This role involves daily animal husbandry and monitoring within a quarantine environment. You’ll feed, water, clean, and observe cats, dogs, and horses, move crates and animals safely, record health and care information, and assist with loading and unloading and general facility upkeep. It’s a hands‑on, physically demanding role that requires attention to biosecurity and precise record‑keeping.
Role Specifications
| Job Title | Animal Kennel Attendant |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Number | VN-0768386 |
| Position Number | 2026/629 |
| Classification | APS Level 3 |
| Salary | $71,290 – $79,747 |
| Job Type | Part-Time, Ongoing; Non-Ongoing |
| Primary Locations | Mickleham VIC |
| Future Merit Locations | Mickleham |
| Office Arrangement | On Site |
| Office Arrangement Details | On Site |
| Closing Date | Monday 13 April 2026 |
| Agency Website | https://www.agriculture.gov.au |
About the Opportunity
The Post-Entry Quarantine Group (PEQ) manages the quarantine of high‑risk plants and animals at the Mickleham Facility, safeguarding health and welfare during quarantine. You’ll play a vital part in biosecurity risk management by caring for animals, helping with crate management, kitchen and laundry duties, and supporting other commodities as required. The work supports safe introductions of animals into Australia while protecting trade, the economy, and the environment. You’ll operate in a collaborative, science‑driven environment that values accuracy, discipline, and teamwork, with opportunities to work across multiple commodities and with veterinary staff.
We’re committed to protecting Australia’s plant health and animal welfare through practical biosecurity measures and clear, well‑communicated procedures. If you’re motivated by hands‑on, meaningful public service work and you want to contribute to national biosecurity, this role offers a solid path to develop core operational skills within a respected APS division.
Duties (What You Will Do)
| Key Responsibilities | Specific Tasks |
|---|---|
| Daily animal care | Feeding, watering, cleaning, observation of health and wellbeing |
| Medication and veterinary support | Prepare food and administer medication per owner instructions and veterinary guidance |
| Facility hygiene | Cleaning, disinfection, pen preparation to meet biosecurity standards |
| Animal handling | Safely moving animals between pens, yards, veterinary rooms and transport; crate management |
| Documentation | Record wellbeing, food intake, toileting and treatment; complete daily checklists |
| Incident reporting | Identify and escalate health, behaviour or biosecurity concerns to Biosecurity Officers |
| Operational support | Crate management, kitchen and laundry duties, stock replenishment, facility upkeep |
| Vehicle duties | Drive departmental vehicles; assist with loading/unloading animals and equipment |
| Cross‑commodity duties | Assist with cleaning/preparation across other PEQ commodities as required |
About You (Eligibility)
- Sound knowledge of animal husbandry and ability to recognise signs of illness and infectious diseases
- Experience with cleaning and disinfection procedures in regulated environments
- Strong attention to detail in routine records and checklists
- Understanding of biosecurity and quarantine principles
- Effective communication with diverse teams, supervisors and veterinary officers
- Ability to follow established PEQ procedures and relevant biosecurity legislation
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as cleaning, crate movement and storage
- Ability to identify and report risks related to biosecurity, animal welfare and WHS
- Must obtain and maintain an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) or MSIC
- Must hold a valid Australian driver’s licence and meet physical requirements
- Willingness to wear PPE and comply with WHS policies
- May be required to complete PrEP rabies vaccination funded by the department
- May be required to drive a light rigid vehicle for animal collection
Important Information for Applicants
This role is advertised under the APS RecruitAbility framework. You can opt to participate in extra assessment if you declare a disability and meet the minimum requirements. VetPaths support is available for veterans transitioning to APS careers. For more details see the APS RecruitAbility and VetPaths information linked in the vacancy notes. Note: the posting does not specify citizenship requirements beyond APS standards; most APS roles require eligibility to work in Australia.
Direct Answer
Regarding the keyword: jobs in australia for foreigners. The vacancy does not state citizenship requirements explicitly. As with most APS roles, eligibility to work in Australia is required. If you are not an Australian citizen, you would need the appropriate visa or work eligibility as recognised by the Australian Public Service. If you’re unsure about your status, you should contact the advertised Agency Recruitment Site for clarification.
Additional Information
Diversity & Inclusion
The agency supports diversity and inclusion in recruitment and encourages applications from a broad range of backgrounds.
RecruitAbility
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. You may be invited to participate in further assessment if you apply under this scheme and meet the minimum requirements.
Future Merit Pools
The merit pool may be used to fill future ongoing vacancies of a similar nature for up to eighteen months from the advertisement date.
How to Apply
| Contact Officer | Kylie Sineps, 0419 808 483 |
|---|---|
| Candidate Kit | Candidate Kit link |
| Application Portal | Agency Recruitment Site |