About the role

Our Burwood East site is looking for an experienced Animal Behaviourist to join us on a Part Time Basis. This role will be responsible for supporting the continued development, delivery and monitoring of comprehensive behavioural and animal training programs to staff and customers within RSPCA Victoria.

This diverse and interesting role will challenge and reward you by providing you with the following responsibilities and duties:

• Perform behavioural assessments and recommend behavioural enrichment and rehabilitation programs to support the achievement of the best possible welfare outcome for every animal in our care;
• Provide coaching and support to employees and volunteers about animal behaviour to build the capability of the organisation in behavioural assessments and rehabilitation, as well as increasing awareness and understanding of animal behaviour;
• Ensure all necessary documentation relating to the training and rehabilitation of animals are recorded accurately and in accordance with RSPCA Victoria procedures and timeframes;
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment by effectively communicating and working collaboratively with peers across all departments, and consistently behaving in accordance with the RSPCA Victoria values and associated policies;
• Takes reasonable care for the safety of oneself and others, whilst contributing to safe work practices at RSPCA Victoria by knowing and complying with all WH&S policies and procedures.

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in an animal behaviour role is highly desirable, including safe handling;
• Ability to work in a fast paced and challenging work environment, whilst showing great care and compassion to the animals in our shelter;
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in a team environment;
• A police check will be required for successful candidates
• Holds or is willing to complete a Certificate II in Animal Studies (or equivalent) will be highly regarded;
• Position also requires a valid Victorian Driver’s License, current tetanus vaccination and proof of your COVID-19 double vaccination status
• Dog training accredited course such as NDTF or Delta.

What we can offer you

• Encouraged work-life balance and a broad range of leave entitlements, including annual leave, personal leave, additional leave (6 days per year pro-rata), purchased leave, paid parental leave, study leave and paid family and domestic violence leave
• Access to a range of mental health and wellbeing supportive initiatives, including confidential counselling services, education programs, access our Parents and Carers platform that has a wealth of resources to support working parents and carers
• Generous discount on products and services, including Royal Canin pet food, Hush Puppies footwear and RSPCA Victoria retail and vet clinic products and services
• Salary packaging and novated lease arrangements on offer with leading provider, Maxxia
• Access to a range of learning and development opportunities that will benefit and support you in your role.

How to Apply

To learn more about our organisation and this job opportunity, please visit our website at www.rspcavic.org and download the Position Description attached to this advertisement for more details. Alternatively, please contact our Recruitment team via [email protected], using the subject line: Animal Behaviourist enquiry via EthicalJobs.

If this role is of interest to you, submit your application with your cover letter and resume, addressing how you meet the selection criteria.

RSPCA Victoria is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and we strongly encourage people from all cultural backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Applicants are welcome to access RSPCA Victoria’s Diversity & Inclusion Policy here.