Role Description:

The NSPCA is Ireland’s National animal welfare organisation. We exist uniquely to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome sick, injured and cruelly treated animals.

We are now seeking an experienced, confident and compassionate Equine Supervisor to join our Shelter Operations team in our Cork Centre.  This is a unique role where you will work alongside the Centre Manager and a dedicated team to ensure the highest standards of care and welfare for our shelter equines. This position requires a dedicated individual who is passionate about animal welfare and thrives in a busy working environment.

 

Duties:

Equine Care and Welfare

  • Provide high standards of daily care including feeding, handling, mucking out, and exercise.
  • Closely monitor health and wellbeing of horses, identifying early signs of illness, stress, or behavioural change.
  • Administer medication and follow veterinary care plans as advised by the veterinary team.
  • Maintain a clean, safe and appropriate living environment across all equine areas.
  • Ensure exemplary standards of care for all equines, whilst continually striving to improve equine welfare, wellbeing and rehoming outcomes.
  • Support the Centre Manager to implement and maintain Standard Operating Procedures and Protocols.

Rehabilitation, Rehoming and Behavioural Support

  • Assess the behaviour, handling and training needs of each equine.
  • Work patiently, safely and consistently with nervous, unhandled or behaviourally challenging horses.
  • Work closely with the Centre Manager, other staff and volunteers to ensure consistency and follow-through of all programmes and plans in place.
  • Assess potential adopters to ensure a successful and suitable match.
  • Prepare content for equine profiles and work with social media manager to prepare horses for rehoming.
  • Facilitate adoption and fostering processes including appointments, paperwork, contracts and follow up care plans.

Team Supervision and Support

  • Oversee animal care staff and volunteers during shifts, ensuring that tasks are completed to required standards.
  • Allocate daily duties, monitor performance and provide on-the-job coaching.
  • Support the induction and training of new staff and volunteers
  • Promote good communication within the team and escalate issues or concerns to the Centre Manager.
  • Conduct routine checks of buildings, paddocks, grounds and equipment, reporting maintenance requirements promptly.
  • Support adherence to health and safety procedures, including risk assessments and incident reporting.

Operations and Administration

  • Assist with stock checks for food, cleaning products and equipment, reporting shortages to the Centre Manager.
  • Help coordinate transport and movement of animals as required.
  • Engage with visitors, adoptors and members of the public in a professional and informative manner.
  • Support delivery of educational tours and responsible pet ownership messages when required.
  • Respond to emails and answer phone calls when necessary.

 

Other Requirements:

  • Must be adaptable and receptive to evolving situations and able to communicate these effectively with the Centre Manager, staff and volunteers.
  • Must be able to work weekends and on call if ever required.
  • Must be able to work around animals with confidence (including diseased, injured, and/or potentially behaviourally challenging), loud noises, chemicals and inclement weather.

 

Qualifications and Person Qualities

  • Strong hands-on, proven experience in equine care, handling and rehabilitation.
  • Ability to build strong, positive working relationships with staff and volunteers.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work confidently with volunteers and members of the public.
  • Good proficiency with computers – including shelter management software
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure and effectively allocate staff and resources to achieve goals.
  • Previous experience in an animal shelter, rescue organization is an advantage.
  • Strong passion for animal welfare and a genuine interest in promoting the well-being of shelter animals.
  • Excellent communication skills to work effectively with the veterinary team, volunteers and the public.
  • Strong knowledge of animal behaviour and common health issues in horses and other farm animals.
  • Compassion, patience and empathy when working with animals and their caregivers.

 

Terms:

  • Permanent, Full Time Role.
  • Learning and Development Opportunities
  • Staff discounts

 

Application Process:

Please apply including a CV and cover letter to:
Email: recruitment@nspca.ie
Ref: NSPCA Equine Supervisor Cork

 

Please note: Due to large volumes of applicants, only those who are shortlisted will be contacted.