Help us protect public safety and promote responsible dog ownership in our community.

Invercargill City Council is seeking a dedicated and capable Animal Control Officer to join our Environmental Services team. You'll play a key role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both animals and people by delivering high-quality animal control services in accordance with legislation, bylaws and Council policy.

What you'll do:

In this hands-on and community-facing position, you will:

• Respond to and investigate complaints and service requests relating to dog and stock control.
• Educate the public on responsible dog ownership and promote animal welfare.
• Carry out impounding duties, including transportation, care, welfare monitoring, and microchipping.
• Undertake regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Lead or support enforcement action as necessary, including gathering evidence and preparing reports.
• Maintain up-to-date records and contribute to continuous improvement through quality systems.
• Actively support and provide community education initiatives.

What you will bring:

• NCEA Level 3 or equivalent
• Full NZ driver's licence (manual and automatic)
• Minimum 3 years' experience in dog handling
• Strong understanding of dog behaviour and animal welfare
• Experience in a compliance or regulatory role
• High physical fitness and stamina
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to deal with difficult or confrontational situations
• Investigation skills, experience working with legislation and report writing would be an advantage

Ideally, you'll bring prior experience as an Animal Control Officer, along with a relevant qualification such as Veterinary Nursing or Animal Welfare. Familiarity with the Dog Control Act, Local Government Act, and Council bylaws, as well as compliance-related unit standards, will be an advantage but is not essential.

What we offer:

• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments eg. Doctor, bank, dentist

This is a permanent full-time position working 40 hours per week, between the hours of 8.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday, both days inclusive.

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There's outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach & the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complimented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home!

Invercargill City Council is committed to the safety of children, the elderly, and vulnerable adults. As this position involves working with these groups, Police Vetting (under the Children's Act 2014) and a pre-employment drug and alcohol test are required to ensure a safe environment for all.

If you're ready to take on a meaningful role that balances animal care, community education and enforcement - we want to hear from you!

To learn more, view the full position description or contact Invercargill City Council at (03) 211 1777. Please note: applications submitted via SEEK will not be received. Apply online at Careers | Invercargill City Council (icc.govt.nz)

Applications close 28 July 2025. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to candidates currently residing in New Zealand.