Title and Reporting Relationships
Position Title:
Reports To:
Portfolio:
Department (if Applicable):
Position Location:
Dated:
Dog Care & Welfare Manager
Head of Guide Dog Services
Direct Client Contact Services
Guide Dog Services
Guide Dog Centre – Manurewa, Auckland
August 2010
Purpose of Position
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To ensure all dogs within the care of RNZFB GDS kennel facilities are well cared for
in accordance with agreed standards and the accepted ‘Five Freedoms’.
To lead and support the Breeding Facility and Guardianship services providing
appropriate technical support.
To ensure all kennel facilities are managed and maintained to high professional
standards
To manage and support all staff & volunteers that work within the kennel facilities
To manage and monitor all RNZFB GDS boarding requirements
To oversee the RNZFB GDS Adoption programme
Responsibilities and Expected Outcomes of the Position
(More specific objectives and key performance indicators will be included in an individual's
performance development plan).
Key task
Managing activities
within Breeding
(Facility &
Guardianship)
Expected Outcomes
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Effectively manages and supports the appropriate
coordinators within Breeding (Facility & Guardianship)
Managing Care &
Welfare of the
Guide Dog colony
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Manages RNZFB
GDS kennel
facilities
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Manages and supports kennel staff (dedicated & seconded)
and volunteers
Ensures high standards of hygiene and maintenance in line
with Health & Safety protocols
Managing our
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Manages the processes & protocols relating to the
Initial here
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Ensures the care & welfare of the Guide Dog colony meet the
agreed standards and considers the accepted ‘five freedoms’
Manages the processes for ordering & distributing dog food
Manages all transportation needs of the Guide Dog colony
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:
boarding
requirements
assessment and use of volunteers boarders of Guide Dog
colony
Managing the
RNZFB GDS
Adoption
Programme
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Managing and
developing staff to
maximise
performance
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Providing
leadership and
direction
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Decision making
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Strategic
management
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Reporting
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Initial here
Manages and supports the Adoption Programme staff
Manages the processes & protocols relating to the
assessment and acceptance of individuals applying to adopt
one of our dogs
Effectively manages all aspects of staff performance: recruitment
selection and induction (within delegations); performance
coaching, development and feedback; talent acceleration;
identification and management of poor performance; termination
(within delegations).
Develops and maintains a culture of high performance and client
focus within team
Empowers staff to find innovative solutions to problems
Fosters trust, involvement and collaboration amongst team
members
Holds regular team meetings; conducts regular (monthly
recommended) 1:1’s with every direct report; completes annual
performance appraisals within timeframe set by organisation
Identifies talented individuals and actively supports their
development
Acts as a natural and inspirational leader, who inspires
dedication, commitment and enthusiasm in others
Acts in accordance with RNZFB’s values
Actively participate in the achievement of RNZFB’s vision and
goals
Has a clear direction for the team (in line with the organisation’s
goals), and communicates this to team members effectively
Ensures team focuses on members in all actions and decisions
Uses sound judgement to make effective decisions, ensuring that
all organisational interdependencies and impacts are considered
and allowed for
Decisions are aligned to organisation’s vision, mission, values,
code of conduct and strategic and business plans
Encourages active involvement of all stakeholders in decision
making
Thinks strategically to ensure that work of their team supports the
goals of the whole organisation
Ensures that all team activities align to the Foundation’s strategic
and business plans
Compiles and provides monthly service-delivery reports to Head
of Guide Dog Services
Head of Guide Dog Services is kept fully advised of service
delivery and factors and/or risks that may impact on the delivery
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Developing &
Maintaining
Relationships
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of those services.
Monthly reports are completed accurately with satisfactory detail,
and submitted on time
Develops and maintains strong working relationships as
appropriate to ensure a fully integrated approach to the
management of service delivery and practice
Develops and maintains strong working alliances with other
RNZFB Departments, in order to align services and maintain a
total-organisation perspective
Forms positive, effective working relationships with other
agencies in the community
Dimensions of the Position
Number of Positions Responsible For
Direct:
 Kennel Assistants
 Adoption Co-ordinator
 Volunteers
 Breeding Facility Coordinators
 Guardianship Coordinators
Indirect:
Shared Responsibility: WINZ personnel
Key Relationships
Internal:
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GDS Management team
Other GDS and relevant RNZFB departments
External:
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Food and equipment suppliers
Guide dog users
Veterinarians
NZ domestic and international transport
Person Specification
Qualifications, Experience, Skills and Knowledge
Essential
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Vet Nursing qualification with minimum of 1 year post-qualification experience
Additional qualifications in animal husbandry, canine behaviour and dog handling
Initial here
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Experience leading and managing a large team
Current drivers’ license and/or driver
Able to communicate effectively and relate well to diverse groups of dogs, colleagues,
volunteers, consumers and the public in general, being sensitive to bi-culturalism
Sound health and physically fit – capable of walking long distances at a range of speeds,
on inclines and declines, over various surfaces and managing a wide range of dogs on
and off a lead, including pack free running
Excellent report writing skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong organisation skills
Good computer skills
Preferred
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Guide Dog Instructor / Guide Dog Trainer qualification (or the willingness to obtain as
time permits)
Personal Attributes and Values
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Respect confidentiality
Excellent time management and planning skills
Strong personal and professional integrity
Values diversity and able to adopt a flexible approach
Excellent assessment, evaluation and problem solving skills
Able to lead by example
Loyalty
Strong leadership and management skills
Ability to adapt and maintain a flexible approach to all professional matters and
interpersonal communication
Be prepared to give that extra effort to obtain a quality result
Be a clear and articulate speaker in meetings both internal and public
Be comfortable, understanding and positive with people who have physical and/or mental
disabilities
Be passionate about dogs
Ability to problem solve
I hereby acknowledge and accept the above position description as a part of my employment
conditions with RNZFB.
____________________________________________
Name
____________________________________________
Signature
___________________
Date
NB: Each individual page of this position description must also be initialled
Initial here
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