Senior Animal Management Officer

Full time, Permanent

Our city is growing and transforming. Increasingly, Upper Hutt has become a lifestyle choice for people wanting a higher quality of life - living, working and recreating closer to home and family. Upper Hutt is rich in the natural environment and education opportunities, and businesses are choosing to invest in our city.

Unsurprisingly, this drives greater emphasis on our city operating efficiently. We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join the Upper Hutt City Council Compliances Services leadership team and be part of our influence on city transformation. Is that you?

Are you looking for a new challenge to learn and grow, better balance and an open and positive team culture? Are you interested in your work being recognised as being part of something bigger?

Are you keen to work as part of a talented team that knows how to work hard but have fun along the way? Are you keen to go to work each day excited about what the day might bring? If so, then you may just be the team member and leader we are looking for.

With continued growth across our City, the Compliance Services Team is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and highly motivated individual to join us in this new technical and team leadership role. We are safety, quality and customer focused and require someone who proactively triages and resolves problems; is motivated by system and process improvement; and is an experienced technical specialist and capable people leader.

As the Senior Animal Management Officer (AMO) you will play an important role working within the Compliance Services team to ensure that animal management services are delivered to a high standard. Primarily you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the Animal Management Team as well as operating as the senior member of the team and providing technical review and quality control. In addition, the Senior AMO will lead the continuous improvement within the animal management team and compliance services, and will foster good working relationships within Council, with animal owners and the wider community.

The Senior AMO will deputise the Compliance Services Manager as required.

The Compliance Services Team is experiencing increased work volumes and is focussed on finding efficiencies in how we operate. The Senior AMO plays a pivotal role in driving efficiency gains in how we deliver services and conduct internal processes.

**Key responsibilities in this broad role include**:
Undertake duties of a Dog Control Officer under the provisions of the Dog Control Act 1996, Council’s Dog Control Policy and bylaws

Undertake duties under the Impounding Act 1955 and Council bylaws for other animals

Preparation and presentation of evidence for enforcement action

Technical and people leadership

Lead and oversee the functions and professional development of Animal Management Officers

Maintain knowledge of best practice

Public relations

Preparation of reports and reporting for Council meetings

**To be considered for this role we are ideally looking for**:
Successful completion of secondary education.

Preferably tertiary qualifications as a dog control officer, animal handler or compliance officer.

5+ years of experience operating as a Dog Control Officer.

An advanced level of knowledge of the Dog Control Act 1996, Impounding Act 1955 and working knowledge of the Local Government Act 2002 and Search and Surveillance Act 2012.

An assertive person with skills in conflict resolution, negotiation, and de-escalation.

Be capable of dealing with the public in a confident, calm and friendly manner that will bring credit to themselves and the Council.

An ability to confidently and clearly communicate technical issues and concepts, including listening to others’ points of view.

Ability to effectively communicate with a broad range of people including discussing compliance messages.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Creative thinking, problem-solving skills, and an inclination to system/process improvement.

A strong commitment to customer service.

Have the skills necessary to contribute to a positive team environment and the willingness to support others in the team.

A high degree of personal motivation and ability to work both in a team environment and independently.

Working with the Upper Hutt City Council is a rewarding way to support the community, work with a great team, and develop your career. We do more than just pay you a salary, we have a range of great benefits to support you.

**Some of our benefits include**:
3% on top of salary towards Kiwisaver

2 wellness days per annum

Wellbeing benefit

With 50% of the Wellington regions green space, boutique shopping, award winning Brewtown and quirky cafes all within walking distance, train station close by and free parking, Upper Hutt is a great choice for your next career move.

NOTE THAT YOU MUST HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND TO BE CONSIDERED FOR