Job Title: Dog Care Supervisor
We are seeking an experienced Dog Care Supervisor to join our team at a well-known not-for-profit organisation based in Cork.
About the Role:
This is a full-time, permanent position that requires local and national travel. The successful candidate will have a background in dog handling, veterinary nursing or animal welfare.
The role reports to the Dog Care and Breeding Manager and involves supporting the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers, as well as day-to-day operations of the Dog Care and Welfare Team.
The team's primary goal is to ensure the mental and physical welfare needs of dogs in training are being met.
Key Responsibilities:
* Recruit, train, mentor, and coach the Dog Care and Welfare team to ensure high-quality care and effective staff onboarding and training.
* Ensure the five welfare domains are met for all dogs (nutrition, environment, health, mental state, behaviour).
* Conduct regular performance management and staff training activities within the team.
* Provide expertise and knowledge in relation to diagnosis and treatment of the dogs, ensuring timely medical interventions via external veterinary partners.
* Identify and address temperamental or behavioural issues in dogs, collaborating with staff to implement modification plans.
* Maintain and improve welfare standards through robust cleaning protocols, disease control, and regular process evaluations.
* Manage logistics, rostering, stock, and supplies and oversee accurate record-keeping.
* Provide scheduled welfare and operational reports to management, and document incidents in line with health and safety policies.
* Prepare dogs for training programs, support interdepartmental training, and contribute to broader organisational needs as required.
* Propose and implement changes to improve departmental efficiency, infection control, and overall welfare outcomes.
Requirements:
* Veterinary nursing or animal care qualification and experience.
* Experience supporting canine welfare and a good working knowledge of up-to-date ethics and practices.
* Excellent people management skills, including coaching and teaching.
* Resilient, optimistic and positive attitude.
* Experience working with service dogs and their users is desirable.
* Full clean driving licence is essential.
* You will be required to be on call outside of normal business hours which may include coming on site to deal with any breeding or dog-related issues which arise.
What We Offer:
This is an exciting opportunity to work with a dedicated team who are passionate about improving the lives of dogs in training.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.