Careers

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about animal welfare and skilled in fostering meaningful connections within communities? We are seeking a dedicated Community Engagement Officer to spearhead our efforts in promoting animal welfare issues, enhancing community awareness, and inspiring active involvement in our programs. If you have a knack for building positive relationships and a drive to make a difference, this is an exciting opportunity to lead our Community Engagement as well as to lead our Volunteer Management Program and support our committed shelter volunteers. Join us in making a significant impact on animal welfare and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement

• Assist in the development of community projects by developing necessary strategies and proposals
• Build and maintain partnerships and relationships with other organisations such as non-profits, federal agencies and community organisations
• Implement new programs by planning and executing special events and fundraising activities where necessary
• Organise and attend community events, such as adoption fairs, fundraisers and educational programs to promote the organisation and increase community involvement
• Coordinate Corporate Group site visits
• Develop and deliver educational programs to community groups, stakeholders and community members
• Collaborate with branches, community organisations and schools to identify the education needs of the community regarding animal behaviours and welfare and develop programs to address those needs

Volunteer Management

• Coordinates the volunteer program in accordance with best practice standards as developed by Volunteering Australia
• Develops, maintains and reviews policies and procedures affecting volunteers and student placements
• Provides services with support and guidance in engaging and managing volunteers
• Coordinates quarterly volunteer recruitment
• Advertises volunteering opportunities, reviews and refers applications to appropriate services and departments; processes volunteering applications and paperwork and manages the end-to-end recruitment of volunteers
• Coordinates the induction program for new volunteers
• Manages the volunteer database and emails, telephone and walk in enquiries about volunteering opportunities
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of volunteers services and makes recommendations for improvement
• Rosters volunteers to appropriate areas of the Animal Shelter ensuring it is adequately resourced with volunteers

Experience & Qualifications

• Previous experience in a community-based role
• Previous experience in an animal welfare-based role is desirable
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills including with people from a diverse range of backgrounds
• Animal handling experience and a basic understanding of animal behaviour
• Effective problem-solving skills
• Excellent customer service and written communication skills
• Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to build and foster good relationships both internally and externally
• Understanding of the principles and current best practice strategies of managing volunteers
• Proven ability developing and delivering innovative service and strategic initiatives within budget contracts

Apply now to join our team as a Community Engagement Officer and lead initiatives that promote awareness, inspire action, and support our dedicated volunteers. Click here to apply and be a catalyst for positive change today!

As an Animal Attendant with AWL NSW, you will play a pivotal role in upholding operational excellence and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures. Your commitment will ensure that every animal receives the care they deserve, while also championing outstanding customer service to our stakeholders.

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare and contribute to our community’s compassion for animals, we invite you to apply and become a vital part of our mission at AWL NSW.

This is a two-year fixed term contract role, with an opportunity for permanency.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care

• Provide and improve environmental enrichment
• Exercise the animals
• Feed animals as per feeding plans
• Observe animals for injury, illness and behavioural problems and report to supervisors accordingly
• Assist with veterinary examinations as required
• Check animals for identification
• Ensure appropriate housing for animals
• Washing and grooming
• Adhere to animal handling standards and procedures
• Ensure animal, public, and staff areas are clean and cleaning procedures are adhered to
• Record and maintain accurate animal record

Animal training

• Provide animal training
• Adhere to rehabilitation plans

Stakeholder Relationships

• Work cohesively with the AWL team
• Develop and maintain positive cohesive relationships with customers, team members, volunteers, and external stakeholders
• Assist customers in viewing and selecting new pets

Experience & Qualifications

• Certificate II in Animal Care or equivalent

• Experience working with animals in a shelter, boarding kennels, zoo or similar environment

• Experience in customer service
• Experience working in a team environment
• Animal handling skills
• Demonstrated affinity with animals
• Good written and verbal communication skills

The ideal candidate will embody accountability, collaboration, and a drive to exceed expectations, bringing energy and initiative to their role, consistently going “above and beyond” to achieve outstanding results. With an approachable demeanor and strong organisational skills, you will thrive in a team environment, demonstrating a proactive attitude towards animal welfare.