Care Officer, you are at the core of our operations, providing daily care for a variety of domestic animals, including dogs, cats, livestock, and small pets. Your role is pivotal in ensuring compassionate, professional care and achieving positive, responsible outcomes for every animal in our care.
About You
The ideal candidate will hold, or be willing to obtain, a Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training or Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, with a minimum Certificate II in Animal Studies already achieved.
Comprehensive knowledge of animal welfare needs and familiarity with shelter support programs is essential, as is experience using Microsoft applications.
You will be an experienced and compassionate animal care professional with strong skills in behavioural assessment, animal handling, and health monitoring including managing fearful or aggressive animals in a safe and humane manner.
You bring the ability to confidently interpret cat and dog behaviour to determine suitability for rehoming in alignment with council regulations and community expectations.
You will need experience in interpreting and applying local and state animal related legislation, supported by strong customer service skills and the ability to communicate in an authoritative yet diplomatic and approachable manner.
How To Apply
Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume which should confirm any licences and qualifications your hold.
If you wish to discuss this position further, please contact
For Further Information Review The Position Description.
Closing Date: 11.45pm, Monday 23rd February 2026
What We Offer
* 17.5% annual leave loading
* Up to 5 weeks annual leave
* Up to 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
* 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
* Domestic and Family Violence Leave
* Natural Disaster Leave
* Up to 13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
* Salary Sacrifice opportunities
* Learning and Development opportunities
* Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected gym, pool, and yoga facilities
* Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
* Employee Assistance Program
* The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.
We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply!
All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact or phone for a confidential discussion.
Attachments
* _Animal Care
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