Job Description

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 Purpose: We exist for animals to live better lives.

About the Role

As the Animal Care Manager at our Cairns Shelter, you’ll lead the day-to-day running of our shelter operations, ensuring animals receive consistently high standards of care while supporting and developing a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

This is a senior, hands-on leadership role where animal welfare and people leadership sit at the centre of every decision. You’ll work closely with veterinary, behaviour, adoption and animal services leaders to manage shelter operations, solve problems as they arise and achieve the best possible outcomes for animals on their journey.

What We’re Looking For

You’re an experienced and compassionate leader with a strong background in animal welfare and shelter operations, who understands what it takes to support both animals and people in a fast-paced, emotionally complex environment.

You bring practical knowledge of animal health, behaviour and welfare, paired with proven experience leading, motivating and developing teams. You communicate clearly and confidently, can navigate challenging conversations when needed, and are comfortable making decisions under pressure.

You’re organised, solutions-focused and capable of balancing day-to-day demands with longer-term improvement. Above all, you’re genuinely aligned with the mission and values of RSPCA Queensland and motivated by making a real difference to animal welfare outcomes.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will:

• Lead the day-to-day running of the shelter ensuring consistently high standards of animal care and welfare.
• Oversee the care, monitoring and enrichment of a wide range of domestic species, including horses, goats, birds and small animals.
• Support, supervise and develop Animal Care Attendants and volunteers, fostering a positive, collaborative team culture.
• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding and ongoing development of staff, supporting performance, engagement and accountability.
• Work closely with veterinary, nursing, behaviour, adoption and rehoming teams to ensure effective coverage and animal outcomes.
• Manage shelter workflows, intake, transfers and adoptions to support efficient movement through the shelter and reduce length of stay.
• Identify risks, gaps and improvement opportunities across shelter operations and implement practical solutions.
• Manage budgets, stock, supplies and resources to support safe, effective and sustainable operations.
• Ensure accurate data management across systems including Sheltermate, Better Impact and Employment Hero.
• Oversee rostering, timesheets and leave in line with legislation and organisational requirements.
• Represent the Animal Care Centre at events, programs and community activities, supporting engagement and awareness.

What You’ll Bring to the Role

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent) preferred.
• Strong experience working in animal welfare or shelter environments, with a solid understanding of animal health, behaviour and welfare.
• Demonstrated experience leading, supporting and developing teams in a hands-on environment.
• Confidence managing day-to-day operations, workflows and competing priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Clear, respectful communication skills, including the ability to handle difficult conversations and resolve issues constructively.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• The ability to build positive working relationships across teams and with external stakeholders.
• A current driver’s licence and the ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including manual handling.
• A genuine interest in animal welfare and a strong alignment with RSPCA Queensland’s mission and values.

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.