Animal Health Warden

**Salary**

From £30,024 to £36,363 per annum (Grade G)

**Contractual hours**

37

**Basis**

Full Time

**Package**

Permanent

**Job category/type**

Public Protection

**Date posted**

15/10/2025

**Job reference**

REQ00000848

Are you passionate about animal welfare and public protection? Do you have experience handling dogs and want to make a real difference in your community? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our dedicated team as an **Animal Health Warden**.

**About the Role**

As an Animal Health Warden, you will play a vital role in promoting responsible pet ownership and protecting public health. You’ll be responsible for:

- Seizing and managing stray dogs under Section 149 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990
- Investigating complaints related to dog fouling, dangerous dogs, and microchipping compliance
- Conducting animal licensing inspections (e.g. dog breeders and boarding establishments)
- Promoting responsible ownership through education, publicity campaigns, and community engagement

You’ll work closely with contractors, kennels, and other council teams to ensure effective enforcement and support for animal welfare across the PPP area.

**What We’re Looking For**

We’re seeking someone who is:

- Confident handling all types of dogs, including aggressive ones
- Experienced in dealing with animals professionally
- Skilled in communication, organisation, and investigation
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Comfortable using IT systems and social media for public engagement

You’ll need 5 GCSEs including English and Maths, and ideally hold or be working towards a BTEC Level 3 Certificate in the Licensing of Animal Activities. A full driving licence is essential, and a suitable vehicle will be provided.

**Additional Information**
- This is a public-facing role requiring fluency in spoken English
- An enhanced DBS check is required
- Occasional work outside core hours may be necessary
- You’ll maintain social media accounts and respond to Freedom of Information requests related to animal welfare

**Why Join Us?**

You’ll be part of a forward-thinking, supportive team committed to improving community wellbeing and animal welfare. West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as:

- Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
- Generous Local Government pension scheme
- Family friendly policies
- A range of local discounts
- Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
- A competitive salary
- A collaborative working environment
- Access to a council vehicle for duties
- You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service.

Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career.

Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with Us

**Equal Opportunities**

**How to apply**

This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.