Barking Advisor

• Resolve barking complaints through education, enforcement and community safety
• Apply Dog Control Act and animal welfare legislation to protect public safety
• Work Monday to Friday in a permanent full time role based at Manukau Office

 
He angitūtanga: The Opportunity
We have an exciting opportunity for a Barking Advisor to join Auckland Council’s Licensing & Compliance team on a permanent, full-time basis (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday), based at our Manukau Office.

In this role, you will be responsible for implementing and enforcing the Dog Control Act 1996 and related legislation across Auckland. You’ll play a key role in protecting public safety, resolving nuisance barking issues, promoting responsible dog ownership, and increasing community awareness and compliance.

You will carry out Council’s statutory and regulatory obligations under the Dog Control Act 1996, Animal Welfare Act, and other relevant legislation including the Noise Control Act and Privacy Act, contributing to positive outcomes for our communities, customers, and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Demonstrating and adhering to the principles of Our Charter, setting out expectations for conduct at Auckland Council
• Providing excellent, fair, and unbiased customer service to both complainants and dog owners
• Resolving conflict and negotiating outcomes between parties, while retaining Council’s discretion to prosecute offenders
• Driving behaviour change through education, proactive monitoring, and community engagement
• Conducting research and consultation to support effective compliance advice and action plans
• Investigating incidents, analysing information, and completing documentation to support warnings, infringements, and prosecutions
• Representing Auckland Council in court proceedings and regulatory hearings
• Accurately entering and maintaining customer interactions and case information in Council systems
• Identifying and recommending process and system improvements
• Providing advice and education to dog owners to abate nuisance barking
• Applying sound judgement using legislation, bylaws, assessment techniques, and problem-solving skills

Success in this role means delivering practical, fair outcomes that reduce barking-related issues, improve public safety, and promote responsible dog ownership. You’ll balance education and enforcement to support compliant communities while ensuring Auckland Council meets its obligations under the Dog Control Act and related legislation.
 
He kōrero mōu:  About You
You are a confident, customer-focused professional with a strong interest in animal management and regulatory compliance. You bring sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to manage challenging situations while delivering positive outcomes.

You will also have:

• A good understanding of dog and animal behaviour
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills
• The ability to interpret and apply legislation in real-world situations
• Excellent analytical, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proven conflict management and resolution capabilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Job requirements:

• National Diploma in Animal Management or a relevant regulatory discipline
• National Certificate in Regulatory Compliance
• A minimum of two years’ experience in a customer service, regulatory, or enforcement environment
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of dog behaviour

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou:  What We Offer
At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.
As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

 
Me Tono Ināianei! Apply now!
Salary ranges from $65,000 and $77,000 plus KiwiSaver and benefits.
Find a copy of the position description here
Applications close 24 April 2026.
 

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.