Who we are:
The City of Salisbury during a dynamic time of growth and transformation. We are focused on facilitating projects and initiatives that create a progressive, sustainable, and connected community, including a $200 million redevelopment of our City Centre. Be part of the team shaping Salisbury’s future as a vibrant hub to live, work, and play.
With over 30 suburbs spanning 158.1 km2 and home to 148,000 people, the City of Salisbury is the second most populated local government in metropolitan Adelaide and the fourth largest local government, making it one of the most significant Council areas in South Australia.
The Community Compliance team plays a vital role in supporting community safety, animal welfare, and responsible pet ownership. Our division oversees the operations of the Salisbury Pound, ensuring high standards of care for impounded animals and working closely with residents, volunteers, and partner organisations to achieve positive rehoming outcomes. We are a dedicated team that combines professionalism with compassion, striving to deliver services that protect both the community and the wellbeing of every animal in our care.
About the role:
As the Pound Coordinator, you will play a vital role in overseeing the daily operations of the City of Salisbury Pound, ensuring the welfare, safety, and rehoming of impounded dogs. This hands-on role involves coordinating care, monitoring health and behaviour, and facilitating adoptions and foster arrangements. You will also build strong partnerships with rescue groups, foster carers, veterinarians, and other agencies to give every dog the best chance at a new home. This position is both operational and community-focused, requiring a passion for animal welfare, excellent coordination skills, and the ability to manage the pound’s day-to-day needs effectively.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure the care, comfort, enrichment, and exercise of all dogs housed at the pound.
- Monitor the health and welfare of dogs, arranging veterinary care, microchipping, desexing, and behavioural testing as required.
- Coordinate and facilitate adoptions and foster placements, including developing dog bios, advertising, assessing applications, and facilitating introductions.
- Build and maintain relationships with external agencies, rescue organisations, and the foster carer network to support successful rehoming outcomes.
- Support and coordinate the City of Salisbury foster carer program in conjunction with the Volunteer Coordinator.
- Maintain accurate records of impounding’s, adoptions, fosters, and releases in accordance with records management requirements.
- Ensure pound facilities are adequately stocked with supplies, managing purchasing within delegated financial authority.
- Liaise with Community Compliance Officers, Inspectors, and external agencies to ensure pound operations are compliant and efficient.
- Uphold animal welfare standards and ensure compliance with the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.
- Promote a positive image of Council through professional, compassionate, and efficient service delivery.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- Experience in animal handling, care, and welfare, ideally within a pound or shelter environment.
- Knowledge of dog behaviour and rehoming practices, with the ability to assess suitability for adoption or foster.
- Strong coordination and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with staff, volunteers, foster carers, rescue organisations, and the public.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and follow operational procedures.
- Sound understanding of relevant legislation, including the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.
- Qualifications in animal handling, animal welfare, or pound/shelter management (desirable).
- Flexibility to work weekends and after-hours as required.
Why join us?
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Employees at City of Salisbury enjoy a robust benefits package including health and wellness programs designed to support your overall well-being including skin checks, health seminars, flu vaccinations and free access to counselling sessions for you or your immediate family through our Employee Assistance Programs.
- Professional Development Opportunities: The City prioritises continuous learning and career growth, offering employees access to training workshops, seminars, study leave, and tuition reimbursement programs to enhance your skills and expertise.
- Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Recognising the importance of work-life balance, City of Salisbury promotes flexible work arrangements and generous leave policies, flexi-time and opportunities to purchase additional annual leave.
- Inclusive and Supportive Workplace Culture: Diversity and inclusivity are core values at City of Salisbury, fostering a supportive environment where all employees are valued and respected.
- Community Engagement: Employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through various community engagement initiatives supported by the City of Salisbury.
These outstanding working conditions reflect City of Salisbury's commitment to attracting and retaining top talent, promoting employee well-being, and fostering a positive and productive work environment.
If you are passionate about animal welfare, thrive in a hands-on and community-focused role, and have the skills to coordinate pound operations to the highest standard, we want to hear from you.
Apply today and help give every dog the best chance at a brighter future!
Further enquiries can be made to John Darzanos on 08 8406 8240.
Applications close on 7th September 2025
