Dog Rescue Team Leader

Company Description

Dogs 4 Rescue is the UK’s pioneering kennel-free rescue, the life mission of Emma Billington. Inspired by what we saw abroad, we set about redefining what a UK dog rescue could look like, and discovered the power of pack rehabilitation in the process.

Dogs live, play, and sleep together in groups, spending their days in the great outdoors, never knowing they are homeless. We accept every dog for who they are, all abilities are welcome. Dogs from around the world coexist happily together at Dogs 4 Rescue, and we believe every dog has the potential to change. Having shown the world kennel-free life through our videos, we have an ever-growing supporter base joining the rescue revolution.

Now in our 14th year, we have 2 sites, the other in Lancashire. Our small but dedicated team is powered by love and a belief we can achieve anything.

Job Description

• Hours: 40 hrs per week with some weekend working
• Compensation: £15 per hr

Requirements

• MUST be a strong communicator and dog handler with experience of working with dogs (Ideally experience in rescue or with packs of dogs).
• Positively lead the small team of dog handlers by example with the focus on prioritising the wellbeing and welfare of the dogs at all times.
• Coordinate work / time for priority dogs (those needing immediate training/behavioural attention).
• Be responsible for the overall safety of all dogs and staff/volunteers/visitors around those dogs.
• Collaborate with other managers regularly to achieve what is best for the dogs.
• Be competent at the dog handler’s job and able to step in and assist as needed with regular days in the dog handler role.
• Monitor all daily information boards and systems to ensure they are correct and up to date and used correctly.
• Review daily schedule logs in order to get a good understanding of daily work completed.
• Responsible for signing off relevant maintenance work, with a view to its suitability and safety for the dogs using that area, also noting any general safety concerns.
• Carry out general checks of the site, raising any safety concerns.
• Coordinate emergency situation/code red drills.
• Manage the team including volunteers on a daily basis.
• Maintain a high standard of work and lead by example at all times.
• Inspire the ‘Every 5 Minutes Matters’ ethos.
• Empower the team to learn, develop, and take ownership.
• Encourage staff openness and a positive team culture.
• Feedback to managers, behaviourists with any concerns, issues, and ideas on a daily basis.
• Be proactive in helping with the creation of any documents/workshops etc designed to help the rescue be more efficient and grow (once all systems are learned, understood, and reviewed with the management team/behaviourists).
• Implement new systems and procedures once agreed by all.
• Work alongside our behaviourists and rehoming team to get the best outcomes for the dogs.