Postcode:
Resident:
Employed:
An Animal Management Officer works with animals that have been lost, abandoned or mistreated. You’ll usually work for a local council and you may have to find and catch animals that are behaving dangerously or that are not properly restrained. Animal Management Officers also enforce local animal laws and investigate reported breaches. You may have to prepare reports on animal care cases and provide evidence when cases go to court.
Animal Management Officers need good investigative skills and also carry out a range of administrative duties. You’ll need to be good with animals and be skilled in techniques for handling aggressive animals. Animal Management Officers work as part of a larger team so you’ll need to be a good communicator. You may have to work a range of shifts including weekends and public holidays.
There are 5 courses available for people who want to become an Animal Management Officer.
Possible job outcomes:
The Bachelor of Animal Science enhances understanding and skills in animal production, management, and welfare, encompassing both domestic and wildlife species. This course opens pathways to various careers across Australia and globally, including animal production enterprises, ancillary industries, educational or advisory roles, research laboratories, fieldwork, and management and conservation in diverse habitats and organisations. It prepares students for a multitude of opportunities in the animal science field, catering to a broad range of interests and career goals. .
Average duration: 42 months.
The Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour) offers an understanding of the societal and ethical contexts of conservation biology, animal behaviour, and animal welfare. This degree provides training in retrieving, analysing, and evaluating information pertinent to animal behaviour. It also focuses on effectively communicating this information to diverse audiences. This course is ideal for those seeking to gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in animal behaviour within the broader framework of conservation and ethical considerations. .
Average duration: 3 years.
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Animal Science) offers an in-depth exploration of animal biology, physiology, and behaviour. Students will gain comprehensive knowledge of animal health, genetics, and nutrition, underpinning sustainable and humane animal management practices. Through rigorous academic study and hands-on research opportunities, this course prepares graduates for careers in animal-related industries, research, or further academic pursuits, ensuring a holistic understanding of animal systems and welfare..
Average duration: 12 months.
The Bachelor of Science (Animal Science) provides an in-depth understanding of animal behaviour, health, welfare, nutrition, production, reproduction, and human-animal interactions. Students gain hands-on experience with diverse animal facilities, from reptiles and native mammals to sheep and cattle, and collaboration with wildlife parks, zoos, and farms. As human-animal interactions grow, especially in companionship and food production, graduates are poised for diverse careers including animal welfare officer, life scientist, quarantine officer, and roles in research, teaching, and government sectors..
Get a job in animal care with the ACM40222 Certificate IV in Animal Facility Management. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to oversee animal welfare at boarding kennels, breeding facilities, zoos, and wildlife parks and has specialisations in companion animal facilities, wildlife and exhibited animals, and general domestic care. Competencies include: maintaining site work health and safety, implementing animal welfare programs, overseeing site biosecurity and infection controls when working with animals, developing animal enrichment strategies, and much more. Enquire now for the list of entry requirements, animal industry career outcomes, and enrolment opportunities near you that offer this qualification..
In Australia, a full time Animal Management Officer generally earns $1,050 per week ($54,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people working in this industry is expected to increase over the next five years. There are currently 16,500 people employed as an animal attendant in Australia and many of them work as Animal Management Officers. Opportunities for Animal Management Officers can be found in all areas of Australia.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal – 2019 Occupation Projections
If you’re planning a career as an Animal Management Officer, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Animal Control and Regulation. This course addresses topics relevant to an animal management career such as seizing, impounding and euthanising animals.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within animal control and regulation. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Animal Control and Regulation
Animal Shelter Attendant
$960 weekly pay
Animal Control Officer
$1,050 weekly pay
Animal Management Officer
Animal Shelter Manager
Wildlife Management Officer
$1,250 weekly pay
Learn more about Animal Management Officer courses in your area.