We’re hiring a Munster Puppy Supervisor to join AADI’s Puppy Team.
This is a full-time, permanent role supporting the health, training, socialisation and development of up to 35 puppies during their first year, while working closely with the volunteers who foster them.
Closing date: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 5.00pm
Role Overview
Job Title: Munster Puppy Supervisor
Department/Team: Puppy Team
Location: Remote, office and field based
Employment Type: Full-time, permanent
Reports To: Rosemary Hurley, Puppy Programme Manager
Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
About the Role
The Puppy Supervisor oversees the health, training, socialisation and development of up to 35 pups during their fundamental first year of life.
Volunteers foster these pups during this time, and the supervisor is responsible for ensuring they receive the necessary training and support to have a positive fostering experience and to prepare each pup to progress to formal training.
The role also involves building strong relationships with our foster volunteers and ensuring they feel fully supported throughout the process.
About Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) is a national charitable organisation founded in 2010.
Our mission is to change the world for children with autism. AADI trains and places highly skilled Assistance and Buddy Dogs to provide safety to children in public places or act as a constant companion in the home environment.
Our dogs open up a whole new world of opportunity and possibility for children with autism and their families.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Training and development of up to 35 pups.
- Ensuring pups are reaching their developmental milestones and identifying those who are not.
- Creating and implementing behaviour modification plans where required.
- Identifying health issues and ensuring pups receive appropriate care and/or veterinary intervention.
- Managing their own calendar to ensure fosterers receive appropriate support and pups meet their training and socialisation goals.
- Allowing sufficient time for the administrative duties associated with the role.
- Keeping accurate and up-to-date training and health records for each pup in line with AADI’s internal policies and procedures.
Experience
- 2+ years’ experience in puppy training and development using force-free methods.
- 2+ years’ experience mentoring or supervising others.
- Previous experience working with volunteers would be advantageous.
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong people and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Good IT skills, including a working knowledge of WhatsApp and Google tools such as Drive, Calendar, Meet, Docs, Maps and Classroom.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
Qualifications
- A dog training qualification from a reputable educator, such as APDT, IMDT, AniEd, Canine Principles or Creedon’s College.
- A full clean driving licence.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will:
- Be highly organised, with strong planning skills and attention to detail.
- Have sound judgement and decision-making skills.
- Be able to manage a busy and varied workload.
- Be solution-focused and able to think creatively.
- Be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
- Be optimistic and outgoing.
- Be comfortable spending significant periods driving, as the role involves regular travel.
Key Relationships
Internal: CEO, Breeding Manager, Puppy Programme Manager, Dublin Puppy Supervisor, Instructors, Dog Care and Welfare Manager, and Fundraising team colleagues.
External: Long- and short-term fosterers, temporary fosterers, prospective volunteers and members of the public.
How to Apply
Please email your CV and cover letter to:
Rosemary Hurley
Puppy Programme Manager
rose@aadi.ie
Closing date: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 5.00pm
Equal Opportunities
Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
We look forward to hearing from you.