Not-for-Profit | Salary range $85,000 - $90,000 per annum | Permanent

About Us

AWLQ is one of Queensland’s most dynamic and best-loved charities. Our organisation is the leader in the zero euthanasia movement nationally and is considered a national leader in animal welfare. AWLQ locally provides a safe haven for close to 11,000 stray and homeless animals each year, while also assisting other communities in saving homeless animals.

In addition to our shelter work, we are committed to keeping pets and people together by providing lifesaving support and resources to people in need with companion animals. We are known for our grassroots and innovative community-based animal welfare work, which includes our community vet clinics, Getting to Zero, Golden Hearts Seniors’ Support Program, and the National Desexing Network.

Join us and make a difference!

As a valued and experienced Animal Welfare professional who enjoys bringing their knowledge and management expertise together to develop and support their team to achieve amazing outcomes for pets and people.

AWLQ are offering relocation assistance, and a competitive salary for the right candidate.

About the role

AWLQ is contracted by the Ipswich City Council to manage the Ipswich Animal Rehoming Centre to provide service to the community and their pets. The Centre receives an average of 3,500 animals annually, housing 150+ animals onsite and 100+ animals in foster daily.

As the Shelter Manager you will oversee the day-to-day operations, customer and council relationships, staff and animal management. You will work with our dedicated team to ensure the welfare of animals in care, dogs, cats, livestock, and small pets is to the highest standard.

You will progress animals through the Centre efficiently and effectively to reduce time in care, maximise animal welfare, owner reclaims and adoptions.

You will help develop and expand our onsite programs, always looking for new opportunities and connections. You will nurture your leadership team providing growth and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clear direction and support to the team for day-to-day operational activities
• Work with our network of Shelter Managers to ensure the smooth running of the centre, organised animal movement on and between sites,
• Manage the onsite veterinary team
• People Management, Leadership and Human Resources activities for your team with support from HR
• Relationship Management with Ipswich City Council and customers
• Provide hands-on support to your team with Animal Care, Rehoming and Animal Behaviour activities
• Operations Management, administration and compliance
• Quality Assurance and Control
• Champion and ensure Workplace Health and Safety
• Ensure Ipswich Rehoming Centre’s compliance to AWLQ policy and procedure in all areas of operation, in addition to compliance with state and federal legislation
• Ensure high standards of animal care including cleaning of animal housing, administering routine veterinary medications, treatments and transportation of animals 

What are the minimum requirements for this position?

• Certificate or degree in relevant animal, management or training qualification
• Minimum 3 years Management experience within a Shelter or Pound
• Current drivers licence
• Experience working with local councils
• Experience with animal care in a professional environment with extensive dog and cat knowledge
• Exceptional customer service experience
• Staff management experience

To be successful in this role, you will have

• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills
• A love of animals
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and motivate others to achieve high productivity and standards of work
• Relevant customer service and conflict resolution training
• Intermediate level computer skills with experience in data management software and Microsoft Office
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Available to work 5 days a week