Vacancy Details

Team Leader Animal Management

  • Salary Range Band 7 $115,229 - $128,947 plus 12% superannuation 
  • Full Time, Fixed Term (15 months) until March 2028 
  • Lead a high-performing Animal Management team delivering community safety and responsible pet ownership outcomes
  • Located at St Kilda Town Hall, with flexible working arrangements available

About the Organisation 

The City of Port Phillip is an inner-city council with around 1000 employees who deliver more than 100 programs and services to our residents, businesses and visitors. These range from childcare and immunisations, to libraries, management of parks and open space, rubbish collection, road maintenance and more. City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation. 

About the Role

Lead and shape the delivery of Animal Management services in one of Melbourne's most vibrant municipalities. Reporting to the Coordinator Local Laws & Animal Management, you will provide leadership to Animal Management Officers and Business Support staff while driving compliance, community safety and continuous improvement initiatives. You'll oversee complex investigations, legislative compliance, Council's Domestic Animal Management Plan, pound services contracts and strategic service delivery, while working closely with residents, Councillors, emergency services and key stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate leader to influence animal management outcomes across the City of Port Phillip and build a positive, high-performing team culture.

Duties:

  • Lead Animal Management operations, investigations and patrol programs 
  • Deliver and monitor the Domestic Animal Management Plan 
  • Manage complex compliance, enforcement and prosecution matters 
  • Lead, coach and develop Animal Management staff 
  • Oversee Council's Pound Services contract and service performance

Skills and Experience 

  • Tertiary qualification in a relevant field and/or substantial animal management or statutory compliance experience 
  • Certificate IV in Government (Statutory Compliance) and Animal Control and Regulation, or ability to obtain 
  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing operational teams 
  • Extensive knowledge of the Domestic Animals Act and compliance frameworks 
  • High-level communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills

Culture 

People enjoy working at the City of Port Phillip because we are a welcoming, healthy and inclusive workplace.  We offer a vibrant and diverse work environment where our employees can develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community. 

Benefits

  • We offer a workplace that accommodates your working style and needs. 
  • Be supported and empowered by a leadership team that is community-focused, with a strong desire for change and a culture that encourages teamwork and innovation.
  • Training and development opportunities, study assistance, flexible working conditions, paid parental leave, an active social club, a health and wellbeing program with access to fitness gyms, pools and facilities, and a well-regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Security Requirements and Professional Obligations   

Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments.  

Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide:

  • Evidence of mandatory qualifications/registrations/licences,
  • Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia, and                                                       
  • Sufficient proof of their identity. 
  • Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider.
  • Evidence of a Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Port Phillip registered as the organisation).  

How to Apply

Click APPLY.

All applicants must provide a Resume and Cover Letter in response to the key selection criteria located on the last page of the position description. The Cover Letter should be no longer than 2 pages and include each heading in the Key Selection Criteria.

Note: Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be provided feedback.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Dirk Cummins, Coordinator Local Laws & Animal Management on phone 03 9209 6268 or email Dirk.Cummins@portphillip.vic.gov.au.

Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 15 November 2026

The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates with a disability.

If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa (Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor) on phone 0468 576 806 or email: recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au