Experienced Dog Handler - Full Time / Part Time

Experienced Dog Handler – Full Time / Part Time Experienced Dog Handler (Full-Time / Part-Time) Woofland Dog Daycare & Hotel Location: Wairau Valley, Auckland Work Type: Full-Time preferred (Part-Time considered for the right candidate) Join the Woofland Team Woofland is a premier, vet-owned, cage-free boutique dog daycare and hotel facility based in Wairau Valley on the North Shore. We pride ourselves on our highly structured, pristine environment, our impeccable standards of care, and our 5-star reputation. We are looking for an Experienced Dog Handler to join our team. This is a skilled, hands-on role for someone with substantial, verifiable experience managing dogs in professional environments such as dog daycares, boarding kennels, rescue shelters, or dog training facilities. Please note: This is not an entry-level position or a basic pet-sitting job. It is a highly active, physically demanding role that requires advanced canine behaviour knowledge, a highly positive attitude, and an absolute commitment to cleanliness. What the Role Involves Group Management & Force-Free Care: Supervise and proactively manage groups of dogs in both daycare and hotel environments. Monitor play dynamics closely to maintain a calm, safe, and controlled environment using only positive reinforcement and force-free methods. We have a strict policy against harsh punishment methods. Coordinate structured daily feeding routines, medication administration, and specialised hotel care. Reception, Administration & Assessments: Conduct thorough behavioural assessments for new dogs and confidently run formal trial sessions to evaluate their suitability for group daycare. Help manage daily reception and admin tasks, ensuring a smooth, safe, and organised facility workflow. Confidently manage client check-ins and check-outs, conducting safe and welcoming dog handovers. Provide polite, professional customer service to clients during drop-off and pick-up periods. Facility Hygiene & Cleanliness (Core Responsibility): Maintain our premium hygiene standards through continuous cleaning, deep disinfecting, sweeping, and mopping throughout the shift. Keeping both the dogs and their environment spotlessly clean, safe, and beautifully presented is a top priority for this role. Social Media & Content Creation: Use smartphone systems to capture high-quality photos and videos of the dogs for internal tasks, client updates, and marketing. Actively collaborate on social media content creation while working. Please note: while we completely respect, support, and understand if you prefer not to appear on camera yourself, capturing photos and videos of the dogs while executing your daily duties is a mandatory part of the role. Experience and Qualifications Practical Experience is Essential: You must have a proven track record of hands-on work with diverse breeds, sizes, and temperaments in a professional setting. Qualifications: Formal qualifications in animal care, canine behaviour, or dog training are highly regarded. However, certifications alone will not substitute for hands-on experience. Requirements Positive Attitude & Team Player: A genuinely respectful, collaborative, and upbeat approach with clients, staff, and visitors. Calm & Emotionally Regulated: Able to maintain complete focus and a steady demeanour using positive dog-handling techniques and accurate behavioural observation in a fast-paced environment. Physically Fit: Capable of handling large dogs, standing for long periods, and performing rigorous physical cleaning tasks daily. Driver Licence & Transport: Must hold a valid driver licence, have reliable personal transport to get to work, and feel comfortable operating a company vehicle if required. Legal & Vetting Requirements You must currently reside in New Zealand and hold a valid visa with unrestricted legal work rights. We do not offer visa sponsorship. Employment is subject to satisfactory reference checks and a Ministry of Justice clean slate criminal record check. What We Offer You Professional Work Environment: A structured, vet-owned facility prioritising both animal welfare and staff wellbeing. Fair & Compliant Employment: Fully transparent HR systems, employment contracts, legal breaks, and proper staff rights. Stability & Growth: Full-time stability with real opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities as our business expands. Great Perks: A clean, supportive staff room, great team culture, and an inclusive, respectful workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr