Trainee Animal Care Services

Division/Section: Planning, Environment and Lifestyle / Environmental Health and Regulation  

Position Type: 24 Months Maximum Term Full Time (9 day fortnight, 38 hours/week)

Salary Range: $38,559 - $52,581 per annum + super, based on schooling level completion, years out of school and age upon commencement.

Location: Animal Care and Adoption Centre

Application Close: 11:45pm, Sunday 30th August

Trainee Animal Care Services - Certificate III in Animal Care Services

Are you looking to kick start your career? Obtain a Nationally Recognised Qualification that will give you the skills to take you anywhere! Townsville City Council is currently seeking applications for the 2027 Trainee intake!

Under close supervision, this exciting hands-on traineeship offers the opportunity to build a broad range of animal care skills through a combination of formal study and on-the-job learning. You will play an active role in supporting the Animal Care and Adoption Centre team by providing daily care and basic health support to animals housed at the shelter. You will learn alongside skilled and experienced animal care professionals who are committed to supporting your growth every step of the way.

Best of all, you will gain experience caring for a wide variety of animals — including dogs, cats, birds and pocket pets — making every day different and rewarding.

This position includes completing a two-year Certificate III in Animal Care Services through UQ Skills, giving you nationally recognised qualifications while you learn. For more information about the qualification through UQ Skills, please follow the link below:

Certificate III in Animal Care Services - UQ Skills - University of Queensland

This position will commence in February 2027.

Qualifications and Experience

In an ideal applicant, we are looking for:

• Willingness to be part of, and promote, a positive safety culture whilst adhering to all Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Minimum completed of Year 10 with passes in English and Mathematics.
• Minimum of Queensland C class provisional drivers’ licence (or ability to obtain).
• Sound written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound computer skills.
• Ability to work effectively and be positively involved within a team environment.
• Complete all training and assessment requirements of a Certificate III in Animal Care Services as per the provided training plan. This includes attending and participating in structured formal learning at the nominated Registered Training Organisation (RTO) as well as keeping an accurate and up to date training record book.

For further information review the Position Description. 

Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We’re committed to supporting our people through a strong focus on work–life balance, a positive and inclusive culture, and a shared passion for making a meaningful impact in our community.

We have a range of benefits that confirm this commitment:

• 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading
• 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
• 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Domestic and Family Violence Leave
• Natural Disaster Leave
• Uniforms, tools and PPE provided (if applicable to your role)
• Annual wage progression
• Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Access to a range of learning and development opportunities, including on-the-job learning and formal training programs
• Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected health and wellbeing facilities
• Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
• Employee Assistance Program

* The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.

Contact Person:     Jodie

Contact Email:       ••••@townsville.qld.gov.au (for position enquiries only)

How to Apply

Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. In your resume, please discuss your previous work experience and any certificates/qualifications you have completed.

The recruitment process for this role may include an aptitude test, group assessment centre and/or interview.

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply!

All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact ••••@townsville.qld.gov.au or phone 07 •••• •004 for a confidential discussion.

Townsville City Council sincerely appreciates the funding received through the Queensland Government’s First Start Program initiative, which supports the Council in offering this apprenticeship opportunity.