Based at the Domestic Animal Services facility in Symonston, the Senior Policy Officer for Animal Welfare is a policy professional responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of animal welfare policy and regulation in the ACT. The role plays a central part in advancing strategic initiatives such as the ACT’s Animal Management and Welfare Strategy, ACT Cat Plan, and Canberra Dog Model, while supporting the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 1992.

A key focus of the role is regulating animal welfare licences and permits, including coordinating and conducting inspections and compliance checks of pet businesses and other licensees to ensure adherence to relevant Animal Welfare Codes of Practice. The position also leads the processing of animal welfare permits and licences, ensuring regulatory integrity and consistency.

The role provides high-level policy and regulatory support to the Animal Welfare Authority contributing to legislative reform and operational delivery under the Act. It also plays a vital role in supporting the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC), contributing to its work program by drafting Codes of Practice, preparing reports and ministerial briefs, and facilitating informed, evidence-based advice to government.

This position requires strong policy expertise, analytical capability, and stakeholder engagement skills, and operates with a high degree of autonomy in a dynamic and sensitive regulatory environment.

While flexible working options are available, it is essential that the role maintains a presence at the facility in line with our hybrid working model.

This position is appointed as an Inspector under the Animal Welfare Act 1992. This position does not involve direct supervision of staff and is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.

Note: An order of merit will be established from this selection process and may be used to fill future identical vacancies over the next 12 months.

How to Apply: For further information on how to apply, please visit: www.jobs.act.gov.au