Job Description
Full job description
About us
At Penrith City Council, we’re passionate about people; in our community and in our workplace. We want you to be able to be your best self and we get that work is just one part of your life, so we’re here to support you in the moments that matter. As the winner of the 2020 Local Government Excellence in People and Culture Award and an Excellence Award winner in the 2020 Australian HR Awards, you can be confident in joining a workplace that offers truly outstanding benefits, including:
A range of flexible work arrangements
18 weeks paid maternity leave
Health and wellbeing leave
15 days personal leave
Significant financial and leave support for undertaking further education
Diverse salary packaging
Free access to all Ripples venues
And much, much more!
Environmental Health and Compliance plays a vital role in protecting the health, environment and safety of our growing City. Our team of dedicated professionals are responsible for environmental protection and public health programs, development compliance, regulatory and animal services.
About the role
Council’s Ranger and Animal Services Team are seeking an appropriately qualified person to fill the position of Companion Animals Officer.
As a Companion Animals Officer, you will be responsible for undertaking a variety of companion animal related tasks including:
Implementation of education and information programs to support the Companion Animals Act, 1++8
Seizing/handling companion animals (including dangerous, menacing and restricted dogs),
Investigating dog attacks, barking dogs and other nuisance complaints,
Proactive and reactive patrols/inspections of roads, footpaths, parks and other public areas
Companion Animals Officers work predominantly a 38-hour week, with some variation due to operational requirements, and are entitled to one rostered day off per fortnight. The successful applicant will also be required to perform periods of on-call duties when required and some afterhours work for community events, education events and other purposes from time to time.
Essential Criteria
Tertiary qualification in Animal Management, Regulatory Services/Investigation or willingness to obtain
Demonstrated practical experience in companion animal handling
Demonstrated understanding of dog behaviour
Demonstrated knowledge of the Companion Animals Act 1++8 and Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021
Demonstrated skills and experience in investigations including conducting interviews and preparing briefs of evidence at court
High-level written and verbal communication skills across a range of audiences
Current, unrestricted driver's licence
Desirable Criteria
Current First Aid Certificate
Commencing Salary: $76,32+.00 - $88,355.00 per annum, plus 11.5% superannuation.
Access to a Leaseback Vehicle is available with this position; however, it is not a condition of employment.
You may be required to undertake background checks, as relevant to the position for which you have applied.
Visit careers@penrith.city to view the position description and to find out more information about employment with Penrith City Council. To submit your application, please apply online.
In addition to a cover letter and resume, applicants are required to submit comprehensive responses to the selection criteria (listed above) as a part of their initial application. Applicants who do not meet the essential criteria will not be considered.
Completed applications must be received by 11.55 pm on 3 September 2026. Please allow 4 weeks from the closing date for the processing of your application.
For further information about the position, please contact Kiera Murphy, Rangers and Animal Services Coordinator, on (02) 4732 8100.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.
You must create an Indeed account before continuing to the company website to apply
About us
At Penrith City Council, we’re passionate about people; in our community and in our workplace. We want you to be able to be your best self and we get that work is just one part of your life, so we’re here to support you in the moments that matter. As the winner of the 2020 Local Government Excellence in People and Culture Award and an Excellence Award winner in the 2020 Australian HR Awards, you can be confident in joining a workplace that offers truly outstanding benefits, including:
A range of flexible work arrangements
18 weeks paid maternity leave
Health and wellbeing leave
15 days personal leave
Significant financial and leave support for undertaking further education
Diverse salary packaging
Free access to all Ripples venues
And much, much more!
Environmental Health and Compliance plays a vital role in protecting the health, environment and safety of our growing City. Our team of dedicated professionals are responsible for environmental protection and public health programs, development compliance, regulatory and animal services.
About the role
Council’s Ranger and Animal Services Team are seeking an appropriately qualified person to fill the position of Companion Animals Officer.
As a Companion Animals Officer, you will be responsible for undertaking a variety of companion animal related tasks including:
Implementation of education and information programs to support the Companion Animals Act, 1++8
Seizing/handling companion animals (including dangerous, menacing and restricted dogs),
Investigating dog attacks, barking dogs and other nuisance complaints,
Proactive and reactive patrols/inspections of roads, footpaths, parks and other public areas
Companion Animals Officers work predominantly a 38-hour week, with some variation due to operational requirements, and are entitled to one rostered day off per fortnight. The successful applicant will also be required to perform periods of on-call duties when required and some afterhours work for community events, education events and other purposes from time to time.
Essential Criteria
Tertiary qualification in Animal Management, Regulatory Services/Investigation or willingness to obtain
Demonstrated practical experience in companion animal handling
Demonstrated understanding of dog behaviour
Demonstrated knowledge of the Companion Animals Act 1++8 and Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021
Demonstrated skills and experience in investigations including conducting interviews and preparing briefs of evidence at court
High-level written and verbal communication skills across a range of audiences
Current, unrestricted driver's licence
Desirable Criteria
Current First Aid Certificate
Commencing Salary: $76,32+.00 - $88,355.00 per annum, plus 11.5% superannuation.
Access to a Leaseback Vehicle is available with this position; however, it is not a condition of employment.
You may be required to undertake background checks, as relevant to the position for which you have applied.
Visit careers@penrith.city to view the position description and to find out more information about employment with Penrith City Council. To submit your application, please apply online.
In addition to a cover letter and resume, applicants are required to submit comprehensive responses to the selection criteria (listed above) as a part of their initial application. Applicants who do not meet the essential criteria will not be considered.
Completed applications must be received by 11.55 pm on 3 September 2026. Please allow 4 weeks from the closing date for the processing of your application.
For further information about the position, please contact Kiera Murphy, Rangers and Animal Services Coordinator, on (02) 4732 8100.
Applicants must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.
You must create an Indeed account before continuing to the company website to apply
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Companion Animals Officer position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Penrith offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.