Kennel Technician
Application Form
Dogs for the Disabled is a National Registered Charity, located in Co. Cork, set up in 2007 to provide Assistance Dogs free of charge, to children and adults living with physical disabilities.
We do not overlap services with other organisations and provide a unique service across Ireland.
We are driven by our belief in a better world for our clients, a world where they are active members of society and not limited by their disability and we do this through the provision of our multi-talented assistance dogs. For our clients, the feeling of not always having to ask other people for help with simple everyday tasks is empowering, developing confidence and allows for the persons true gifts to shine through.
Our dogs are ethically bred and trained to perform tasks such as opening/closing doors, retrieving dropped items, assisting with daily chores, sending for help and assisting children with walking difficulties to walk.
Position Summary
Position Title:
Kennel Technician
Position Type:
Kennel Technicians are responsible for the daily care of all dogs at Dogs for Disabled Head Office. This position conducts proper cleaning and disinfecting of all rooms to provide a healthy environment for our dogs. The Kennel team provides our dogs with love, compassion, daily exercise and enrichment. Cork based.
Full time (35 hours)
(9am – 5pm) with 1 hour for lunch. Please note that these hours may be adjusted depending on the needs of the charity.
This position will require working occasional weekends, holidays, and being open to working additional shifts on an as-needed basis.
Essential:
Low-stress Handling with some training experience an advantage
Good Time Management
Decision Making
Accountability
Excellent interpersonal skills
Physically fit and in good health
Computer skills
Full Clean Driving Licence
Dog Handling, Welfare & Care Responsibilities
To thoroughly clean and disinfect all dog kennel rooms on a daily basis. Responsible for daily feeding and monitoring eating habits of all dogs
To observe dog appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, injury or stress
Report signs of illness, injury, stress or unusual activity
To monitor Burns food supplies and cleaning supplies and place orders as required.
To utilise low-stress handling skills to provide a safe and friendly environment for the dogs at DFD HQ
To groom and provide tender care to all our dogs
Exercise all dogs aooropriately and to provide enrichment
Perform needed cleaning and maintenance of all equipment and tools used in job assignments
Properly stock and organise all kennel rooms and volunteer work rooms
Make sure crates and dogs are properly identified throughout the kennel area
Wash and dry towels and blankets
Wash and sterilise water and food bowls
Patrol HQ grounds daily, picking up any rubbish and fecal material
Maintain equipment used to complete job assignments and keeping such equipment and tools in good working condition.
Notifying management at to major repairs needed or new equipment necessary to adequately complete assignments.
Keep equipment and tools put away in proper storage areas and ensure they are properly labeled according to specified room
Communication between all departments in regards to overall dog health and well-being.
Drive company vehicle to transport dogs or other needs of the Organisation.
Work Environment
This job operates in dog kennels and surrounding areas.
The location is a non-smoking environment.
Every effort is made to ensure calmness and quietness within this environment, to reduce stress in the dogs.
Physical Demands
This job is physically demanding and requires the applicant to be physically fit and able bodied, as the dogs in HQ are young and full of life and often very strong on the lead at the commencement of training. Confidence is also an important factor in successfully managing a group of training dogs. The job involves a lot of time on your feet and huge amounts of walking. At times it is a very sociable position however the person must be able to work alone for long stretches of time to develop the dog’s individual skills.
The employee must be able to assist with dog food deliveries and assist where required around the office during busy periods. The employee will work in proximity to cleaning agents and disinfectants and must be able to follow instructions for the use and storage of these chemicals.
Work occasionally requires more than 35 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position; may require irregular hours to accommodate training programmes or unforeseen dog care demands outside of regular hours. During work, the employee is expected to be physically present at the kennels when not on an outing with a dog in training. Employee must be able to drive a company vehicle.
Required Education and Experience
Leaving Cert minimum
Fetac Animal Care Level 5 or equivalent
Must not be afraid of hard work.
Some experience in husbandry training skills and basic obedience dog training using positive reinforcement an advantage
Required Skills and Competencies
Dog Interaction and Training Skills:
Must have an affinity for dogs.
Must be open to learning dog husbandry training techniques and consistently implement these techniques.
Must be able to work in a fast paced environment.
Must be able to work cooperatively in a team environment.
Must be able to stay focused despite numerous distractions and multiple tasks.
Language and Communication Skills:
Ability to communicate effectively with peers, management, clients, volunteers and the general public.
Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and follow instructions effectively with a diverse group of staff and provide information with ordinary courtesy, patience and tact.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to solve practical problems and deal in a variety of situations using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Ability to interpret and to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to maintain a high level of mental concentration and effort and strain when performing a high volume of analyses and decision making as well as other essential duties.
Office Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook and typing proficiency.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Garda Clearance is required
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Essential and marginal job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Dogs for the Disabled, is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. We do not discriminate against applicants, clients, graduates or employees on the basis of race, colour, creed, national origin, sex, age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other status protected by state or local law.
