Location: Melbourne's South-East, South-West, North-West, North-East Metropolitan regions
Start Date: October 2026 with a 6-week onsite induction at Burwood East
About the Role
As an RSPCA Victoria Inspector, you’ll be on the frontline responding to reports of cruelty/neglect, educating owners & enforcing animal welfare legislation.
Inspectors work across diverse environments adapting to unpredictable situations with a calm, compassionate, and solutions‑focused approach. You’ll engage sensitively with distressed animals and owners, assess risk, gather and document evidence, and take fair enforcement action when required under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and parts of the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
The role combines independent decision‑making with collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, including other Inspectors, veterinarians, local councils, and Victoria Police. You’ll contribute to measurable outcomes for animal welfare through both education and enforcement.
What you’ll do
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Respond with empathy & professionalism to animal welfare concerns, assessing risk & prioritising animal safety
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Investigate reports & manage cases, including site assessments, evidence collection, witness interviews & preparation of briefs for prosecution
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Educate & influence animal owners to achieve compliance through guidance & practical advice wherever appropriate
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Exercise legal authority to issue notices, direct corrective actions, apply for warrants & facilitate the seizure of animals or evidence
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De‑escalate conflict and manage challenging interactions with respect & clarity
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Maintain accurate documentation (notes, photos, statements, data entry) to a standard that enables legal proceedings
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Work safely in the field, including animal handling & navigating varied terrain & property types.
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Collaborate with internal & external stakeholders (e.g., veterinarians, councils, Victoria Police) to achieve the best outcomes for animals
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Support state‑wide operations as required, including after‑hours on‑call, weekend duty (Time in Lieu arrangements), long‑distance travel, and occasional overnight stays.
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Adapt to operational changes, including the Inspectorate’s transition towards attending jobs in pairs ('2-Up')
About You
Skills & Experience
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You bring a balance of compassion, professionalism & courage to your work
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You have a genuine commitment to animal welfare, with the ability to handle animals confidently & compassionately
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You possess strong communication & people skills and can educate, influence & build rapport across diverse communities
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You have conflict resolution skills & de‑escalation capability in emotionally charged situations.
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You demonstrate integrity and ethical judgment, especially when making decisions that impact animals and people
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You possess emotional resilience & mental toughness, with strategies to maintain your wellbeing
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You pay attention to detail & have strong observation skills
Highly Desirable
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Experience in investigations, compliance, enforcement and/or case management
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Professional experience with domestic animals and/or livestock
Recruitment Requirements
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Eligibility to be appointed as an Authorised Officer by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
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Psychometric Testing
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Current valid Victorian driver’s licence
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Ability to obtain & maintain a Victorian firearms licence
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Willingness to obtain Tetanus, Hepatitis B, & Q‑Fever vaccinations
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Pre‑placement medical assessment and national criminal history check
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Availability for an initial six‑week induction in October 2026 at our Burwood East headquarters (allowances and accommodation will be provided for regionally based recruits)
Remuneration
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Probationary Inspector: $85,358.59 - $87,877.79 base salary dependent on previous experience and skill level with up to 6‑month field probation with training by Senior Inspectors before being authorised
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Authorised General Inspector: $87,878.79 - $91,506.68 base salary
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Annual TFR increase of 3% in January under the current Enterprise Agreement
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Plus super in accordance with legislation (currently 12%)
Additional Entitlements
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On‑call allowance & Time Off in Lieu arrangements
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80‑hour fortnight with a monthly RDO
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Living Away From Home Allowance
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Extra week of recreational leave (5 weeks total)
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Fully maintained company vehicle with reasonable private use
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Full suite of technology, equipment & safety gear required for this role
What we can offer you
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A broad range of leave entitlements, including annual leave, personal leave, additional leave (6 days per year pro-rata), purchased leave, paid parental leave, study leave, gender reaffirmation leave & paid family & domestic violence leave
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Recognised by Mental Health First Aid Australia as an advanced workplace - access to a range of mental health & wellbeing initiatives, including confidential counselling services & education programs
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Generous discount on products & services, including Royal Canin, Hush Puppies footwear & RSPCA Victoria retail, vet clinic products & services
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Salary packaging & novated lease arrangements on offer with leading provider, Maxxia
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Access to a range of learning & development opportunities
How to apply
To learn more about this job opportunity, please visit our website at rspcavic.org and download the Position Description for more details. If you have any questions, please contact our Recruitment Team via [email protected]
** All applications require a cover letter, resume and written responses to Key Selection Criteria to be considered **
Please note: You will be prompted to respond to the Key Selection Criteria via our online recruitment portal during the final stage of your application upload.
Applications close midnight 26 August 2026
RSPCA Victoria is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, and we strongly encourage people from all cultural backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Visit RSPCA Victoria’s Diversity & Inclusion Policy here.
