Trainee Guide Dog Trainer
Description
At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, we are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals for greater independence. We are dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing connections between people and dogs.
At our facilities we breed, raise, and train exceptional dogs. Then we connect them to people who are seeking increased freedom and independence, so that together, they can experience all kinds of life adventures. As a Trainee Guide Dog Trainer, you will play a key part in making that happen!
Working with our dogs will inspire you. As one of our Trainee Guide Dog Trainers, you will love supporting our mission as you train our dogs so that they can go on to facilitate independence for those that blind or visually impaired. In this role, you will prepare assigned dogs to a state of readiness to be matched with a person who is in Guiding Eyes' guide dog instruction program.
The Role
- Start a string of eight (8) dogs, two to three times per year
- Conduct foundation training (16 weeks) and possibly customized training (4 weeks) with assigned dogs
- Ensure the emotional and physical needs of all assigned dogs are met
- Blindfold work with assigned dogs
- Train dogs as assigned, to a condition of class readiness in obedience and guide work skills
- Participate in daily cleaning, disinfecting and other routine maintenance of the Kennel and assorted facilities
- Assist in daily feeding and monitoring the diets of all dogs in the Kennel
- Periodically participate in public relations and public education efforts by giving talks, presentations, demonstrations, and tours of the Training School and/or Training Kennel
- Provide a constant positive image of Guiding Eyes through appropriate dress and conduct while in public working with dogs
- May be asked to fill in for GDMIs when not training assigned dogs
- Maintain written and computer records according to established procedures
- May be assigned boarding guides, returned guides, and placement-ready guides
- May be asked to pick up and drop off guide dogs in the field
- 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
- Experience working and training dogs
- Must be comfortable wearing and working under a blindfold for extensive periods of time
- Physical stamina with the ability to lift and handle large, active dogs
- Stand, walk long distances indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions (average of three to ten miles per training day)
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills as well as strong organizational skills
- Ability to accurately assess situations and make quick, sound judgements
Ability to multitask and 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 nights, weekends, evenings and holidays as required to fulfill the requirements of training - Excellent teamwork as well as strong interpersonal skills
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs; Salesforce savvy a plus
- Must have a valid Driver’s License
Guiding Eyes for the Blind offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Competitive and generous healthcare (Medical/Dental/Vision)
- Life Insurance
- 403(b)
- Generous Paid Time Off Policies and Holidays
Salary: $20 - $24/hour
The above job description is intended to be a general description of the requirements and duties of this assignment; it is one of inclusion, not exclusion. Guiding Eyes reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business. Any Guiding Eyes employee must be willing to perform tasks not specified within their job description, so long as those tasks are in the best interests of Guiding Eyes and are tasks which the individual is capable of performing.