Animal Services Officer, Wellington
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Wellington City Council

Animal Services Officer

  • Posted Today
  • On Site
  • Full Time

Wellington

Job Description

Do you enjoy working outdoors, engaging with the community, and making a real difference every day? Are you confident handling challenging situations, educating the public, and ensuring legislation is applied fairly and consistently?

The Regulatory Services team plays a vital role in protecting public health and safety while delivering responsive, customer-focused services to our communities.


Wellington City Council is looking for an Animal Services Officer to join our Regulatory Services team. This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. One day you might be investigating a dog related incident, the next responding to a complaint about bees   conducting community education, or helping resolve concerns involving domestic animals


This is an opportunity to combine community engagement, investigation work, and regulatory enforcement in a role that has a direct impact on Wellington's safety and wellbeing.


Āu ake mahi | What you'll do

As an Animal Services Officer, you'll help provide a safe and enjoyable environment for Wellingtonians through education, enforcement, and community engagement. You'll work across the city responding to a wide range of animal-related requests, investigating incidents, supporting compliance with legislation and bylaws, and promoting responsible animal ownership.


Key responsibilities include:

  • Being visible to the Wellington community through educating dog owners on the requirements of the Dog Control Act and associated bylaws and policies
  • Responding to a wide range of animal-related enquiries and incidents across Wellington.
  • Investigating complaints and incidents involving dogs and other animals.
  • Managing public safety, and nuisance-related matters.
  • Enforcing relevant legislation, bylaws, and Council policies.
  • Conducting patrols, inspections, compliance checks, and education programmes.
  • Gathering evidence, preparing case files, and supporting regulatory decision-making.
  • Promoting responsible animal ownership through education, engagement, and enforcement.
  • Participating in a roster that includes weekend work and after-hours response when required.


Ngā tohu me ngā wheako | Qualifications and experience

We're looking for someone who is confident, resilient, and passionate about working with both people and animals. You'll be comfortable making decisions in dynamic situations while remaining calm, professional, and customer focused.


You will bring:

  • Experience in handling dogs , and a good understanding of dog behaviour in a range of situations
  • Animal management, compliance, enforcement, regulatory services, customer service, or a related field.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of people.
  • Sound judgement and the ability to de-escalate difficult situations.
  • Strong investigation, problem-solving, and information-gathering skills.
  • Experience interpreting and applying legislation, policies, or regulations.
  • A genuine interest in responsible animal ownership.
  • The ability to work independently and as part of a close-knit team.
  • A full, current New Zealand driver's licence.
  • The flexibility to work a roster that includes weekends.


Qualifications in animal science, animal management, canine behaviour, animal care, compliance, or a related discipline would be advantageous.

We are looking to appoint between $84,977 and $99,972 per annum, for this role, depending on relevant skills and experience.


Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

At Wellington City Council, you'll be part of a team that genuinely cares about Wellington, its people, and its animals. You'll enjoy meaningful work, supportive colleagues, and the opportunity to make a visible difference in our city every day.

Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.

View our Employee Value Proposition Video to see what our employees say about working at WCC.


Diversity:

We want your application to enable you to portray the real you. Skills are gained across many areas of our life, not just formal employment.  If you can demonstrate the skills listed in the advert through whānau life, community or mahi aroha (volunteering) we encourage you to apply and share your story with us in your cover letter.

We welcome applications from all people and like our workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.


Accessibility Support:

We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: recruitment@wcc.govt.nz


Applications close 23 October 2026. Please note that we may engage with applicants prior to the vacancy closing and/or close applications ahead of this date so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.


All applications must be submitted online and must have the right to work in New Zealand – we will not accept emailed applications.


Pre-employment Checks: All employees must undergo a Criminal Conviction Check, the results of which will be held on your employee file if employed.

If you have questions, please contact Kate Baoumgren, Team Leader Animals, kate.baoumgren@wcc.govt.nz

Desired Hard Skills

  • Investigation
  • Community Engagement
  • Animal Management
  • Compliance
  • Legislation Interpretation

Desired Soft Skills

  • Communication
  • Judgement
  • Customer Focus
  • Problem-solving
  • Resilience

Benefits & Perks

Culture

  • 🤱 Extended Parental Leave
  • 🏛 Fully Paid Jury Service
  • 🏘 Work from Home
  • 🧕 Inclusive Workspace
  • ❤ Care and Appreciation
  • ⚖ Work-Life Balance Support
  • 🧠 Mental Health Workshops
  • 💚 Counselling Services
  • 💪 Physical Health Workshops
  • 🌿 Wellness Program
  • 🏥 Subsidised Health Insurance
  • 📈 Professional Development
  • 🏎 Competitive Salary
  • 🎉 Employee Discounts and Rewards
  • 🎖 Long Service Rewards
  • 💻 Company Supplied Technology
  • ⏰ Flexible Work
View All
  • 🧠 Neurodiverse
  • 💰 Wage Equality
  • 🏃 Women Leadership
  • 👩 Woman CEO
  • 💸 Living Wage
  • 🤝 Unionisation
  • 🙌 Community Focused
  • 🌐 INZ Accredited Employer
View All

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