About RSPCA Queensland

For nearly 140 years, RSPCA Queensland has been a leading animal welfare charity, dedicated to improving the lives of animals - whether domestic, farmed, or native. We care for over 42,000 animals annually, relying on the generosity of animal lovers like you to fund 91% of our life-changing services.

               

Our Mission: Together We Change Lives, And That Includes Yours.

            

About the Role

As an Animal Rescue Officer, you will work in an environment where no two days are the same. You might be responding to an injured animal on a busy roadside, a call-out to wildlife in distress, or a situation that requires calm, careful assessment in someone’s backyard or a remote stretch of bushland. Every call is different and every decision matters.

                    

You’ll often be the first person on scene, arriving in environments that are uncontrolled and unpredictable. Weather, traffic, bystanders, terrain and animal behaviour can all shift in an instant. The animals you care for may be frightened, injured, aggressive, critically unwell or at the end of their lives. Some moments will be confronting and emotionally heavy. Others will stay with you for all the right reasons - the relief of easing suffering, the satisfaction of a safe rescue, or knowing you’ve made a real difference when it mattered most.

          

This role is hands-on, physical and deeply human. You’ll work independently much of the time, relying on your judgement, training and resilience, while staying connected to a broader rescue and inspectorate team. While your primary focus is emergency response and animal care, you may also support animal welfare outcomes by gathering information and escalating matters to Inspectors when required, as well as helping educate the community. Everything you do reflects the mission and values of RSPCA Queensland.

               

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is steady under pressure and led by compassion. You’re comfortable spending your days on the move, working outdoors and stepping into situations where the outcome isn’t always clear. You understand that animal rescue means caring for animals in every condition from minor injuries to severe trauma and you approach each situation with empathy, confidence and professionalism.

                

You’re emotionally resilient and practical, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think outside the box when faced with complex or unfamiliar situations. You demonstrate strong situational awareness, allowing you to manage safety risks, read environments effectively and make sound observations when completing reports. You communicate clearly with distressed members of the public and collaborate respectfully with partner agencies.

                  

This role relies heavily on working alongside volunteers. You’ll regularly partner with volunteer assistants, sometimes spending full shifts together in a rescue vehicle, and you’re comfortable supporting, guiding and providing on-the-job training to help volunteers operate safely and effectively. Above all, you believe deeply in animal welfare, take responsibility seriously, and understand the realities that come with protecting it.

              

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will:

  • Respond to animal emergencies involving injured, sick or distressed domestic and wild animals.
  • Provide animal first aid, rescue assistance and humane euthanasia where required.
  • Transport animals safely to veterinary care or appropriate facilities.
  • Receive and assess emergency requests and animal welfare concerns, determining appropriate action or escalation.
  • Gather and document information relating to animal welfare concerns and refer matters to Inspectors when required.
  • Provide incident histories to veterinary teams to support diagnosis and treatment.
  • Educate the public on responsible pet ownership and general animal welfare.
  • Deliver basic educational presentations to small groups.
  • Liaise closely with Fire and Emergency Services, Police, veterinarians, local councils and other animal welfare agencies.
  • Carry and administer S4 medications in line with authority and best practice.
  • Maintain vehicles, rescue equipment and PPE to operational standards.
  • Complete accurate reports, records and correspondence.
  • Follow all RSPCA Qld policies, WHS requirements and safety procedures.

            

What You’ll Bring to the Role

  • A genuine commitment to animal welfare and the mission of RSPCA Qld.
  • Proven experience handling animals, including wildlife handling.
  • Demonstrated animal first aid capability in emergency situations.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt in dynamic environments.
  • Ability to remain calm, composed and professional under pressure.
  • Strong communication skills with the public, volunteers and stakeholders.
  • High level of physical fitness and ability to perform demanding manual tasks (up to 10kg).
  • Willingness to work irregular hours and attend emergencies at short notice.
  • Valid Queensland driver’s licence and a good understanding of Queensland’s geography (metropolitan, regional and remote).
  • Ability to carry and maintain required vaccinations and licences (or willingness to obtain).
  • Capacity to gain Restricted Drug Authority (S4).
  • Strong computer literacy and report-writing capability.
  • Alignment with RSPCA Qld values, policies and code of conduct.

       

Why Join Us?

  • Comprehensive Support: Enjoy 8 weeks of paid parental leave, flexible working arrangements, study leave, and even leave for your furry companions. We also provide access to counselling and mental health services.
  • Employee Perks: From free on-site parking to exclusive discounts, novated leases, free pet vaccines, and 50% off Royal Canin pet food, we’ve got you covered! You can also adopt a new furry friend with free adoption options.
  • Professional Growth: Access expansive learning and development programs to help you elevate your career and skill set.
  • Purpose-Driven Impact: Be part of a mission-driven organisation where every task makes a tangible difference to animal welfare.

                 

At RSPCA Qld, we encourage you to grow your skills, expand your responsibilities, and explore different career pathways. By enhancing your qualifications and capabilities, you can take advantage of internal opportunities across our many departments - from animal care to operations, outreach, and more.

                

Interested?

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, apply today!

                   

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a Police Check for the safety and well-being of the community, staff, and animals. A pre-employment medical assessment may also be required.

                      

RSPCA Queensland acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process, welcoming applicants of all backgrounds, regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.