Careers

The role

AWL NSW is establishing regional walk-in centres that will serve as a presence in local areas for public engagement. Directed by the Inspectorate and working closely with our Branch network, the Regional Coordinator will be the face of the regional walk-in centre and first point of contact. The Regional Coordinator will be the office manager for the regional centre, will coordinate public enquiries and will educate people on animal care and welfare and relevant legislation and regulations, such as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulation 2012 and associated Codes of Practice. We are seeking an independent self-starter able to work under their own initiative, with a keen interest in animal welfare and a strong customer service mindset. This is a stand-alone role, with management direction from our Head Office in Western Sydney. This is a 3 day a week part time role, initially on a two-year fixed term contract, with the potential for permanency.

Your main responsibilities include:

Office Management

• Operate reception responding to enquiries via walk-ins, phone-calls and emails.
• Assess the enquiry type, provide relevant and legislatively sound advice where possible or refer to the relevant expert within AWL NSW.
• Make referrals and connections to appropriate services within AWL NSW or externally as appropriate.
• Handle office administration effectively.
• Coordinate with the Branches and Regional Inspector to best utilise office space.
• Promote the regional centre and AWL NSW services in the local area to generate workflow.
• Undertake admin activities in support of the Inspectorate and Branches, where capacity is available.

Inspectorate

• Working closely with the Regional Inspectors and under the guidance of the Inspectorate Manager, this role promotes the presence and services of the Inspectorate in the region.
• Notifies the Inspectorate Administrator of Animal Cruelty Cases, for logging and allocation to Inspectors.
• Educates the community on looking after animals in their care.
• Coordinates with the Regional Inspector for the rescue or removal of animals in immediate or potential risk and makes arrangements to accommodate them within AWL Shelters.
• Co-ordinates, implements and oversees special projects as required.

Branch Interface

• Coordinate with the local Branch presidents on opportunities to promote AWL NSW presence in the region.
• Support the Branch Committee to utilise the Regional Centre as appropriate.
• Assist with the adoption of animals where appropriate.
• Support the arrangement of transportation of animals to the AWL NSW Shelter(s).

Experience and Qualifications:

• Certificate II in Animal Care or equivalent/related qualification is highly desirable
• Experience in the Animal Care industry is essential
• Reception, Office Management and/or administration experience is essential
• Experience specifically in the Animal Welfare sector, is highly desirable

Skills and Experience:

• Strong people and communication skills
• Ability and desire to provide quality customer service
• Well-developed interpersonal skills
• Good time management skills and the ability to work well under own initiative
• Self-motivated and self-disciplined
• Able to work independently as well as an effective team member
• Ability to engage and influence a variety of different people
• A good working knowledge of the appropriate legislation including (but not limited to) Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Companion Animals Act and Codes of Practice
• Ability to effectively give advice and educate the public on animal welfare issues
• Affinity with and knowledge of animals, both large and small
• Must have sound computer skills including the use of email, internet and Microsoft Office applications

The Opportunity

As a key member of our passionate shelter services team, the Foster Care Coordinator – Cats will work in collaboration with the Shelter Managers and other key departments within AWL NSW, and will play a pivotal role in sustaining and growing a highly skilled volunteer foster care network. Your work will ensure that animal welfare outcomes are met and enhanced through the effective use of foster carers. This hands-on role is essential for efficiently progressing animals through our centre, reducing their time in care, and maximising their well-being through fostering. Your role will involve building strong relationships and networking with other facilities and customers to effectively promote the rehoming of animals from AWL NSW Kemps Creek shelter.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to

• Recruit, train, and support foster carers
• Develop and deliver training materials and procedures
• Conduct vetting, home inspections (as required), and match foster carers with suitable animals
• Coordinate the transfer of animals from shelters to foster carers and ensure their well-being
• Maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and manage data
• Collaborate with Shelter and Veterinary teams to assess and meet the needs of foster animals
• Work with the Marketing team & other relevant teams to maximise opportunities via social media to promote animals for adoption
• Develop and maintain relationships with AWL NSW Branch members and other third parties
• Ensure compliance with WHS policies and procedures
• Implement and support behaviour modification programs (as required) post-adoption
• Some on call support may be required to support Foster Carers out of hours. This is typically only for urgent support needs and will be compensated by an on call allowance.

Why You’ll Love It Here

At AWL NSW, we offer competitive pay and benefits, including access to an Employee Assistance Program, retail discounts, and professional development opportunities. Every day, you’ll play a vital role in our lifesaving work. Our mission is to empower our team members, fostering a culture where meaningful work is recognised and valued.

What we’re looking for

• Relevant qualifications &/or extensive experience in animal care, shelters, or rehoming organisations (Certificate III in Animal Care or equivalent).
• Desirable: Strong background in training program development, operations, and project management.
• Intermediate skills in MS Office and experience working in a collaborative team environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Deep knowledge and compassion for animals
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, with an eye for detail

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of animals and the people who care for them. If you are passionate about animal welfare and have the skills and experience to contribute to our foster care program, we would love to hear from you. If you’re ready to make a significant impact, join our compassionate and skilled team! Please submit a cover letter detailing why you’re a great fit for this role, along with your resume highlighting your experience and qualifications.

Note: You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia to be considered.

AWL NSW is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.