Whelping Kennel Manager
Whelping Kennel Manager
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USD 65000 - 75000
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Description
At Guiding Eyes for the Blind we are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals seeking greater independence. We are dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing partnerships between people and dogs.
At our facilities we breed raise and train exceptional guide dogs and match them with individuals ready to embrace a life of greater freedom confidence and possibility. Together they embark on incredible life adventures. Are you ready to play a role in that journey Join us and help be a part of transforming lives.
Our incredible dogs make our mission possible and working with them will inspire you! We put our clients first striving to exceed their expectations by providing exceptional dogs trained to meet their unique needs and empower them to live the lives they choose.
It all begins in our Whelping Kennel where our compassionate and dedicated Technicians play a vital role in caring for the moms and nurturing the healthy early development of their sweet puppies as they embark on their journey to potentially becoming guide dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
As the Whelping Kennel Manager you will be responsible for overseeing the care and management of all pregnant broods whelps neonates and puppies up to six (6) weeks of age. This role ensures high standards of animal husbandry staff performance and kennel operations while fostering a collaborative team environment. Youll provide leadership and support to staff and cross-functional teams to ensure the health safety and well-being of dogs in our care.
In this role youll love playing a wide-ranging role that taps into many skillsets and offers plenty of variety as well as mentoring your team and helping them achieve their goals and develop their careers.
We encourage you to apply if you have a willingness to learn a desire to be physically active and an appreciation for working as a team in order to achieve our mission.
The Role
- Oversee the daily operations of the Whelping Kennel including the care management enrichment and socialization of pregnant broods whelping mothers neonates and puppies.
- Direct and support the Whelping Kennel team and ensure proper coverage including kennel cleaning feeding enrichment whelping and administering medications.
- Provide a high level of animal husbandry care by actively participating in and providing oversight of all Kennel Technician tasks including but not limited to bathing feeding check overs nail clipping ear cleaning and medicating according to established policies and procedures.
- Monitor the birthing process to ensure the health and safety of the pregnant brood and neonates. Perform whelping procedures assisting brood whenever necessary. Handle all post whelp clean-up care and treatments.
- Perform assigned medical treatments including but not limited to administering vaccines and preventatives sub-q fluids tube feeding and ICU use and care according to standard procedures.
- Ensure strict adherence to disease control and biosecurity protocols and oversee maintenance of a safe clean kennel environment.
- Supervise train and mentor staff to promote professional growth independence and critical thinking; oversee performance management scheduling and staffing needs.
- Manage department hiring onboarding training and ongoing development of staff.
- Participate in a rotation with senior staff to provide on-call services for urgent issues or emergencies offering telephone consultations or on-site support as needed.
- Collaborate with cross-functional departments including Veterinary Genetics/Breeding Breeding Kennel and Home and Early Socialization to align with organizational goals and mission.
- Prepare and manage the department budget monitor expenses and operate within approved financial parameters.
- Develop and implement strategies policies and procedures to continuously improve the health and well-being of puppies in our care.
- Provide subject matter expertise for internal committees meetings and special projects as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the department and organizational mission.
Qualifications You Will Need
- Minimum of three years experience whelping dogs and caring for pregnant broods and neonates in a kennel or Veterinary environment or similar dog related business.
- Three to five years experience in Leadership managing a team with an emphasis on team building supervision delegation and support.
- Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) strongly preferred.
- Familiar and comfortable with working overnight shifts if necessary.
- Experience with or the ability to learn to use ultrasound equipment oxygen equipment uterine monitor surgical equipment for whelps breeding tools and syringes.
- Strong relationship-builder with the ability to find a common purpose build consensus and strengthen collaboration.
- Ability to accurately assess situations and make quick sound judgements independently when it comes to animal husbandry and staffing needs.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
- Proven organizational and planning skills with a demonstrated ability to lead and manage change.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to teach and explain basic behavioral concepts to Staff and Volunteers.
- Demonstrates an understanding of dog behavior and puppy development including the ability to recognize and support healthy behaviors and appropriately address concerns using positive methods.
- Reliability a high level of integrity and punctuality are essential.
- This is an essential personnel position so flexibility in availability is a must; including weekends evenings and holidays are required as needed.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs; Salesforce savvy a plus.
- Able to work daily with bleach and other cleaning agents.
- Physically able to lift and control 65 75 lb. dogs and withstand up to two hours of repetitive bending stooping kneeling and squatting on concrete surface.
Salary Range (annually) $65k - $75k
Please include a cover letter along with your resume telling us About You and to share why youre excited about contributing to our mission. As a Guiding Eyes employee you will enjoy knowing that every day you make a difference in the lives of people with vision loss!
While we appreciate your interest and application only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind offers a comprehensive benefits package including the following:
- Competitive and generous healthcare (Medical/Dental/Vision)
- 403(b)
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off and Holidays
- You are invited to bring your well-behaved dog to work
The above job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of this employee for this role.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F D/V
Must be authorized to work in the United States
Required Experience:
Manager
Employment Type
Full-Time
