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 96% of our life-changing services.
Our Mission: Together We Change Lives, And That Includes Yours.
About the Role
We are looking for a motivated and reliable Animal Attendant at our Cairns Shelter, you’ll be right at the heart of our animal care operations, providing day-to-day care in a safe and clean environment. Please note, this is a part-time fixed-term maternity cover contract.
You’ll look after a designated area of the shelter and working alongside other animal attendants, veterinary and behaviour teams, and volunteers. It’s a hands-on role for someone who enjoys caring for animals, working as part of a team and making a genuine difference. Our Animal Attendants primarily care for domestic animals, including dogs, cats, livestock and small pets.
What We’re Looking For
You’re someone who enjoys hands-on work, can stay calm when things get busy, and genuinely cares about animal welfare. You communicate clearly, follow direction and bring a practical, can-do attitude to each day.
Whether you’re starting out in animal care or changing careers, you’re motivated by meaningful work and ready to contribute to a role that’s active, rewarding and purpose-driven.
What You’ll Do
In this role, you will:
- Take responsibility for a designated section of the shelter.
- Provide daily animal care including feeding, cleaning enclosures, enrichment, basic grooming and general husbandry.
- Assist with animal health examinations and administer routine veterinary preventative treatments and medications.
- Identify sick or injured animals and consult with veterinary staff in line with procedures.
- Observe and interpret animal body language and apply appropriate handling tools (with training and support as needed).
- Provide basic training for animals in care.
- Coordinate and support volunteers working within your section.
- Assist with animal transfers, including loading and unloading animals and processing admissions in ShelterMate.
- Maintain a clean, safe and hygienic environment that supports animal wellbeing.
What You’ll Bring to the Role
- Certificate II and/or III in Animal Studies (desirable but not essential).
- Experience working in an animal-related field (preferred).
- Strong animal handling skills, including reading body language and identifying sick or injured animals.
- Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team.
- Good communication, time management and task-prioritisation skills.
- Solid computer skills, including Microsoft Office and the ability to learn shelter systems.
- A genuine interest in animal welfare and the objectives of RSPCA Queensland.
- Alignment with RSPCA Queensland’s mission, vision and values.
- Physical capability to perform manual handling duties, including lifting a minimum of 10kg.
- Minimum age of 18 years
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.
