Key Responsibilities 

• Carry out preliminary assessment of dogs.
• Prepare selected dogs according to a pre-determined programme to ensure that dogs are supplied within desired timeframe and quality.
• Identify temperamental and behavioural issues and ensure the application of appropriate solutions.
• Highlight all health issues and promptly refer them for review.
• Adapt pre-determined programme and implement individual training programmes for allocated dogs. 
• Assist in training for new staff, students, Puppy Raisers, Guide Dog Mobility Instructors and others, as required.
• Highlight dogs that are ready for training progression and recommend dogs that should be withdrawn.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on our database system, PAWS.       
• Maintain regular and appropriate communication with Puppy Raisers to update on our dogs' progress.
• Report and document all accidents and incidents relating to dogs, and also with third parties, in line with current our health and safety policies.
• Work with the Client Services team to ensure aftercare visits are carried out in a timely manner, including maintaining accurate records.
• Work as part of a team to support each other and, from time to time, support other teams such as Fundraising to ensure the efficient and effective operations of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

In addition to these key accountabilities, you may also have ownership for one or more key processes which will be communicated to you via your manager and/or the Performance Management framework.

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.

Person Specification 

Experience, Education and Skills

• Experience of dog handling skills and knowledge, demonstrating the successful delivery of an outcome.
• A minimum of 1 year’s continuous service in current role is required for all internal applicants.       
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of dog psychology and behaviour modification.
• Ability to successfully embrace and solve problem behaviours.
• Flexibility is required in adapting existing procedures to meet current need.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent employment record.
• Practical experience working with dogs within either dog care or training environment.
• Knowledge of dog training and methods, staff training and instructional techniques and canine behaviour.
• Excellent computer skills in Excel, Word etc.
• Animal care qualification or equivalent.
• Educated to pass Leaving Certificate standard (or equivalent) including English, Maths and ideally science.

Essential 

• Proven track record for consistently meeting and exceeding goals and delivering a superior level of job performance.
• Excellent planning and organisational 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.

Special conditions

• Full clean driving licence essential.
• Must be eligible to work in Ireland and EU.
• Subject to full Garda vetting.