Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Inc. Careers

Working with our dogs will inspire you.  We put our clients first and seek to exceed their expectations by supporting them with exceptional dogs trained to meet their unique needs, so they can live the life they want to live.  As one of our Guide Dog Mobility Instructors, you will love supporting our mission as you use your certified guide dog experience to train our dogs so that they can go on to become what they were destined to be as they facilitate in the independence of those that are blind or visually impaired.  In this role, you will prepare assigned dogs to a condition of class readiness in order to be matched with a person who is in Guiding Eyes' guide dog instruction program. 

The Role

• Start and finish a string of eight (8) dogs biannually (may be asked to start an additional string)
• Conduct foundation training (16 weeks) and customized training (4 weeks) with assigned dogs
• Collaborate with managers to determine client and dog pre-matches and final matches
• Instruct a new guide dog handler in either a class setting or on a home training
• Blindfold work with assigned dogs
• Ensure the emotional and physical needs of all assigned dogs are met
• The GDMI with the most experience on a team will serve as the mentor to advise and train
• May be asked to fill in for GDMIs when not training assigned dogs
• Provide and maintain clear and accurate reports on the progress of your assigned dogs
• Periodically participate in public relations and public education efforts by giving talks, presentations, and demonstrations
• May be asked to pick up and drop off guide dogs in the field as well as board guides, returned guides, and placement-ready guides
• Work effectively in a team environment
• Maintain a high level of productivity throughout the workday
• Embrace and promote an atmosphere of positivity and collaboration

Qualifications You Will Need

• College degree preferred, ideally with a concentration in Animal Behavior, Psychology, or Education/Teaching
• Successfully completed a 3-year apprenticeship and qualified at an IGDF accredited program
• Must be comfortable wearing and working under blindfold for extensive periods of time
• Physical stamina with the ability to lift and handle large, active dogs
• Ability to maintain a pace of 4.0 miles per hour if needed when working with a guide dog
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time, indoors and outdoors on uneven and changing surfaces in all types of weather conditions (average of three to ten miles per training day)
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills as well as strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks
• Ability to accurately assess situations and make quick, sound judgements
• Excellent teamwork as well as strong interpersonal skills; outcome focused and works to achieve through collaborative work practices
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Reliability, high level of integrity and punctuality are essential  
• Ability to travel when necessary, including, but not limited to, day trips, overnights which may include weekends, and airline travel in the U.S. and Canada
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include non-traditional business hours including, but not limited to nights, weekends, evenings and holidays as required to fulfill the requirements of training
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs; Salesforce savvy a plus
• Must have a valid Driver’s License

• Competitive and generous healthcare (Medical/Dental/Vision)
• Life Insurance
• 403(b)
• Generous Paid Time Off Policies and Holidays