Head of Veterinary Services

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys and mules worldwide. We are working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering, and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We are achieving this by transforming the quality of life for donkeys, mules and people worldwide through greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.

You will provide day to day management of the clinical team, which includes a veterinary surgeon, 3 nurses, 2 lab technicians, an administrator and 4 grooms. You will oversee the running of the hospital, which has full surgical facilities including a diode laser for sarcoid surgery, respiratory endoscope, ultrasound and CR system. You will also be responsible for the onsite laboratory services and provide veterinary care for all animals resident at The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland (approx. 900). There is a strong emphasis on preventative medicine so you will be responsible for monitoring herd health and implementing preventative health care programs where appropriate.

Good communication skills are required as you will need to liaise with the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services on clinical, herd health and biosecurity matters and work with the Veterinary Team Administrator to ensure effective control of the veterinary supplies and external veterinary services elements of the veterinary budget.

The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland has evolved its approach to welfare intervention, with increased emphasis on support in the community, prevention, and advocacy. As such, you will also work alongside a dedicated welfare team helping to provide veterinary advice and support to donkeys across Ireland, acting as an ambassador for community-based services and our awareness campaigns. An interest or experience in education and training is important as you will provide both in house training for staff and education to students, vets and paraprofessionals across Ireland.

As a key member of the Donkey Sanctuary Ireland's management team, you will work in collaboration with the Country Manager and heads of Welfare, Farms, Finance, and Fundraising to ensure the organisation meets its targets and is a great place to work.

If you feel you have the qualities, skills and experience to fulfil this varied, rewarding and vital role, and would like to be part of the evolving program of change taking place within the charity, we would love to hear from you. This is a full time, permanent contract working 39 hours per week plus evening and weekend on call duties. You will be based primarily at our Hannigans Farm, Mallow, Co.Cork.
services-0571/589/description/


The Donkey
Career Level
Professional
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
Minimum Experienced Required (Years): 3
Minimum Qualification:No Qualification OR Veterinary degree that is recognised by the RCVS;
Driving Licence: Full C
Languages: English C2-Master (Fluent)

Desirable:
Ability Skills:Communications, Computer Literacy
Competency Skills:Leadership, Management