Animal Education and Control Officer

Animal Education and Control is operated by the Hamilton City Council; our goal is to create well educated dog owners. As a team we are focused on working towards safer communities. We get dogs for all sorts of reasons and work towards reuniting the dogs with their owners where possible.

He angituutanga: The opportunity

We're looking for a person to join our City Safety and Resilience team experienced in animal handling. If you think it could be you, let's talk. 



Hamilton City Council’s Animal Education and Control unit has the key role in administering the Dog Control Act 1996 and its amendments. We also make policy and bylaws on dog control and provide local dog control services including dog registration, education about dog ownership, and safety around dogs, responding to complaints, picking up straying and aggressive dogs, impounding dogs, rehoming and euthanising dogs that cannot be homed.  

What does a day in this job look like? 

• Reporting to the Animal Education and Control Officer Team Leader you will:
• Undertake investigations into complaints relating to dog control.
• Provide education to dog owners.
• Taking enforcement action when required.
• Provide specialist skills in handling aggressive and dangerous dogs.
• Stock impounding - we do find the odd cow or goat roaming the streets!
• Work alongside other agencies such as the NZ Police and SPCA. 

This job is for you if you:

• Have experience working with dogs and other animals.
• Have good communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate sensitively and respectfully with all stakeholders.
• Enjoy a varied and busy workload.
• Ability to read and interpret legislation.
• Have a full current NZ driver license and can drive a manual vehicle.

This job isn’t for you if you: 

• Can’t work weekends.
• Aren’t solutions focused. 
• Lack confidence in dealing with people and dangerous dogs.
• Can’t lift weights of 20kg from floor to bench height. 

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience 

• Demonstrated experience in animal handling.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and legislative requirements.
• Sound communication, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Physical fitness.
• Emotional intelligence and resilience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Customer service skills.
• Ability to undertake investigations, write reports and complete files to a level for prosecution.

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $68,854 dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Along with the opportunity to work with animals and contribute towards a safer community, you will also get:
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the Position Description
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 28/09/2025

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. This role is Safety Sensitive so a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol test will be required. View more information about these checks and our commitment to the Privacy act here by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings. 

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.