Animal Management Officers

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Waitaki District Council is hiring a full‑time Animal Management Officer in Oamaru to respond to animal calls, educate the public on responsible pet ownership and bylaws, enforce regulations, and oversee humane containment at the pound. This role includes on call duties every three weeks and potential secondments from other councils. To stand out, highlight your NCEA Level 3 with a plan for Level 4 in Government Regulatory Practice, a full NZ Driver’s Licence, knowledge of the Dog Control Act 1996 and local bylaws, plus strong deescalation and people skills. Apply online with a tailored cover letter and CV; pre‑employment checks apply; salary 60,216 to 71,611 depending on experience.

Come work with us!

We're looking for Animal Management Officer/s to join team Waitaki as some of our valued team members move on to new adventures. These are long standing roles that play an important part in helping us continue delivering the essential services our community relies on every day.

If you're looking for a job that's varied, rewarding and gives you the chance to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

At Waitaki District Council, we're here to support the 23,000 people who call Waitaki home. Our team works across everything from roads and water to parks, libraries, building and environmental services, animal management and much more. 

Every day, we're working alongside our communities to keep the district running, protect what makes Waitaki special, and help make it an even better place to live.

We're proud of our One Team culture and work closely with iwi, local communities, businesses and other organisations to get the best outcomes for our district. If you're someone who enjoys working with people, solving problems and making a positive contribution to your community, you'll fit right in.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

This role is perfect for someone who thrives on variety and enjoys being active and out in the community. Working full-time, you’ll also be on-call one week in every three. As an Animal Management Officer, you’ll play a vital part in ensuring animal and public safety, responding to incidents, supporting responsible pet ownership, and reuniting lost animals with their owners.

You will:

• Respond to animal-related calls across the area, from lost pets to welfare checks.
• Educate the public on responsible pet ownership and local bylaws.
• Support investigations and handle animal containment when needed.
• Investigate offences under the Dog Control Act 1996, enforce regulations, capture and impound stray or dangerous dogs.
• Ensure that pound facilities are clean, well-managed, and provide humane care for impounded animals.

He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring

The preferred candidate will have:

• Relevant Qualifications and Licensing: NCEA Level 3 with a commitment to pursuing Level 4 in Government Regulatory Practice, alongside a full NZ Driver’s License.
• Legislative and Policy Knowledge: Understanding of local bylaws and the Dog Control Act 1996, with experience in interpreting relevant policies and procedures.
• Conflict Resolution and Interpersonal Skills: Strong de-escalation abilities, coupled with excellent interpersonal skills to effectively engage with emotional and stressed customers.

We're always open to secondments from other Local Government employers and across the wider public service. So, if you are interested in this role on a fixed term secondment basis and have your home agency’s prior support, you’re welcome to contact us to discuss making this happen.

Mo tātou | About us

Waitaki District Council (WDC) is a dynamic and progressive local government organisation dedicated to serving the residents and communities of the Waitaki District. Our mission is to foster a thriving, innovative and sustainable community through effective governance, quality service delivery and a commitment to continuous improvement.

As a proud 2025 HRD Employer of Choice Excellence Awardee, we are recognised nationally for creating a workplace where our people feel supported, valued and empowered to make a difference. We are building a culture of collaboration, wellbeing and growth, where our people can do their best work for our district and each other.

At WDC, we provide a wide range of essential services that contribute to the well-being and development of our district. These services include:

• Infrastructure and Environment: We manage and maintain roads, water supply, waste management, and recreational facilities, ensuring that our district's infrastructure meets the needs of our growing community.
• Community and Economic Development: We support local businesses, tourism, and community initiatives, promoting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for our residents.
• Regulatory Services: We ensure compliance with building, environmental, and public health standards to create a safe and healthy environment for all.
• Customer and Community Engagement: We actively engage with our community to understand their needs and provide high-quality customer service through various channels.

We are committed to innovation, collaboration and service excellence, striving to be a leading council that makes Waitaki a great place to live, work and visit.

WDC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Research shows that women and people from minority groups may hesitate to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. If you are excited about this role and believe you can contribute to our work, we encourage you to apply.

Me pēhea te tono | How to Apply

If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored Cover Letter and CV. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which may include reference, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.

All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email.

All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The full-time salary for this position will commence between $60,216 and $71,611, dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.

The position requires rostered on-call work over weekends, for which an on-call allowance is paid.

Applications close 7 August 2026.

For any queries related to this position, please contact [email protected].