Purpose of Role
Reporting to the Breeding Supervisor, this role holds the responsibility of supporting the day-to-day running of our Breeding Programme. The postholder is responsible for the coordination of breeding volunteers and will actively support the Breeding Supervisor with recruitment and training of volunteers.
Key Responsibilities
* Understand the scientific approach to mating and selection for the Breeding Programme. Support the day-to-day running of the programme, including matings, pregnant stock, pups-in-the-nest, placements administration, regular contact, etc.
* Support with recruitment processing for volunteers for our Breeding Programme.
* Support with the placement of stock on the programme. Responsible for ensuring stock is healthy and coordinating stock for matings.
* Effective management of necessary veterinary health records/check-ups and treatments including administration and data entry. Ensure monthly check-in calls and effective reporting to Breeding Supervisor.
* Communicate with Puppy Raisers regarding the placement of potential breeding stock dogs and communicate litter outcomes to breeding dog volunteers and private breeders.
* Support the breeding colony development, quality, and growth to deliver the pup supply required to meet the charity’s partnership numbers.
* Investigate complaints relating to breeding dogs within a reasonable timeframe and take appropriate action under the direction of the Breeding Supervisor.
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for the breeding colony and report monthly key metrics (health records, season tracking, whelps, and International Working Dog Registry (IWDR) data).
* Be available to travel nationally and internationally to collect puppies and dogs.
* Drive a continuous improvement mindset.
* Liaise with Technical, Breeding, Client Services, and Puppy Raising teams around health and welfare of dogs, providing advice and assistance as needed.
* Work as part of the team to deliver joint objectives including but not limited to rehoming, breeding, and animal welfare work.
In addition to these key accountabilities, you may also have ownership for one or more key processes that will be communicated to you via your manager and/or the Performance Management framework.
You may 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 that arise.
All employees are expected to comply with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind terms and conditions, rules, policies, procedures, codes of conduct, quality standards, authorisation processes, risk management policies, etc., and any relevant external regulations.
Values and Behaviours
IGDB places great emphasis on how people get the job done. For example, we need people who are passionate about enabling people who are vision-impaired and families of children with autism to lead better lives and become more mobile and independent. Employees are expected to achieve these standards to fully meet the expectations of their role.
* Respect: Treats clients, colleagues, and volunteers with equal respect. Is open-minded and tolerant of different views.
* Teamwork: Supports a team environment that promotes wellbeing and maximises personal effectiveness. Communicates clearly and effectively with others. Strives to be supportive, consistent, and professional with clients, colleagues, and volunteers.
* Optimism: Is solution-focused and looks to bring a positive attitude to challenges. Celebrates wins and encourages others to do the same. Does not fear failure – believes we can all learn lessons for the next time together.
* Conscientiousness: Takes pride in what is done and how it is done. Always presents a professional and capable manner in all tasks that are completed. Has a clarity of purpose, sets a good example for others. Is accountable for what is done and takes ownership for achievement.
* Integrity: Leads by example. Is fair and consistent when working with clients, colleagues, and volunteers. Takes ownership of achievements and responsibility for failure.
* Excellence: Strives to continuously improve own performance.
Person Specification
Essential
* Experience of veterinary nursing and registered with the Veterinary Council of Ireland.
* Certificate in Animal Welfare, Dog Handling, or equivalent.
* Able to demonstrate aptitude for dog handling/training.
* Proven track record for consistently meeting and exceeding goals and delivering a superior level of job performance.
* Excellent planning and organisational skills.
* Excellent administrative skills.
* Time management and experience multi-tasking across concurrent projects.
* Excellent verbal, written presentation/IT skills and communication skills.
* Ability to achieve results working collaboratively and independently.
* Proven interpersonal and communication skills to communicate effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
Desirable
* Evidence of continued professional development to enhance knowledge and experience relevant to the role.
* Administration experience delivering excellent client service.
* An ability to influence and train others.
* Experience working directly with volunteers.
Special Conditions
* Full clean driving licence essential.
* Must be eligible to work in Ireland and EU.
* Subject to full Garda vetting.
To apply, please send the below information to Recruitment@GuideDogs.ie
* Up-to-date CV
* Cover letter highlighting your specific areas of interest and skill sets
The closing date for applications is 30.10.2024.
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 30/10/2024
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