• Would you like to work for a highly respected, leading not-for-profit animal welfare organisation?
• Do you want to be on the frontline investigating complex animal cruelty cases?
• Permanent full-time position at RSPCA Victoria

About the RSPCA

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

Our Major Investigations Team (MIT) is a specialist team of Inspectors who investigate large-scale, organised, and commercial animal cruelty. The team was initially established to investigate intensive breeding establishments and illegal breeding facilities. It has since grown and evolved to investigate other areas of organised animal cruelty including blood sports such as cockfighting and dog fighting. The team also work with an Intelligence Analyst who carries out research, gathers evidence and analyses animal cruelty data gathered online or via social media channels.

The work involves the broad collection and monitoring of online animal sales activity, in-depth exploration of relevant networks in the animal breeding and fighting communities and mapping of associations across networks of interest. MIT operates across the whole State of Victoria and works closely with external law enforcement agencies, including Victoria Police, State and Local Government.

This diverse and interesting role will give you the opportunity to:

• Contribute to improving animal welfare within the community by providing education on 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 providing assistance and care for animals that are sick, injured distressed or in at risk situations;
• Enforcing relevant legislation (the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and the Domestic Animals Act 1994) and facilitating timely prosecutions for offences;
• Effective case management by keeping records up-to-date, data entry, and note-taking;
• Travel, as you will be expected to support state-wide operations as required with frequent long-distance travel, overnight stays including after hours and weekend work;
• The role is a mix of office and field work which includes time spent on the road driving and conducting animal and property inspections.

Skills and Experience required

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

Highly Desirable

• Demonstrated experience in conducting animal-related investigations and professional experience with domestic animals;
• The ability to conduct surveillance, exploit intelligence and contribute to the collection of information;
• 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 fulfill the requirements of your role as an Inspector.

How to Apply

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

If you believe you can make a difference to the protection and welfare of all animals, then please visit the advertisement for this position on our website at www.rspcavic.org to download the position description (top left-hand corner) and to apply online as soon as possible. For more information, please contact Lisa Calleja on [email protected] using the subject line: Inspector - Major Investigations Team enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Click Apply Now to submit your application.

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.