Animal Welfare Officer

Animal Welfare Officer (Temporary)

An opportunity has arisen for an Animal Welfare Officer to join a leading organisation.

This is a Full-Time, Temporary position, initially for 3 months, with work cover required in the areas of Banbridge and Craigavon as well as the Newry, Mourne & Down District.

Working hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm (37 hours per week). There will be a requirement to undertake shared responsibility for responding to afterhours emergency callouts across Northern Ireland.

With a salary of £20.52 to £21.40 per hour

Basic Access NI check for successful applicant.

Job Role:

You will be responsible for carrying out the enforcement requirements of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, in respect of non-farmed animals; ensuring that investigations into complaints in respect of unnecessary suffering are completed and appropriate action taken and to endeavour to prevent unnecessary suffering and promote good practice and compassion in the care of non-farmed animals.

Essential Criteria:

• At least 1 years' experience in the handling of non-farmed animals in furtherance of the objectives of a business or other working environment. This experience must include providing advice and guidance to members of the public, producing written reports and maintaining records and partnership working with other public or professional bodies.
• At least HNC level in Animal Care/Animal Management or a related discipline OR applicants who do not possess a relevant HNC level in Animal Care/Animal Management, or a related discipline must demonstrate 2 years' experience in the professional care/management and handling of non-farmed animals in furtherance of the objectives of a business or other working environment. This experience must include providing advice and guidance to members of the public, producing written reports and maintaining records and partnership working with other public or professional bodies.
• IT proficient with the use and competency of Microsoft Office packages.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal - with the ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels and deal effectively with the public, handling and resolving matters in difficult situations.
• Ability to manage and prioritise a busy workload while adhering to deadlines.
• Ability to work on your own initiative as well as part of a team.
• Hold a full current driving license (valid in the UK).

Desirable Criteria:

• Degree in Animal Care/Animal Management or a related discipline.
• 1 years' experience in enforcement processes.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation pertaining to animal welfare matters.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry out investigations into complaints of unnecessary suffering to non-farmed animals, in an appropriate and compassionate manner.
• Assess and evaluate both the animal and its environment to ensure compliance with the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 and take appropriate action to safeguard the animal's welfare in accordance with policies/procedures, good practice and legislation.
• Undertake enforcement action to include serving of Notices, witness statements and interviews, preparation of evidence and prosecution files and attendance at Court hearings to give evidence.
• Complete all required documentation and reports of incidents including written reports, maintain records, compile and collate statistical returns and undertake associated all administrative tasks as are required by policies and procedures.
• Work with Veterinary providers to secure their assistance in investigations and enforcement processes.
• Liaise with contracted care providers in arranging transportation and board for non-farmed animals in an approved establishment.
• Educate and offer advice and literature to owners and carers of animals which seeks to improve or maintain the welfare of the animal(s) and prevent and alleviate suffering.
• Work with internal officer colleagues to carry out joint investigations as needed and liaise with external agencies and other voluntary animal welfare organisations and to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Participate in scheduled 'out of hours' arrangements for the post across Northern Ireland and respond to emergency callouts.
• Use and be responsible for maintaining a clean and working condition all allocated resources including vehicle, safety and investigative equipment; maintain records as required and report any incidents/accidents or defects to the Line Manager.
• Undertake training and attend meetings, seminars and other events designed to assist with the effective development of the role and the post holder.
• When requested to do so, work across all business areas in Northern Ireland and undertake shared responsibility for absence cover of colleagues.
• Undertake any other relevant duties that may be required.