Community Support Officer / Christchurch, Ashburton

Community Support Officer / Christchurch, AshburtonPosted : 01 / 10 / 2025Closing Date : 15 / 10 / 2025Job Type : Permanent - Full TimeLocation : AshburtonJob Category : Animal Welfare,Customer ServiceABOUT USThe SPCA helps protect over 30,000 animals every year.

By rescuing, rehabilitating, sheltering and advocating for animals, we are directly improving their lives.

Our Animal Services teams run our 28 Centres, from Kerikeri to Invercargill and they are essential in us being able to do the work we do.Job DescriptionABOUT THE TEAMOur Centre's are working hard rescuing, caring for and rehoming animals in need.

They are the face of the SPCA in their communities, working to create real and sustainable change for the wellbeing of animals.

The Centre's are run by a bunch of passionate people, from Centre Managers to Animal Attendants, who prioritise animal welfare and community connection.ABOUT THE ROLEWe have an exciting opportunity for a Community Support Officer to join our Animal Services team.This role is -Permanent, full timeBased in Ashburton (supported by our Centresin Christchurch and Timaru)In this role you get to see the best and the worst.

It is a rewarding, fulfilled, and essential role, as well as demanding, heartbreaking and physical.

It takes a special kind of person to do this role but what you get back can really fill your cup.You will work with community stakeholders and veterinary partners, to provide a positive physical and visible presence representing the SPCA in local communities.You will actively engage, organise and participate in animal welfare related events, tasks and activities.You will be operationally focused by responding to enquiries from the public - face to face, over the phone and via email in a helpful, timely and professional manner.

You will be handling animals – emergency, husbandry, hygiene.

You will be the hub, the oracle, the primary person for our animal ambulance and centre-related dispatches.You will have an education and brand focus where you drive education and awareness of pet ownership and animal welfare.

You will supervise volunteers with safety, support and wellbeing at the core of your approach.Along with an administrative focus this is a broad and busy role.ABOUT YOUYou're an animal advocate, you are passionate about animal welfare, care and education.

Our vision, purpose and values resonate with you and you have a love for working with both humans and animals.You will also have –Animal handling experience and knowledgeExperience working with volunteers and increasing volunteer and foster numbers and capabilityInfluencing and conflict management skillsStrong communication and customer service skills, including public speakingThe ability to think on your feetA positive and friendly approach to customers, animals and team membersHigh empathy and resilienceExperience working in a busy environment where multitasking is keyExperience working with the community in a customer facing roleOUR PURRKSOur team is full of passionate, purpose-driven people who love animals and want to make the world a kinder and more compassionate place.

Some other purrks include –To be a part of the greater good – to have the privilege of making a difference to the welfare of animals across New ZealandConsistent support and an opportunity to continue to learnOpportunity to bring fresh thinking and new ideas to get involved in projects that can build on the solid foundation that we haveTo work with like minded peopleA paid day off on your birthdayOn site parking availableHOW TO APPLYFor more information about impressive work we do and the impact we have here at the SPCA click here.

For the job description click here.If you are ready to be part of something amazing, APPLY NOW – we can't wait to see your application!

Applications for this role may be reviewed as they are received so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!

We have a diverse, inclusive and values driven culture at SPCA.

We value a diverse work environment because teams are stronger with different perspectives and experiences, so we welcome people from all walks of life to apply.All applicants must possess the legal right to work in New Zealand, either as a New Zealand or Australian Citizen or by holding a valid working visa.Simply click Apply and complete our simple online application process

Please contact

• if you have any additional questions.
• Only applications submitted through the official process will be considered.

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