Tessa Lucas

Full-Time | Holder of Prescribed Authority under POCTA Act 1979 (NSW)

• Investigate complex and routine animal cruelty complaints across a large regional area under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTA), issuing cautions, infringements, and preparing prosecutions as required.
• Enforce legislation, regulations, and Codes of Practice; gather admissible evidence and prepare comprehensive Briefs of Evidence for court proceedings.
• Conduct routine inspections of animal-related businesses (e.g., breeders, pet shops, rodeos) to ensure compliance.
• Mentor and support junior Inspectors; provide field training and advice on complex matters.
• Deliver public education and presentations to schools, NSW Police, and community organisations on animal welfare and POCTA legislation.
• Respond to emergency animal rescues, often working independently in high-risk or remote environments; liaise with Police, Fire & Rescue, and vets.
• Manage competing priorities during on-call shifts across southern NSW, demonstrating excellent time management and crisis decision-making.
• Skilled in handling a wide range of species, including aggressive or injured animals; experienced in humane euthanasia and emergency care decisions.
• Proficient in Animalos, SharePoint, Concur, Kronos, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong focus on safety, WHS protocols, and de-escalation techniques in high-conflict situations.

Animal Ambulance/Transport Officer – RSPCA NSW, Sydney Shelter
January 2018 – November 2018 (Full-time)

• Responded to urgent animal rescue and transport cases, including injured strays (e.g. hit by cars) and animals seized by Inspectors.
• Assessed and prioritised jobs by urgency; safely captured and transported animals to shelters, clinics, and foster locations.
• Supported large-scale operations and Inspectorate cases by providing logistics and transport for seized and injured animals.
• Part of the Drives for Lives team, transferring animals between shelters, veterinary clinics, Petbarn locations, and airports.
• Handled animals in high-stress, fight-or-flight situations using expert behaviour assessment and safe handling techniques.
• Set humane cat traps and followed relevant welfare protocols.
• Maintained detailed records of daily activity, animal pickups, and complaint logging.
• Applied working knowledge of POCTA Act 1979 to ensure legal and ethical handling of animals.
• Delivered compassionate, professional customer service when dealing with distressed members of the public.
• Operated independently while liaising with Inspectors and team leaders; ensured vehicle readiness and equipment maintenance.

Animal Technician – NSW Health Service SLHD (National Baboon Colony)
March 2016 – December 2017 (Part-time)

• Provided daily husbandry and enrichment for 100+ Hamadryas Baboons, ensuring high standards of animal welfare.
• Assisted with veterinary care and research procedures, including vaccinations, birth control, worming, and annual health checks.
• Monitored animal health and behaviour, reporting abnormalities, injuries, or illness promptly.
• Performed facility maintenance (e.g., repairing enclosures, adjusting perches, water systems) and general cleaning tasks.
• Transported biological samples, managed deliveries, and supported veterinary teams during studies.
• Worked independently with a strong focus on WH&S protocols and ethical animal handling practices.

Customer Service Consultant / Animal Transport Officer / Contact Centre Representative / Retail Assistant
RSPCA NSW, Sydney Shelter
June 2015 – December 2017 (Part-time)

• Worked flexibly across four departments, supporting shelter operations in customer service, animal transport, call centre, and retail.
• Customer Service Consultant: Processed animal admissions and outcomes (surrenders, strays, adoptions, reclaims); maintained accurate records in ShelterMate; assisted vets and staff with animal handling and medication.
• Animal Transport Officer: Responded to urgent calls for injured animals; drove ambulance vans and safely transported animals to clinics and shelters using expert handling skills.
• Contact Centre Representative: Handled statewide calls, triaged cruelty complaints under POCTA legislation, and lodged reports; responded to general public enquiries.
• Retail Assistant: Provided customer service in the on-site retail shop, assisting with sales of RSPCA merchandise and pet products.