Location: Havant Plaza Flex

Department: Environmental Health

Role: Full time

Duration: Permanent - FT

We have an exciting opportunity at Havant Borough Council for an Animal Welfare Officer or Senior Animal Welfare Officer.

Based in our modern Plaza building in Havant, with easy access to transport links and local shops, we offer a flexible working environment with attendance in the office combined with some remote working dependent on the requirements of the service.

We’re currently seeking a dynamic and customer focused individual to drive the delivery of an efficient animal welfare service, with responsibilities in animal licensing functions, inspections, handling of stray dogs and complaints of aggressive dogs. 

The salary and job title for this post will be dependent on the successful candidates’ experience and qualifications. 

• Level 1 Animal Welfare Officer (Grade E) 
• Level 2 Animal Welfare Officer (Grade F)
• Level 3 Senior Animal Welfare Officer (Grade G) 

Please refer to the role profile for further detail on the requirements for each level. 

The successful candidate will 

• Hold a full, clean driving licence and have access to their own vehicle for business use.
• Be able to travel to various locations, and ability to work unsociable hours, if necessary. 

Your role will be to deal with all aspects of animal welfare and licensing, including dealing with stray dogs and aggressive dogs, administrating licensing applications, inspecting licensed establishments, considering appeals, serving enforcement notices, and responding to customer complaints. You will be required to regularly engage with members of the public and provide excellent customer service.

You will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of animal welfare standards, dog behaviour and temperament, and relevant legislation relating to microchipping, dangerous dogs, and animal licensing. 

You will help to review and develop local policies and procedures in relation to animal welfare and licensing functions, ensuring that processes are efficient and consistent with legislative requirements and the Council’s strategy. 

You will support the Licensing & Animal Welfare Team Leader and deputise for them from time to time, within their specific area of expertise.

Above all else, if you’re a team player that can operate on their own initiative, have excellent interpersonal skills, an enthusiasm for learning and the aptitude to deliver an outstanding service, then you are the kind of person we want to hear from.

Stray and Aggressive Dogs

You will be required to respond to a range of service requests and complaints in relation to lost dogs, stray dogs, and aggressive dogs, liaising with owners, finders, kennels, and vets to ensure that animals are reunited or rehomed within the recommended time frames. 

Your role will include taking initial reports of stray dogs, visiting and/or collecting the dog where appropriate, inspecting the dog for signs of illness, injury, and identification, and contacting the registered owner where possible. You will be required to transfer the dog to authorised kennels and, where the dog is unclaimed, make appropriate rehoming arrangements that take account of the dog’s specific needs. Relevant paperwork, collection of fees and input of data on to the Council’s database will be required.

Reports of aggressive dogs must be investigated to establish whether the dog is dangerous or out of control. This may involve gathering evidence such as witness statements, visiting the registered owner and the premises where the dog is kept, and using professional discretion to determine the most appropriate and proportionate outcome. 

Animal Licensing and Inspections

You will need a broad and detailed knowledge of animal licensing requirements for premises such as pet shops, kennels, catteries, riding establishments and dog breeders.

Your role will be to process application forms, inspect premises in accordance with DEFRA standards, produce a report following inspection and determine the outcome of the application. This process will involve working other Animal Welfare Officer(s) and any other inspector that the Council appoints for the purpose of animal licensing activities. You will notify applicants of the outcome of their application and outline the right of appeal. 

You will be required to liaise with veterinary professionals for the purposes of undertaking inspections and ensure that their recommendations are factored into your decision-making process. 

You will have delegated authority to suspend, vary or revoke a licence where sufficient grounds exist to do so, and will be required to explain your reasons for making such a decision and consider representations from the licence holder. You may also be required to undertake other enforcement action, such as serving notices or instigating legal proceedings, with support from the Council’s Legal Team and the Licensing & Animal Welfare Team Leader. 

Why Choose Us?

We are a dynamic service with a fresh and optimistic approach to meeting challenges and opportunities, and are committed to developing our people through training, qualifications and support to offer a varied experience.

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life, so we offer 26 days annual leave, rising to 31 days after 5 years, with flexible and family friendly working policies (dependent on service need). 

In return for your hard work and contribution, we can offer you a competitive salary, support for your continuous professional development, generous annual leave, free parking, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and more. Take a look at our website for the full range of benefits and support we offer our staff https://www.havant.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers

If you would like to discuss the role, please contact David Fitzgerald on 02392 446361 or via email david.fitzgerald@havant.gov.uk

To apply Please attach your CV and a supporting statement, when completing your application on our recruitment platform Hireful. https://www.havant.gov.uk/jobs-us-apply-now .   Please ensure you read the Role Profile to demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on 27 August 2023 and interviews will be held on 11 & 12 September 2023.

Due to the current employment climate, we are receiving a high number of applicants for each post and as such may not be able to acknowledge receipt of your application. You will however be notified as to whether you made the shortlist soon after the closing date.

The council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment.

Havant Borough Council is a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. All employees of the Authority will be expected to support any necessary actions required during an emergency response.

MORE INFORMATION / APPLY ONLINE