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 to work with the community to achieve outstanding animal welfare through education, advocacy, and animal care and protection. RSPCA Victoria’s values - clarity and accountability, respect and consideration, and expertise and collaboration - set clear expectations for all our staff and volunteers.

About the Role

We are currently searching for an experienced and self-motivated Inspector to join our Major Investigations Team in a permanent full-time capacity. This role will be responsible for responding to reports of cruelty, conducting investigations, and engaging with stakeholders in relation to the application of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 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 providing assistance and care for animals that are sick, injured distressed or in at risk situations;
• Enforcing relevant legislation and facilitating timely prosecutions for offences;
• Effective case management by keeping records up-to-date, data entry, and note-taking;
• 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;
• Enhance the ability of the Inspectorate Unit to achieve its strategic decisions through the business planning and budgetary framework;
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment by effectively communicating and working collaboratively with peers across all departments.
• Travel, as you’ll 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.

What we are looking for

• Aptitude for reading, interpreting and applying legislation
• Demonstrated experience in conducting complex investigations
• Demonstrated experience in animal care, husbandry and handling;
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to animal welfare and improving the wellbeing of animals;
• Be a strong 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.
• The confidence and clarity of thought and expression to appear in Court to represent RSPCA Victoria as an expert witness is essential
• 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;
• 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
• Ability to become appointed as an Authorised Officer by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions;
• 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 certificate

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 Steve Cook on [email protected] using the subject line: Inspector - Major Investigations enquiry via EthicalJobs.

If this role is of interest to you, click "Apply Now" and 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.

A position description is attached.