Job Description
Contact at organisation: Dion Humbler, Guide Dogs WA
Phone: 0411 202 987
Email: careers@visability.com.au
Guide Dogs WA is the only Western Australian based provider of Guide Dog training services in the community. The beautiful dogs in our program do so much more than help people who are vision impaired to navigate the world around them. They do more than settle and calm a child living with autism, or someone struggling with trauma or illness. They give the gift of independence and confidence to their handlers. They bring joy and companionship, hope and opportunity, not only to the people whose lives they are changing, but also to their families.
We are forging our own path in establishing a World Class Breeding Program to ensure a reliable and quality supply of Guide and Assistance Dogs. We are seeking a qualified or experienced Puppy Whelper to bring expertise and facilitate a range of functions which will bring this program to life. Are you up to the task?
This exciting new role will coordinate and execute a range of day to day activities to support the home whelping function of Guide Dogs WA. Contributing to key functions for the Breeding Program to ensure the safe delivery, welfare and quality of puppies, some key responsibilities of this role include:
- Recruitment and selection of suitable home whelping volunteers.
- Assist the Program Manager with various aspects of the breeding process including reproduction, mating, genetic testing and monitoring fertility.
- Facilitate the delivery of puppies in home environments.
- Design and deliver specialised training and support to volunteers and puppies.
- Liaise with the team to establish and build the program in collaboration with the Program Manager – Breeding.
- Provide 24-hour specialist emergency cover for all volunteer puppy whelpers.
This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week) permanent position. Salary Range: $78,072 to $84,476 (exclusive of superannuation).
What’s in it for You?
If you enjoy variety in your work, where no day is the same, then this is the role for you! Feel rewarded by purpose in your work as you help people living with disability and developmental delay to achieve independence and inclusion. Be challenged by the work you do in this dynamic and changing environment. We have a number of professionals in diverse roles with expertise in their field. Learn and expand your knowledge in this specalised area. You will also benefit from:
- Generous Salary Packaging arrangements
- Work within a friendly and supportive team who are passionate about what they do.
- Flexible working arrangements – work from home options and flexible start and finish times.
- Access to Training and Professional Development opportunities.
- 3 additional days of paid leave as a gift to you over the Christmas / New Year period.
- Free use of our onsite gym and discounts to fitness programs
- An Employee Assistance Program offering external counselling and support services to you and your family.
- Free on-site parking and close to public transport (across the road from Victoria Park Train Station).
- Subsidised annual flu shots.
- Dogs in the office everyday!
How to Apply
To be considered you will need:
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in breeding, whelping and puppy raising. Knowledge and demonstrated experience with canine anatomy and reproduction.
- Previous experience of working directly with dogs/puppies which may include training, supervision, care and welfare.
- Proven experience working in a scientific or laboratory capacity. Knowledge and understanding of canine breeding and genetics. Knowledge of Guide Dog Mobility theory and practices.
- Demonstrated experience in training and supervising a team of volunteers.
- The ability to work outside of normal hours and travel to remote locations to accommodate the birth of puppies is essential for this role.
- A valid National Police Clearance and rights to work in Australia.
We encourage people with disability and of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background to apply. Everyone is welcome, as we are an inclusive and diverse workplace. EverAbility assesses all applications based on merit. Should a suitable candidate be identified, EverAbility reserves the right to close this recruitment process prior to the advertised date. If you are interested in this position visit our website www.guidedogswa.com.au/aboutus/jobs, select the role and follow the prompts to apply.
Questions before you proceed?
Email careers@visability.com.au or call Dion Humbler, Program Manager, on 0411 202 987.
Applications close
Applications close 5:00pm 1 November 2021 or as soon as the right person applies!
