General Inspector

General Inspector - Fulltime (Geelong/South West and South West Metro Suburbs)

- Do you want to be on the frontline investigating animal cruelty cases?

- Do you want to make a first-hand difference to neglected and abused animals?

- Are you resilient, self-motivated and passionate about animal welfare?

About the Role

The challenging role of an RSPCA Inspector can be very rewarding and make a real difference to the well‑being of animals and in educating owners who care for them.

We are currently searching for two experienced and self‑motivated individuals to join our Inspectorate team in a permanent full‑time capacity, based in the Geelong/South West and South West Metropolitan (Western Suburbs) regions.

This is a fast‑paced compliance and enforcement role in the animal welfare sector, and the successful candidates will be responsible for responding to reports of animal cruelty including case management, conducting investigations, and enforcing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and parts of the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

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

- 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 ensuring that sick, injured, distressed or animals at risk are provided with assistance and care.

- Enforcing relevant legislation and facilitating timely prosecutions for offences; including case management, brief compilation and warrant applications.

- The role is a mix of office and field work which includes time spent on the road driving and conducting animal and property inspections.

- Effective case management by keeping records up-to-date, data entry, and note-taking.

- Support state-wide operations as required with potential long-distance travel, overnight stays, after hours on‑call and weekend duty (under a Time in Lieu arrangement).

- 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 and stakeholders.

Skills and Experience required

- Strong people and communication skills as well as experience in conflict resolution.

- An ability to process information quickly and adapt quickly to changing situations is essential, as is the ability to conduct rapid risk assessments.

- Be mentally resilient, robust yet empathetic; with the ability to educate, negotiate compliance and enforce applicable legislation.

- Demonstrated experience in animal care, husbandry and handling, or demonstrated experience in conducting inspections and criminal investigations, or both.

- Demonstrates a strong commitment to animal welfare and improving the wellbeing of animals.

- Ability to read, interpret and apply legislation.

- Be a strong team member but possess the skills, confidence and temperament to operate and make decisions autonomously.

Highly Desirable

- Demonstrated experience in conducting investigations and case management.

- Professional experience with domestic animals and/or livestock.

- Professional experience in another enforcement or compliance role.

Qualifications & Other Requirements

- Ability to become appointed as an Authorised Officer by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

- Current valid Victorian drivers’ licence is essential.

- Ability to obtain and hold a Victorian firearms licence.

- Be willing to obtain a tetanus, Hepatitis B and Q‑Fever vaccination.

- Pre-placement assessment including medical examination and criminal history check.

Remuneration

- Probationary Inspector $83,244 – $85,700 base salary. Dependent on previous experience and skill level, the successful candidate will undergo up to a 6‑month field probation being trained by skilled Senior Inspectors before being authorised.

- Authorised General Inspector $85,701 – $89,239 base salary.

- 3% yearly TFR increase in January under a current Enterprise Agreement.

- Plus superannuation in accordance with legislation (currently 12%).

Additional Entitlements

- On-call allowance and Time Off in Lieu arrangements.

- 80‑hour fortnight with a monthly RDO.

- Living Away from Home Allowance.

- Extra week of recreational leave (5 weeks total).

- Fully maintained company vehicle with reasonable private use.

- Full remit of high-quality technology, equipment, and safety gear to fulfil the requirements of your role as an Inspector.

What we can offer you

- 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, gender reaffirmation leave and paid family and domestic violence leave.

- Recognised by Mental Health First Aid Australia, as an advanced workplace – Access to a range of mental health and wellbeing supportive initiatives, including confidential counselling services and education programs.

- Generous discount on products and services, including Royal Canin, 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 for more details. Alternatively, please contact our Recruitment Team via recruitment@rspcavic.org.au.

If this role is of interest to you, submit your application with your cover letter and resume.

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.

Job Ref: RT000638

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