Job Description

Job Summary

Our client is a non-profit organisation dedicated to serving the well-being of animals. Both branches in George and Mossel Bay in the Garden Route are looking to hire a Kennel Manager.

This role isn't just a job; it's a chance to make a real difference in the lives of animals and contribute to a cause that matters.

Purpose of the role: To ensure the welfare needs of the animals in the care of the SPCA including the mental well-being of the animals.

Experience/Qualifications:

• Must have Grade 10, ideally Grade 12.
• Must be Computer literate.
• Must have driver's licence.
• At least 2 year's experience working at a shelter.
• Experience in animal welfare, veterinary care, or law enforcement is highly desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or related field preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions under pressure.
• Compassion, empathy, and a strong commitment to animal welfare.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays when required.
• Physically fit and able to handle animals of various sizes and temperaments.
• No criminal record

Responsibilities:

Animal Care: Welfare Management & Administration

• Ensure all animals are healthy.
• Perform twice-daily checks on animals housed. A.
• All treatments and medication must be administered as required.
• Animals are to be kept free of internal and external parasites.
• Monitor and ensure the effective daily feeding routine of the animals at the kennels and ensure the needs of specific species are considered.
• Liaise with reception regarding special cases. For example, cases requiring quarantine and/or which kennels may not be used.
• Ensure animals with contagious diseases are immediately separated from others on entry. Ensure that the correct protocol is followed for a possible contagious disease.
• Ensure animals with infectious diseases are preferably not housed at the premises.
• Ensure puppies and kittens are kept separate from other animals.
• Ensure animals are prepared for sterilisation as required.
• Micro-chip all stray, donated and claimed animals on request, from reception and adoptions, to be compliant when leaving the facility.
• Ensure correct protocol is followed about keeping animals in large animal pounds (LAP).
• Attend weekly meetings to give inspectors feedback regarding animals in kennels.
• Ensure Animal Carers spend time with animals to ease socialising as this is essential to facilitate Adoption Process.
• Ensure Animal Carers take animal/kennel information boards to Reception with animals when adopted / for adoption.
• Ensure the procedures are followed for Lost-and-Found Animals.
• Stray dogs must be dipped before being placed in the pound kennels.

Animal Care: Legislative & Contractual Obligations

• Follow the correct Adoption Policy.
• Ensure correct documentation is completed for all animals entering the premises.
• Ensure the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act is complied with at the kennels.
• Be presentable at all times and act courteously to the public.
• Provide input into the budget for the kennels.
• Provide input to Management reports and provide monthly statistics as required.

You are ultimately responsible for caring for all animals in the kennel blocks.

Maintenance and Kennel Management

• Oversee the staff who clean the kennels.
• Should staff, for any reason, not be available to undertake or address such cleaning, ensure a high standard of animal husbandry is maintained at the kennels.
• Ensure the premises are securely locked before leaving at the end of the day's work if you are the last to leave or on duty.
• Any repairs or breakages must be reported to the Manager.
• Ensure all equipment is well maintained and cared for.
• Be responsible for the maintenance, neatness and tidiness of the grounds.
• Ensure the storeroom is kept clean and well-stocked at all times.

General Kennel Administration

• Check the 'lost and found' file and Facebook for lost or wanted animals.
• Ensure that all kennel forms are filed.
• Draw up a roster of animal carers duties and ensure sufficient staff are available to carry out these duties.
• Maintain a volunteer book about specific animal requirements and/or challenges which must be discussed with your Manager.
• With each animal record, ensure the whiteboard is correct and up-to-date, and follow the protocols.

Staff Management

Compliance

• Ensure Staff compliance with all rules applicable in your area of operation.
• Ensure compliance with Dress code and Uniform standards.
• Ensure relevant staff details and records are up to date and communicated to the Operations Manager
• Conduct weekly operational meetings with staff.
• Performance Management
• Ensure that All and KPA documents are up to date and communicated to the Operations Manager.
• Manage staff Performance by s and KPIs & initiate poor performance of disciplinary processes in conjunction with the Operations Manager, when required.
• Conduct Quarterly Performance Management Appraisals and give completed Performance Appraisals to the Operations Manager within required Timeframes.

• Training
• Identify the Training needs of staff and liaise with the Operations Manager for the provision thereof.
• Ensure statutory requirements about qualifications are maintained.
• Ensure ongoing internal training and updating of employees' knowledge and maintain standards.

• Recruitment
• Liaise with the Operations Manager regarding recruitment needs.
• Adhere to relevant legislation during recruitment and selection procedures.
• Ensure selection is done with proper reference, criminal, qualification and credit checks done before offers are made.

Timekeeping and Attendance

• Manage and plan staff Annual leave and communicate the plan to the Operations Manager.
• Approve leave by annual leave plan and ensure that leave forms are provided to the Operations Manager once signed off.
• Monitor the timekeeping of staff.
• Monitor staff attendance and sick leave, complete necessary documentation and provide it to the Operations Manager.
• Ensure the Attendance Register is completed daily.

• Health and Safety
• Take responsibility for General Housekeeping and Maintenance of your team's work areas and report maintenance issues to the Operations Manager.
• Ensure safe working procedures as prescribed by the Operations Manager
• Ensure OHSA compliance at all times.

The Talent Room

Recruiter

Job Mail