About RSPCA Victoria

RSPCA Victoria is a non-government, community-based, not-for-profit organisation whose vision is ‘ending cruelty to all animals’. We are Victoria’s best-known and most respected animal welfare organisation. Our organisation’s purpose is, with the community, to achieve outstanding animal welfare through education, advocacy, and animal care and protection.

About the Role

The challenging role of an RSPCA Inspector can be very rewarding and make a real difference to the well-being of animals and in educating owners who care for them.

We are currently searching for two suitably experienced and self-motivated individuals to join our Inspectorate team.

One role is based in the South Western suburbs of Melbourne in a permanent full-time capacity.

The other role will be based in the Eastern suburbs (with a potential for travel across different regions) in a permanent full-time capacity.

These roles will be responsible for responding to reports of animal cruelty including case management, conducting investigations, and enforcing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

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.
• Managing and responding to animal welfare and cruelty reports, carrying out inspections, and ensuring that sick, injured, distressed or animals at risk are provided with assistance and care.
• Enforcing relevant legislation and facilitating timely prosecutions for offences; including case management, brief compilation and warrant applications.
• The role is a mix of office and field work which includes time spent on the road driving and conducting animal and property inspections.
• 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 (under a Time in Lieu arrangement).
• 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.

Skills and Experience required

• Strong people and communication skills as well as experience in conflict resolution;
• An ability to process information quickly and to adapt quickly to changing situations is essential, as is the ability to conduct rapid risk assessments;
• Be mentally resilient, robust yet empathetic; with the ability to educate, negotiate compliance and enforce applicable legislation;
• Demonstrated experience in animal care, husbandry and handling, or demonstrated experience in conducting inspections and criminal investigations, or both;
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to animal welfare and improving the wellbeing of animals;
• Ability to read, interpret and apply legislation;
• Be a strong team member but possess the skills, confidence and temperament to operate and make decisions autonomously.

Highly Desirable

• Demonstrated experience in conducting animal-related criminal investigations
• Professional experience with domestic animals
• Qualification/s in a relevant field

Qualifications & Other Requirements

• Ability to become appointed as an Authorised Officer by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions;
• Current valid Victorian drivers’ licence is essential;
• Ability to obtain and hold a Victorian firearms’ licence;
• Be willing to obtain a tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Rabies, Influenza and Q-Fever vaccination;
• Pre-placement assessment including medical examination and criminal history check;
• A valid COVID-19 double vaccination and booster certificate.

Remuneration & Benefits

• This role will attract an initial salary of $83,881.16 - $86,356.70 (including 10.5% super) for a Probationary Inspector. Dependant on previous experience and skill level, the successful candidate will undergo up to a 6-month field probation being trained by skilled Senior Inspectors.
• Once authorised a General Inspector will receive an increase in remuneration to $86,357.75 - $93,487.80 (including 10.5% super).
• On-call allowance.
• You will be provided with a fully maintained company vehicle with reasonable private use.
• Full remit of high-quality technology, equipment, and safety gear to fulfil the requirements of your role as an Inspector.

How to Apply

For more information, please contact Belinda Dent at [email protected] or Stuart Marchesani on [email protected] using the subject line: General Inspectors x2 enquiry via EthicalJobs. Click Apply Now to submit your application. 

A position description is attached.