Manager, Dog and Cat Management

Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 860211
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Why work with us

Our purpose is to help South Australians conserve, sustain and prosper. We manage water for the future, respond to climate change, protect native species and look after iconic places like Cleland Wildlife Park, Seal Bay and Naracoorte Caves. Our people are passionate about making a difference, and we'd love you to join us.

About the Role:

Lead the Dog and Cat Management Unit and provide strategic and policy advice to the Dog and Cat Management Board, the Minister and other stakeholders. The role oversees the management of dogs and cats under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, builds partnerships at state and national levels, and drives the delivery of legislative and policy change. It also leads and develops the team and manages the unit's resources, budget and governance, while contributing to strategic direction across the Conservation and Wildlife Branch.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Provide expert advice and strategic direction to the Dog and Cat Management Board, the Minister and stakeholders.
• Lead policy development and legislative change for dog and cat management in SA.
• Build partnerships with key stakeholders at state and national levels.
• Prepare evidence-based reports and briefings for executive leadership, the Board and the Minister.
• Lead and develop the Dog and Cat Management Unit, managing its staff, budget and governance.
• Contribute to strategic direction as part of the Conservation and Wildlife leadership team.

What can we offer you!

• Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia!
• Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
• Hybrid working model with flexible working options including work from home available to promote work life balance.
• Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Access to our Fitness Passport Program.
• Meaningful and rewarding career.

Desirable Qualifications: An appropriate qualification in Business Management, Public Administration or other relevant discipline is desirable.

Special Conditions:

A successful applicant who is not currently employed by the Department for Environment and Water will be required to have an original photo identification document sighted and provide a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) issued within the last 12 months. 

For all other Special Conditions please refer to the attached Position Description.

Remuneration: SS/SM1 - $144,421 max p.a.

Enquiries to:

To learn more about this opportunity, contact Anthony Freebairn, A/Director, via email: Anthony.Freebairn@sa.gov.au.

Contract

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) opportunity, ongoing role.

Application Instructions:

Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA.

Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, current CV and letter of application (max. 3 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria (including qualifications) as outlined in the Role Description.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

Applications close: 01/11/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- SM1 Manager, Dog & Cat Management P01432 - RD.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.