Animal Caretaker / Deputy Kennel Manager Winter Season 2026/2027

Animal Caretaker / Deputy Kennel Manager – Winter Season 2026/2027

Employer: Aurora Mountain Lodge

Work Location: Lannavaara, Swedish Lapland, Sweden

Employment Type: Full-time, fixed-term seasonal employment

Employment Period: 1 December 2026 – 30 April 2027

About Us

Aurora Mountain Lodge is located in Lannavaara, a small village surrounded by the Arctic wilderness of Swedish Lapland. We offer our guests comfortable accommodation and authentic nature experiences, including dog sledding tours and other winter activities.

The health, welfare and proper care of our huskies are essential to our operations.

We are looking for an experienced, responsible and versatile Animal Caretaker who will also take on the role of Deputy Kennel Manager during the winter season 2026/2027.

Main Responsibilities

Your primary responsibility will be the daily care, health and well-being of our sled dogs.

Your duties will include:

• Daily care, feeding and grooming of the dogs
• Cleaning and maintaining kennels, dog yards and equipment
• Training and exercising sled dogs
• Preparing and guiding dog sledding tours for guests
• Monitoring the dogs' health, behaviour and general well-being
• Providing basic animal healthcare and first aid within the scope of your qualifications and applicable regulations
• Recognising signs of illness or injury and coordinating veterinary care when necessary
• Following up on treatments prescribed by a veterinarian
• Planning and coordinating daily kennel operations
• Grooming trails
• Supporting the Kennel Manager and taking responsibility for kennel operations in their absence

One day per week, you will also work in the lodge's restaurant and bar, assisting with food and beverage service, guest relations and other front-of-house duties.

Required Qualifications

We are looking for someone who has:

• Documented practical experience working with sled dogs
• Previous experience guiding dog sledding tours
• Good knowledge of dog behaviour, handling and welfare
• Solid basic knowledge of canine healthcare, including recognising symptoms of illness, assessing the dogs' general health and providing routine healthcare and first aid
• Fluent English, both spoken and written
• The ability to work independently, organise daily tasks and take responsibility
• Good teamwork and guest service skills

You must be comfortable with physically demanding outdoor work in Arctic winter conditions.

Additional Qualifications

The following qualifications are considered an advantage:

• Previous experience in kennel management, team leadership or administration
• Formal training in animal care or canine healthcare
• Experience working in restaurants, bars, hotels or other hospitality environments
• Valid driving licence (Category B) or equal
• Valid snowmobile driving qualification

Personal Qualities

We are looking for a responsible, well-organised and flexible person who genuinely cares about animal welfare.

You enjoy working both independently and as part of a team, and you are comfortable taking responsibility when required.

As our lodge is located in a remote part of Swedish Lapland, you should be practical, adaptable and solution-oriented. Flexibility is important, as weather conditions and the remote location sometimes require us to adjust our daily operations.

Employment Conditions

• Full-time seasonal employment
• Employment period: 1 December 2026 – 30 April 2027
• Workplace: Aurora Mountain Lodge, Lannavaara, Kiruna Municipality, Sweden
• Primary duties in the kennel, with one working day per week in the restaurant and bar
• Working hours according to a schedule, including weekends
• Salary and employment conditions in accordance with applicable Swedish collective agreements or established industry standards

How to Apply

Please send your application and CV to:

[email protected]

Please use Animal Caretaker / Deputy Kennel Manager as the subject of your email.

If you have any questions about the position, feel free to contact us by email.

Learn more about Aurora Mountain Lodge at:

www.explorethenorth.se

We look forward to hearing from you!