*The closing date for this position is the 31st March 2026*
*Agency Placement*
Animal Welfare Officer
The Island, Lisburn
Temporary (Approx 16 weeks)
£20.29 per hour
37 hours per week
Main Purpose
To carry out on behalf of District Councils the enforcement requirements of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, in respect of non-farmed animals. To ensure that reports and complaints in respect of unnecessary suffering of animals are investigated and enforcement action taken where needed. This will include issuing improvement notices and instigating legal proceedings, PACE interviewing, preparation of prosecution files and attendance at court hearings to give evidence as an expert witness.
The officer will need to a self-motivated attitude as this is mainly a lone working role which requires flexibility to working hours and environment conditions and must provide a solutions orientated approach.
Main Roles and Responsibilities
Take the appropriate necessary action to enforce the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 in respect of non-farmed animals.
Assess and evaluate the health and condition of a wide range of animals and their environments to ensure compliance with the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 and take appropriate action to safeguard the animal’s welfare which may include transportation of small animals in the Council vehicle.
Carry out investigations into complaints of all breaches of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 to non-farmed animals, in an appropriate and compassionate manner. This will often involve dealing with people in a state of high anxiety, emotion and will require tenacity to result in a desirable outcome, especially where limited departmental budget resources mean that the appropriate enforcement action cannot always take place.
To analyse situations, make decisions and take responsible action on site whilst working alone and/or with minimal supervision or back-up. To work in a creative and innovative manner within a general guideline structure, often in challenging environments.
To work in a highly self-organised manner, reacting to daily conflicting priorities and to remain clearly focused and highly self-motivated in order to achieve set targets with relation to response times and to effectively manage group and council spending on each case.
Where a breach of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 has taken place, to make decisions and proceed with the most appropriate action including where necessary seeking veterinary advice and liaising with contractors in arranging transportation and board for non-farmed animals in a Council approved establishment.
Educate and offer advice and literature to owners and carers of animals which seeks to improve or maintain the welfare of the animal(s) and prevent and alleviate suffering.
To liaise with multiple departmental managers across several councils depending on location of incidents and to keep all appropriate persons updated and briefed of investigative progress, legal timescale of prosecution and of court findings/convictions. This includes preparing press releases on case outcomes and convictions for the relevant council to release to local and national press bodies.
Undertake enforcement action and to instigate legal proceedings; to include serving of Notices, PACE interviewing of suspects, preparation of evidence and prosecution files and attendance at Court hearings and appeals to give evidence as an expert witness and to be cross-examined. Such work will require a detailed and experienced knowledge of the laws of criminal evidence and the relevant codes of practice under the Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989 (PACE)
Required to work as a lone worker in unpleasant environments, directly dealing with contentious/threatening people and issues which requires advocacy, persuasion, sensitivity and problem solving within a general guideline structure. To remain professional and un-phased during times of volatile and emotive dispute throughout the course of the postholders duties.
To establish and develop links with the PSNI, DAERA, NI Housing Executive, Animal Welfare Charities, Animal Rehoming Sanctuaries, Social Services and other relevant public and private bodies and to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal agencies alongside the external agencies on all matters connected with enforcement of legislation, policy and procedures relating to the postholders remit.
Essential Criteria:
(Please note that Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd require original certificates as proof of all qualifications listed on CV)
Applicants must possess a minimum of HNC level (or equivalent) in Animal Care/Animal Management or a related discipline
AND
Be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that they have 1 years’ experience in an enforcement role to include:
Providing advice and guidance to members of the public
Producing written reports to include the writing of statements, maintaining continuity of evidence and preparing legal files
Liaising with other public or professional bodies.
Serving Notices and attending Court Hearings to give evidence.
Providing advice and guidance to members of the public
Producing written reports to include the writing of statements, maintaining continuity of evidence and preparing legal files
Liaising with other public or professional bodies.
Serving Notices and attending Court Hearings to give evidence.
OR, for candidates who do not meet the qualification requirements as outlined above
Be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that they have 2 years’ experience in an enforcement role to include:
Providing advice and guidance to members of the public
Producing written reports to include the writing of statements, maintaining continuity of evidence and preparing legal files
Liaising with other public or professional bodies.
Serving Notices and attending Court Hearings to give evidence.
Providing advice and guidance to members of the public
Producing written reports to include the writing of statements, maintaining continuity of evidence and preparing legal files
Liaising with other public or professional bodies.
Serving Notices and attending Court Hearings to give evidence.
A working knowledge of MS Office packages to include Word, Outlook and Excel
It is essential that applicants hold a full (i.e. not provisional) and current UK driving licence and access to a car or* have access to a means of transport which would enable the applicant to carry out the duties of the post. * Applies only to applicants who have a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act.
Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and a Corporate Member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd adheres to all current employment legislation.
We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date, should we receive sufficient applications. If interested, please send your CV as early as possible.
Please note only those candidates shortlisted may be contacted.
**Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK and Ireland. We are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. **
Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd regardless if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level.