At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure the health and wellbeing of dogs while supporting colleagues and volunteers.
- Company: Join Guide Dogs, a purpose-driven organisation making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible benefits, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on dog wellbeing and help people with sight loss.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care and a passion for dog welfare.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Pawsome Careers - Make Every Day Meaningful. Come and join us as a proactive and purpose‑led Dog Wellbeing Technician and be part of something life‑changing - helping people with sight loss live the life they choose. As a Dog Wellbeing Technician at Guide Dogs, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring the highest standards of dog health, wellbeing and specialist care. The Dog Wellbeing Technician will be an expert in canine wellbeing and husbandry, with strong knowledge of dog health, behaviour, welfare standards and positive handling techniques. You’ll use your expertise to make informed decisions, identify and elevate health concerns, and coach colleagues and volunteers in best practice dog care. Our Dog Wellbeing Technicians play a huge part in ensuring everything we do enables us to deliver on our purpose and exceed expectations. This role will be based on site at our Redbridge office. You’ll be working 35 hours per week, worked on a rota basis Monday - Sunday between 7am and 9pm.
Key Responsibilities
- Responsible for managing the care of a group of dogs in a dog accommodation area, ensuring their routine husbandry needs are met.
- Work in line with national dog wellbeing practices and procedures, including the provision of specialist health care.
- Monitor and maximise the wellbeing of dogs.
- Identify health concerns, make appropriate decisions and elevate in a timely manner.
- Support the development and maintenance of the dog's behaviour using current guide dogs handling techniques.
- Lead and support volunteers in dog wellbeing and fostering to complete their role and tasks to the best of their ability.
- Provide technical input to support their preparation, performance and development.
- Maintain accurate and up to date records.
- Interpret health data and identify concerns/trends within the local dog population.
- Transport dogs across the region for health-related appointments with internal and external bodies.
You
You’ll have a person‑centred, expert and optimistic approach to your work, grounded in a strong understanding of animal wellbeing and dog care principles. You’ll enjoy working in a kennel and dog accommodation environment, supporting colleagues and volunteers, with a dedicated focus on dog health, wellbeing, behaviour and positive handling techniques, whilst being committed to delivering the highest standards of care. You’ll act with integrity and honesty in everything you do.
Skills and Competencies
- A qualification in animal care, experience or equivalent relevant work‑based experience.
- Able to undertake physical demands of the role, walking distances unaided and able to handle and walk with a range of dog breeds, ages, sizes and temperaments.
- Able to meet the travel requirements of the role which involves transporting dogs on a regular basis.
- In the absence of a full valid UK Driving License, you will be expected to demonstrate how you will fulfil this aspect of the role via alternative means.
- Experience of working in a kennel type environment - paid employment or voluntary.
- Experience of supporting a customer serving based organization.
- Proven understanding of the core principles of animal wellbeing.
- Demonstrable basic understanding of health and safety and safeguarding.
- Proven understanding of dog care principles and health conditions.
Benefits
- 26 days annual leave. After three years of continuous employment, this increases to 28 days plus bank holidays.
- Real Living Wage Employer Flex pot - equal to a proportion of your annual salary to use on our wide variety of flexible benefits.
- The option to buy and sell annual leave.
- Discounts and cash‑back scheme.
- Excellent pension scheme (We will match your pension contributions plus 2% up to a maximum of 9% employer contribution).
- And lots more!
For high volumes of applications, we reserve the right to close adverts earlier than advertised.
Dog Wellbeing Technician employer: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is an exceptional employer that prioritises the welfare of both its employees and the dogs they care for. With a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and professional growth, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of guide dog owners and their canine companions. Located in Maidstone, this role offers a unique chance to engage with a passionate community while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
Contact Details:
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Dog Wellbeing Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Guide Dogs and their mission. When you understand their values and goals, you can tailor your conversations to show how your passion for dog wellbeing aligns with their purpose.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend events related to animal care. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated your skills in dog care and wellbeing. Use specific examples to showcase your expertise and experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the lives of dogs and their owners.
We think you need these skills to ace Dog Wellbeing Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Canine Wellbeing:When writing your application, let your love for dogs shine through! Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to canine wellbeing and how you’ve made a difference in their lives.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail any qualifications or experience you have in animal care. Whether it’s work in a kennel or volunteering, we want to see how your background aligns with the role of Dog Wellbeing Technician.
Be Specific About Your Skills:Use the job description as a guide to showcase your skills. Mention your knowledge of dog health, behaviour, and positive handling techniques, and provide examples of how you've applied these in real situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this pawsome opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
✨Know Your Canine Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of dog health, behaviour, and wellbeing principles. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used in the past to ensure dogs are well cared for. This shows you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role.
✨Show Your People Skills
As a Dog Wellbeing Technician, you'll be working with colleagues and volunteers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coached or supported others in a similar environment. Highlighting your teamwork and communication skills will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of scenarios where you've identified health concerns in animals and how you addressed them. Be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making skills. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your understanding of dog care principles and handling techniques. You might even be asked how you'd manage a specific situation with a dog. Practising these scenarios beforehand will help you feel more confident during the interview.
