Making a difference to region’s animals
RSPCA inspectors usually come to the organisation with a diverse range of qualifications including experience in law and local government, zoology, natural and veterinary sciences, animal husbandry and agriculture. In general, inspectors must have appropriate tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience. Knowledge of animals and handling as well as investigative skills are crucial. Various courses are offered in these areas through TAFE and other institutions. Because RSPCA inspectors do not usually need tertiary qualifications to do their jobs, most continuing professional development is gained by work experience in different regions or areas of interest. Inspectors may be posted anywhere in the state and are required to be available for after hours emergencies as well as rostered weekends. Vacancies do not arise often. Jobs for inspectors are advertised on the RSPCA website. ALICIA NALLY
“I always had an interest in animals,” Mr Harvey said.
“I did not do any courses to get this job but I’ve got a fair bit of experience within the industry. A lot of the position is dealing with the public and trying to educate people in what we do and sort of point them in the right direction if possible.
“It’s a very rewarding job when we can rehabilitate the animals and see them go into a new home.”
Mr Harvey’s job takes in a variety of tasks.
“There is the care centre side of things, where animals come in and we rescue them from all sorts of circumstances,” he said.
“Then there are fundraisers, which are great to get the public and like-minded people together. We also assist with animal transfers within the organisation and the annual adoption day in Brisbane.
“It’s a good feeling knowing we’re making a difference.”
But any role at the RSPCA comes with a downside.
Officers sometimes have to deal with humans who have inflicted incredible pain and neglect upon animals.
“It is hard to think how can anyone do this to an animal,” Mr Harvey said.
“It’s extremely frustrating, especially the repetitive behaviour, and what I mean by that is the amount of dogs and cats abandoned.
“That is a disappointing aspect but most people have a heart and they treat animals like we do.”