Breeding Programme Assistant

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind; Ireland; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is seeking a full-time Breeding Programme Coordinator to oversee the health and management of our breeding dogs and puppies. Responsibilities include recruiting and training volunteers, monitoring pregnant stock, and ensuring the welfare of the dogs. Candidates should have veterinary nursing experience and a relevant qualification. This role demands excellent communication and organizational skills. The position is based in Cork, Ireland, and offers opportunities for national and international travel.

Qualifications

• Registered with the Veterinary Council of Ireland.
• Experience coaching and supporting volunteers.
• Strong verbal, written, and IT skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day running of the Breeding Programme.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers.
• Monitor and care for dogs and puppies.

Skills

Veterinary nursing experience

Animal breeding and canine whelping

Excellent communication skills

Planning and organizational skills

Education

Certificate in animal welfare or equivalent

Job description

Reports to: Dog Care and Breeding Manager

Hours: 37.5 hours per week – variable, weekends and travel required on occasion

Location: National Headquarters and Training Centre, Model Farm Road, Cork

Contract Term: Full-time, Permanent

Purpose of Role

This role is responsible for supporting the efficient and sustainable day‑to‑day running and maintenance of our Breeding Programme ensuring our breeding colony is effectively monitored, managed and healthy.

The postholder will be responsible for the recruitment, training and management of breeding volunteers and will actively be involved with matings and whelpings, and accountable for the health of puppies and breeding dogs in their care.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day‑to‑day running of our Breeding Programme including (but not limited to) safe transportation of dogs to veterinary clinics, monitoring the health of pregnant stock, supporting volunteers with successful whelpings, monitoring and caring for pups‑in‑the‑nest, ensuring successful puppy socialisation experiences, and maintaining regular contact with breeding stock volunteers.
• Recruit, train and manage the various volunteer roles within the Breeding Programme.
• Plan and complete dog movements and transportation to ensure production and welfare needs are met.
• Complete data relating to animals and people in an accurate and timely manner, in line with processes.
• Provide accurate feedback to the Dog Care and Breeding Manager regarding puppy health diagnosis and behaviour phenotypes to assist with colony improvements.
• Ensure scheduled health check‑ups are carried out with all breeding dogs and puppies.
• Provide practical medical care and advice to breeding stock volunteers, such as during the whelping of litters, vaccinations and associated medical care.
• Communicate with a range of stakeholders regarding the outcome of decisions in relation to pups and dogs (i.e. puppy raisers, breeding stockholders and external breeders).
• Plan and facilitate socialisation placements and monitor outcomes.
• Support puppy temperament assessment activities, as and when required.
• Investigate issues relating to breeding dogs within a reasonable timeframe and take appropriate action under the direction of the Dog Care and Breeding Manager.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders when sourcing or supplying puppies or dogs, or when sharing genetic material and data.
• Manage resources effectively to maintain stock supplies and minimise waste.
• Ensure availability to travel nationally and internationally to collect puppies and dogs.
• Seek opportunities to improve what we do and how we do it.
• Work as part of the team to deliver joint objectives such as rehoming, breeding and animal welfare work.

In addition to these key accountabilities, you may also have ownership of 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 the Training Centre to deal with any breeding or dog related issues which arise.

All employees are expected to comply with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind’s 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 which promotes wellbeing and maximises personal effectiveness. Communicates clearly and effectively with others. Strives to be supportive, consistent, and professional with Clients, Colleagues and Volunteers.

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.

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.

Strives to continuously improve own performance.

Person Specification

• Experience of veterinary nursing and registered with the Veterinary Council of Ireland.
• Certificate in animal welfare, dog handling or equivalent.
• Experience in animal breeding and canine whelping.
• Experience coaching, teaching and supporting others, preferably volunteers.
• Able to demonstrate aptitude for dog handling and management.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to work flexibly and independently.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation and IT skills, along with strong communication skills.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills to communicate effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Evidence of continued professional development to enhance knowledge and experience relevant to the role.
• An ability to influence and train others.
• Experience working directly with volunteers.
• A resilient approach and an optimistic outlook.

Special Conditions

• Full clean driving licence essential.
• Must be eligible to work in Ireland and the EU.

Cover letter highlighting your specific areas of interest and skill sets

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is an equal opportunity employer.