Animal Attendant

Role Overview

This is a fixed-term full-time opportunity as an Animal Attendant at the Ballarat Animal Shelter, running until March 2027. The position involves daily care and enrichment of shelter animals, plus supporting public engagement with responsible pet ownership and animal management. The role requires maintaining hygiene standards at the Ballarat City Council facilities and delivering excellent customer service to visitors.

Primary Duties

• Feed, water, and inspect all shelter animals regularly.
• Clean animal enclosures including hosing out, changing bedding, and managing litter trays and feeding tools.
• Administer prescribed medications and treatments following veterinary instructions.
• Perform routine sanitization of all animal housing areas and related equipment.
• Exercise and provide environmental enrichment to animals.
• Monitor health status of animals daily and promptly report any illness or injury to the Shelter Supervisor.
• Support animal intake processes and assist veterinarians as needed.
• Maintain updated animal profiles on Council’s social media via digital photography.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety policies and risk management procedures.
• Deliver outstanding service to all shelter visitors and stakeholders.
• Transport animals to veterinary clinics for scheduled or urgent care.
• Collaborate with the shelter team to enhance services and workplace growth.

Candidate Profile

• Passionate about animal welfare with commitment to enrichment activities.
• Experience or on-the-job training in animal care and handling.
• Self-motivated and disciplined in completing tasks.
• Ability to work effectively in a bustling, customer-focused environment.
• Competent in working with a variety of companion animals and livestock, understanding their behaviour.
• Flexible to work across different shelter functions when required.
• Able to manage emotionally demanding work dynamics.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Team-oriented with enthusiasm for knowledge sharing.
• Awareness of occupational health and safety issues relevant to the role.

Additional Information

This position operates under Band 2 remuneration with a salary ranging from $63,629 to $65,786 annually plus superannuation. The role includes rostered weekend work as part of a seven-day operational cycle.

The Council values honesty, transparency, inclusivity, and accountability, fostering a supportive community-focused environment. Employees benefit from learning and development programs, flexible workplace policies, employee benefits, and wellbeing initiatives.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and responses to the selection criteria by the closing date of 11:59pm Sunday 23 August 2026. Successful candidates will undergo medical and police checks along with child safety checks, consistent with the Council’s child-safe organisation commitment.

For further queries, contact the Shelter Supervisor, Jayne Banks, at the provided phone number. The Council supports diversity and accessibility and is welcoming of candidates from all backgrounds and abilities. Support during recruitment is available upon request.