Welfare Officer - Limerick
Rásaíocht Con Éireann / Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) has responsibility for the promotion, regulation and ongoing commercial development of the Greyhound industry in Ireland. Care and welfare of greyhounds are key priorities for GRI and for the greyhound industry generally. In 2022 and 2023 GRI carried out over 4500 kennel inspections across the country.
GRI wishes to add to its existing welfare team to drive the kennel inspection programme.
Job Title: Welfare Officer
Objective: One of the main priorities for GRI is to maintain Greyhound welfare at the centre of our industry. The care of greyhounds needs to be above reproach and a coordinated industry wide approach to dealing with perception issues relating to greyhound welfare is essential to creating full confidence by all stakeholders in the industry. The successful candidate for this position will play a key role in achieving this objective by conducting welfare inspections in their assigned region.
Reports to: Welfare Manager or Nominee of the CEO
Primary Work Location: Limerick, - Travel will be required across Munster and Connaught region.
Knowledge and understanding of Greyhound Welfare Legislation and Animal Welfare Legislation are required for this role.
Scope of the Role: The role ideally requires an experienced candidate with an understanding of welfare requirements particularly where they relate to the greyhound sector. This is a predominantly field based position, carrying out welfare related inspections at greyhound kennels. A strong combination of administrative, organisational and interpersonal skills are essential.
Key responsibilities of the role are as follows:
- Carrying out of welfare related inspections at kennels, or property where greyhounds are held.
- Comply with all RCÉ procedures to include all statutory procedures - Fire Health and Safety, hygiene, internal audit.
- Respond to reports received in relation to possible animal welfare issues or concerns.
- Provide education and information to owners/trainers regarding greyhound care and welfare best practice, as set out in the code of practice for the care and welfare of greyhounds.
- Promote and actively participate in rehoming initiatives by the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust (IRGT) and other welfare organisations.
- Liaise with other organisations dedicated solely to the welfare of greyhounds.
- Provide assistance to owners & trainers in the operation of RCÉTS, the traceability system for racing greyhounds and assist implementation with related inspections.
- Assist the GRI welfare team in investigating complaints, queries, and concerns.
- Professionally dealing with owners and trainers
- Attendance at control committee or court proceedings as required.
- Procuring urine samples from greyhounds as stipulated for the purpose of prohibited substance detection.
- Participation in testing teams as required at licensed stadia.
- To ensure all administration work is complete including follow-up calls, and documentation relating to welfare inspections.
- Submission of weekly inspection reports to Welfare Team.
- Comply with all GRI procedures to include all statutory procedures - Fire Health and Safety, hygiene, internal audit.
- To carry out any other reasonable task as assigned by management to meet with business needs.
Hours of Work
The role is a full-time role, 37.5 hours per week, 5 days per week normally Monday to Friday but may vary depending on the needs of the business. Flexibility will be required to meet the requirements of the role.
Preferred Behaviours and Competencies
- Knowledge and understanding of Greyhound Welfare Legislation and Animal Welfare Legislation is required
- Resilient candidate with strong interpersonal skills.
- A strong focus on compliance, regulation and welfare is required.
- Experience in the fields of animal care and welfare.
- High Level written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to address welfare issues on behalf of the GRI through various media channels.
- Strong time, self-management, and organisational skills.
- Developed office skills including good knowledge of Microsoft based systems.
- Well-developed interpersonal, tact and diplomacy skills
- Third level qualification in a relevant discipline would be an advantage.
- Have a full clean driving licence