K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work we are doing, we are in need of a Lead K9 Caretaker to join our amazing team!
This position is Full-time/ Hourly/Non-exempt
Basic Function
Under the direction of the Assistant Kennel Manager, the Lead K9 Caretaker will support the proper operation of the kennels by providing direction to the K9 Caretaker team and leading by example regarding day-to-day operations. The duties and tasks include cleaning and maintaining kennel facilities, feeding and caring for the dogs, supporting the K9 Caretaker staff, keeping Kennel Management updated and informed of issues and concerns, and performing all other tasks as assigned.
Essential Functions and Duties
Responsible for all cleaning, feeding, bathing and animal handling in accordance with K9s for Warriors policies and procedures, ensuring all kennel staff are in compliance.Ensure and assist in accuracy and compliance with safety procedures for all aspects of the kennels, with special emphasis on animal handling and cleaning chemicalsObserve, assess, and ensure all dog behavior and health concerns are dealt with in accordance with K9s for Warriors guidelines and best practices, reporting any concerns or changes to Veterinary team and Kennel Management.Participate and provide enrichment to dogs with direction from Enrichment team. Support directives of Enrichment team given to kennel staff.Complete kennel and enrichment logs and associated paperwork completely and accurately.Follow instruction given by Veterinary Staff to assist in medicating and care of dogs.Always handle dogs humanely and safely and ensure all kennel staff and volunteers do the same.Report maintenance concerns to Kennel Management, assist with dissemination of incoming products and ordering.Assist with maintaining buildings and equipment, including but not limited to interior and exterior of buildings, grounds, kennel areas, yard maintenance/equipment.Assist in onboarding, orientation, and training of new kennel department hires and volunteers.Respond to the operational needs of the kennel as directed by Kennel Management.Follow and promote all K9s For Warriors’ policies and procedures.Follow and adhere to all PPE policiesIdentify opportunities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the dogs in K9s For Warriors’ care and bring ideas and suggestions to Kennel Management.Assist in training and oversee volunteers verifying shift duties are being completed and processes are being followedAbility to work with dogs on unknown or outdated vaccination historyAbility to work weekends, holidays, rotating scheduleOther Duties
Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Kennel Manager and Assistant Kennel Managers.Maintain good communication with kennel staff and other departments. Maintain good working relationships with all kennel and organization employees.Qualifications and Education Requirements
High school Diploma or Equivalent Supervisory skills required*Physical Demands
Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, twisting, turning, crouching, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds, chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.Core Competencies
Attention to DetailAccountability Discipline InitiativeIntegrity Cooperation LeadershipK9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work we are doing, we are in need of a Veterinarian- Clinical Services to join our amazing team!
Basic Function
The Veterinarian (Clinical Services) is responsible for the oversight and management of the medical care of all dogs in K9s For Warriors programs. This position plays an important role in maintaining uniform medical care for all dogs in the organization as well as maintaining healthy relationships among departments of the organization and with Specialty Veterinarians.
Essential Functions and Duties
Provide comprehensive, gold-standard medical care for all dogs in the program including but not limited to thorough exams and follow-ups, vaccinations, diagnostic interpretation, emergency care or the direction of it, etc. Maintain accurate, current, and comprehensive medical records, including applicable certificates and documents on all dogs in the programPerform and interpret ultrasound and radiography procedures and results, with emphasis on OFA elbow and hip evaluations and gradingsPerform routine and advanced surgical procedures including but not limited to ovariohysterectomy, orchiectomy, and dental extraction with skill in exploratory laparotomy, enterotomy, and gastrotomy preferred. Consult and strengthen relationships with specialty and emergency veterinarians through collaborative case discussions. Skill in managing minor to moderate emergency cases preferred.Work closely and collaboratively with veterinary medical management to create Standard Operating Procedures, veterinary practice guidelines, and care plans for the Veterinary Department consistent with current and best medical practices Mentor and develop DVM externs and technician teamPerform veterinary visits/exams with Warriors and their Service Dogs while in class to educate and prepare them for future veterinary visits after graduationAbility to work with dogs on unknown or outdated vaccination historyFollow and adhere to all PPE policiesFollow and promote K9s’ culture, values, policies, and procedures Provide a positive example regarding corporate culture, work ethic, attitude, professional ethics, knowledge of policies/procedures, interpersonal interactions, and mutual respectProvide exceptional, courteous, and compassionate customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members
Other Duties
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisorWork collaboratively, and with a positive attitude, with all K9s’ department teams for the care, benefit, promotion, and ultimate outcome for dogs in our careBe available after hours and weekends to provide direction for medical or emergency care of dogsQualifications and Education Requirements
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited veterinary schoolValid state veterinary licenseCurrent DEA licenseUSDA accreditation At least five years of experience as a DVMStrong knowledge of canine anatomy, physiology, and disease Grow skills and knowledge through continuing education and course workExperience in dog handling, canine care, grooming, kennel operations, aseptic technique, canine restraint, practice management, dog training, and other relevant skillsExcellent communication skills and the ability to multi-taskValid driver’s license is required and meet standards to be added to company driving policy
Physical Demands
Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, twisting, turning, walking stairs, climbing, driving long distances, and lifting objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds. Exposure to unpleasant odors, loud noises, chemicals, and inclement weather
Core Competencies
Adaptability Attention to DetailInitiativeIntegrityPlanning and Organizing CommunicationK9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work we are doing, we are in need of a Warrior Outreach Manager to join our amazing team!
SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE
Under the direct supervision of the Director of Warrior Operations, the Warrior Outreach Manager’s primary function is to manage and support the Warrior Outreach team in day-to-day tasks and functions. The Outreach team is responsible for coordinating, following up, and communicating with Alumni on a routine basis. This role serves as the bridge between K9s For Warriors Staff and Alumni.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Recruit, hire, train, coach, evaluate, promote, discipline, and separate staff with the support and guidance of Human ResourcesManage, assign, schedule, approve timecards, review, and conduct/track feedback on the work of Warrior Outreach SpecialistsProvide leadership and mentorship to Warrior Outreach Specialists appropriate and relevant to the overall performance of the team’s placement and retention goalsLead team meetings and regularly hold one-on-one meetings with employeesDevelop, coordinate, plan, and execute local and regional events and activities for Alumni and their families to attend and connect with other AlumniManage and maintain routine communication and correspondence with WarriorsCommunicate and coordinate with various departments within K9s For WarriorsIdentify Warrior interest and participation in events and media opportunities at the request of other departmentsHandle and de-escalate high stress situations and challenging conversations with Warriors as they ariseLocate potential veterans who have not had contact with K9s For Warriors and introduce programs and services to encourage their involvement and participationEstablish effective working relationships and work collaboratively with Alumni across the country, and with external resources, such as donors, local and regional community resources, and resources in medical treatment facilities (MTFs)Attend Alumni events, media opportunities, recreational events, and fundraising events, as neededDevelop strategies and methods to communicate the K9s For Warriors’ vision and values along with the benefits of the programs and services by inspiring community support and involvementMaintain current and accurate data in the internal Warrior DatabaseWork collaboratively with other departments on the recertification process for WarriorsInitiate and manage the application process for the Warrior Voices Initiative, review applications, and identify candidates collaboratively with other K9s For Warriors departmentsInitiate and manage the process for the Warrior Mentorship Program with alumni and coordinate with the Warrior Relations ManagerOversee training of new hires and ensure all specialists have all required and up-to-date certifications (ASIST, Fire Watch, and AED/CPR)Collect and report results and performance metrics for Alumni events and activitiesFollow and promote all K9s For Warriors policies and procedures, ensuring compliance within the Warrior Outreach teamProvide a positive example regarding culture, work ethic, attitude, professional ethics, knowledge of policies/procedures, interpersonal interactions, and mutual respectAlways provide exceptional, courteous, and compassionate customer service to our Warriors, the public, volunteers, and other staff membersWork collaboratively, and with a positive attitude, with all K9s For Warriors departments for the care, benefit, promotion, and ultimate positive outcomes for our Warriors and organizationWork independently with little to no supervisionCarry an after-hours duty phone on a rotating basis for Warrior grads to have contact with us 24/7 for any issues related to access, legal matters, mental health related matters, etc.OTHER DUTIES
Perform any other duties as assigned Evening and weekend duty when requiredMinimal travel to support events, as neededSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead, guide, mentor and oversee the Warrior Outreach team to ensure the completion of day-to-day tasksDirect the work of three or more full-time Warrior Outreach SpecialistsExercise discretion and independent judgment on matters that are core functions of K9s For Warriors’ missionCORE COMPETENCIES
ManagingIntegrity Cooperation Planning and Organizing Decisiveness/Problem-SolvingCustomer OrientationCoachingQUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
2 years in a supervisory and management position responsible for the performance of three or more employeesKnowledge of the Veterans community and issues regarding serving clients from this communityExperience in working with Veteran Service Organizations and the Department of Veterans AffairsAbility to work with persons with mental and physical disabilitiesBachelor’s degree or equivalent work experienceExperience working in customer service field preferred, e.g. customer service associate Possess patience to interact with challenging clientsExperience dealing with potential crisis situations preferredStrong verbal, written, and oral communication skillsThis position requires the candidate to possess a strong ability to speak clearly and effectively as well as the ability to listen to and hear clients who may be challenging or in distressValid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurancePHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.In addition to working on a computer, this position would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. This role also requires walking and standing for interim periods of time to communicate in person with the warriors.Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, twisting, turning, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds. Exposure to chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Assistant Kennel Manager is responsible for managing daily operations and functions of the kennel and K9 Caretaker team in accordance with the standards and procedures established by K9s For Warriors.
Essential Functions and Duties
Hire, train, schedule, approve timecards, conduct performance reviews, and supervise all employees on the Kennel team with the support of the Kennel ManagerEnsure all procedures, policies, and protocols, including operation of the quarantine kennels, are current with best practices and updates are distributed to appropriate staffEnsure accuracy and compliance with safety procedures for all aspects of the kennels, with special emphasis on animal handling and cleanlinessSchedule, delegate, participate, and oversee completion of kennel tasks, including but not limited to daily deep cleaning, food preparation, etc.Be available to kennel staff after hours to provide direction and guidance for any issues or emergency situations within the kennelsObserve, assess, and ensure all canine behavior and health concerns are handled according to K9s For Warriors policies and proceduresAlways handle canines humanely and safely, and ensure all staff and volunteers do the sameMaintain accurate daily kennel records including but not limited to bathing lists, kennel cards, and updating the Master Kennel LocatorMonitor medical and behavioral condition of dogs, notate concerns on the kennel cards and notify the kennel leadership team of medical or behavioral changesAssist with maintaining buildings and equipment, including but not limited to interior and exterior of buildings, grounds, kennel areas, yard maintenance/equipment, and report maintenance concernsAssist with maintaining, monitoring, ordering, and tracking inventory of all kennel supplies, and assist with dissemination of incoming products and orderingLead daily department meetings regarding kennel operationsAbility to work with dogs on unknown or outdated vaccination historyFollow and adhere to all PPE policiesFollow and promote all K9s For Warriors policies and procedures Provide a positive example regarding work ethic, attitude, professional ethics, knowledge of policies/procedures, interpersonal interactions, and mutual respectProvide exceptional, courteous, and compassionate customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members at all timesWork collaboratively, and with a positive attitude, with all K9s For Warriors department teams for the care, benefit, promotion, and ultimate outcome for animals in our careOther Duties
Perform additional tasks as assigned by Kennel Manager or managementMaintain good communication with kennel staff and management
Qualifications and Education Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent 1-2 years supervisory experience requiredKennel, rescue, or shelter experience preferredValid driver’s license is required and meet standards to be added to company driving policyAbility to work independently with little to no supervision Ability to work weekends, holidays, and rotating schedule to ensure the needs of the facility are adequately metPhysical Demands
Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, twisting, turning, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds. Exposure to chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.
Competencies
InitiativeIntegrity Attention to DetailConflict Management Coaching Planning and Organizing Communication
K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work we are doing, we are in need of a K9 Training Operations Manager to join our amazing team!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the general direction and supervision of the Director of K9 Training, the K9 Training Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing tasks and ensuring the maintenance of records for the K9 Training teams, puppy program and Paws for Change Program. The K9 Training Operations Manager will oversee professional development and assist with personnel and employee relations matters on the K9 training team. This position will ensure consistency across all K9s For Warriors (K9s) campuses in matters of training, kenneling, transporting, and testing dogs to ensure consistency of care.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Manage, assign, schedule, approve timecards, review, and conduct/track feedback on the work of the K9 Assistant Training ManagersRecruit, hire, evaluate, promote, discipline, and terminate staff with the support and guidance of the Director of K9 Training and Human ResourcesForecast available canines for upcoming classes; coordinate with Manager of K9 Training Operations, Warrior Relations Manager and Director of K9 Training to plan class sizes, transmit training files, and meet with Warrior Relations, Warrior Trainers, and K9 Trainers to preliminarily select Warrior/Dog teamsExpand and formalize training curriculum that identifies obedience and program milestones within a logical progression to ensure quality control of training team and dogs in training aimed at Warrior placement in a timely and appropriate manner.Oversee puppy program scheduling, puppy raiser assignments and overall logistics required to ensure the management of the puppy program and success of puppies in training. Collaborative with the volunteer coordinator to schedule and carry out volunteer activities to aide in the training of service dogs. Assess service dog trainer’s skills to create consistency of training; provide feedback and demonstrate appropriate K9 Trainer techniques as well as establish coaching plans to enhance trainer skills through continued education.Coordinate and assist in transportation of class dogs to other campuses as well as supporting Operation Reach Every Warrior. Coordinate, assist, and take part in travel opportunities to effectively carry out classes, post-graduate warrior support, and revenue events.Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development to the Assistant K9 Training Managers and K9 Trainers relative to the performance of initiatives aimed at maintaining professionalism and positive culture and consult on personnel and employee relations matters.Collaborate with the warrior training and education department to coordinate trainer assistance in warrior classes, assist in post graduate training support and remedial training.Collaborate with members of the revenue department to oversee coordinating trainers for events, carry out plans to support sponsorships and communicate projection details. Ensure all procedures, policies, and protocols are current with best practices and updates are distributed to appropriate staff across all campuses.Ensure accuracy and compliance with safety procedures for all aspects of K9 Training, with special emphasis on animal handlingMaintain up-to-date records for dogs in training within the teams on campus and the Paws for Change programProvide a positive example regarding work ethic, attitude, professional ethics, knowledge of policies/procedures, interpersonal interactions, and mutual respectProvide exceptional, courteous, and compassionate customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members at all timesEnter data, collect metrics, run reports, identify trends, and build training plans to improve dogs’ mental health and behaviorLiaise with donor relations and marketing; communicate when dogs are ready to be sponsored; assist with marketing endeavors; schedule and perform tours, training demonstrations, and interviews.Liaise with all K9s Campuses and Paws for Change Programs; provide and educate on new policies and procedures; coordinate and approve dog transports; maintain and track dog training recordsEnsure appropriate equipment is ordered and available for Service Dogs in TrainingAdditional tasks as assigned by the Director of K9 Training
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
3 years in a supervisory and management position responsible for the performance of five or more employees preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent Proven professional experience in team management and record keeping.Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitationExcellent communication skillsValid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insuranceCORE COMPETENCIES
CoachingAdaptability InitiativeIntegrityPlanning and OrganizingPHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors, sounds chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.
K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work we are doing, we are in need of an Assistant K9 Training Manager to join our amazing team!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the general direction and supervision of the K9 Training Operations Manager, the Assistant K9 Training Manager is responsible for conducting skills and temperament tests, evaluating K9s in training, providing feedback on Service Dogs in training, and coaching K9 Trainers in behavior modification methods consistent with K9s For Warriors’ (K9s) training standards. The Assistant K9 Training Manager will also input training metrics, identify trends, and provide solutions to consistently improve the quality of the Service Dog.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct the work of Lead K9 TrainersEnsure consistency in methods approved by and in alignment with the K9s For Warriors training philosophy.Review K9 Trainer training records to ensure completion and consistency when presenting information.Assist the K9 Training Operations Manager with oversight of the Paws for Change program.Exercise discretion and independent judgment on matters that are core functions of the K9s mission
CORE COMPETENCIES
CoachingAdaptabilityInitiativeIntegrityPlanning and Organizing
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Certification from an accredited dog training school or equivalent work experience2 years in a supervisory and management position responsible for the performance of five or more employeesHigh school diploma or equivalentProven Professional experience in dog training Exhibit confidence in self and others; inspire and motivate others to perform well; effectively influence actions and opinions of othersKennel experience preferredValid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurancePHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, twisting, turning, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds. Exposure to chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Assistant K9 Training Manager and general supervision of the assigned Lead K9 Trainer, the K9 Trainer is responsible for independently implementing all elements of assistance dog training, including reading dog body language, training procedures, environmental awareness, application of learning theory and related modalities, use of training equipment, training of K9s For Warriors (K9s) skills, dog evaluation, assessment, and reporting.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Independently modify dog behavior and train specific service dog tasks from basic to advanced obedienceTrain obedience and service tasks in alignment with a Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) based training philosophy.Maintain detailed training, evaluation, behavior modification and medical records in accordance with K9s’ policies and proceduresAnalyze and assess individual dogs; execute a tailored training program and assist with their care Provide public access exposure to Service Dogs in training Participate in impulse control, time outs, quiet kennels, temperament testing, group walks, and continuing education sessionsCoordinate, run, and supervise dog playgroups; evaluate dog’s stress levels, monitor for rude or aggressive behavior; identify when and how to interrupt inappropriate play.Liaise with kennel staff on assigned dog’s kennel behavior; coordinate dog procedure requests, feeding schedule and enrichment plans through K9 Training Management and Kennel Management; assist K9 Caretakers with cleaning kennels when neededAssist Warrior Trainers with identifying the correct Service Dog for each veteran, initial dog pairing, and provide training assistance through transference Participate in events, tours and media opportunities to demonstrate the dog’s trained skills to raise awareness and support fundraising and development endeavors. Participate in training sessions at Paws for Change locations to aid in training for dogs in the Paws for Change program.Perform frequent cleaning of training equipment, vehicles, and campus training areasParticipate in public relations presentations and demonstrations showing how Service Dogs provide assistance to veterans with PTSD, TBI, or MST in addition to promoting the mission and encouraging donationsDisplay a positive example regarding work ethic, attitude, professional ethics, knowledge of policies/procedures, interpersonal interactions, and mutual respectProvide exceptional, courteous, and compassionate customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members at all timesPerform other duties as assigned by supervisor or management
COMPETENCIES
Adaptability InitiativeIntegrity Planning and Organizing
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
H.S. diploma or equivalent2 years of professional animal training experience or graduation from the apprenticeship programExperience working with purpose bred and shelter dogs preferredKennel experience preferredAbility to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and work independently with minimal supervisionComfortable being photographed, filmed and other interactions with mediaGood communication skillsValid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance.PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Walk 3 to 5 miles per day on averageAbility to train dogs in crowded environments on campus and in publicAbility to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors, sounds chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.
K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work we are doing, we are in need of a K9 Adoptions Trainer to join our amazing team!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the K9 Procurement & Training Assistant Manager, the K9 Adoptions Trainer is responsible for implementing all elements of Behavior Modification, and Dog Training for the purpose of placing Dogs into permanent homes as pets and/or other positive outcomes.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Independently modify assigned dog behavior, train specific behaviors that would promote adoption for career changed dogs (Dogs not suitable for Service Dog work) from basic to advanced obedience in accordance with K9s’policies and proceduresIdentify additional behavior concerns and communicate them with the Adoption Team and future adopterMaintain detailed training, evaluation, behavior modification and medical records as per K9s’ policies and proceduresAnalyze and assess individual dogs; execute a tailored training program, and assist with their care and healthTeach dogs to obey basic cues using positive reinforcement techniques that are best suited to each dog’s personality and attributes.Provide appropriate exposures to prepare career change dogs for adoption and successful in-home transitionTeach adopters appropriate training methods to enforce and maintain behaviors and skills learned by their dogs while with K9s For Warriors.Implement appropriate training programs to address and resolve problem areas, including aggression, separation anxiety, hyperactivity, and mouthing.Determine appropriate off-site training locationsHandle and train dogs appropriately in a public access setting Administer canine medications Coordinate, run, and supervise dog playgroups; evaluate dog’s stress levels, monitor for rude or aggressive behavior; identify when and how to interrupt inappropriate playLiaise with kennel staff on assigned dog’s kennel behavior; coordinate dog procedure requests, feeding schedule and enrichment plans through Placement Management and Kennel Management; assist K9 Caretakers with cleaning kennels when neededAssist Adoption Team with identifying the ideal placement for dogs, initial dog adoptions, provide training assistance through transference Contact adopters to troubleshoot and help them through any issues while the dog is still settling in their new homeParticipate in interdepartmental meetings to discuss the overall care, behavior, and training of our adoptable dogsParticipate in meet and greets and adoption introductions to communicate proper dog training techniques, behavior modification and integration of their career change dog into home environments Perform frequent cleaning of training equipment, vehicles, and campus training areasParticipate in public adoption events and promotions of adoptable career change dogsPerform other duties as assigned by supervisor or managementCOMPETENCIES
InitiativeIntegrity Planning and OrganizingInterpersonal SkillsQUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
H.S. diploma or equivalent2 years of professional dog training experience specializing in behavior modification required2 years of working with shelter dogs or relative experience is required Certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) preferredSound knowledge of dog training, behavior modification, and dog body languageStrong dog handling skillsA love for dogsKnowledge of common canine medical issues and practices Willing to work with potentially aggressive dogs Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and work independently with minimal supervisionGood communication skillsValid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurancePHYSICAL DEMANDS
Walk 3 to 5 miles per day on averageAbility to train dogs in crowded environments on campus and in publicAbility to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting to fifty (50) pounds individually Exposure to unpleasant odors, sounds, chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather
