Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (Bilingual – French/English)

Contact at organisation: Rob Cramer, CNIB Guide Dogs

Phone: +1 (613)697-9216

Email: Rob.Cramer@cnib.ca

Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (Bilingual – French/English)
Permanent, Full-Time
Location: Carleton Place, ON
Compensation: $70,000.00 per annum
Reports to: Manager, Guide Dog Training
Direct Reports: No
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Why Join Us at CNIB Guide Dogs?
Founded in 1918, CNIB is one of Canada’s most respected charities, with a proud legacy of advancing independence and inclusion for people who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind. Guided by our strategic plan, The Way Forward, we continue to reimagine what is possible by strengthening services, expanding access, and shaping the future of guide dog mobility in Canada.
Working with us means joining an ambitious, diverse team committed to changing what it means to be blind today.
As a Bilingual Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, you will join a highly skilled and collaborative team that upholds the highest standards of animal welfare, professional excellence, and client-centered service. Our instructors are trusted experts, supported by strong program infrastructure, shared learning, and a culture that values continuous improvement.
If you are passionate about guide dog mobility, committed to excellence, and motivated by meaningful impact — this is an opportunity to do work that truly changes lives.
We welcome applications from qualified international candidates who are inspired by our mission and are considering a move to Canada. If you are looking for a place where your expertise is respected, your growth is supported, and your work contributes to something bigger, we encourage you to apply.
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Your Impact at CNIB
As a Bilingual Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, you will play a critical role in supporting independence and mobility for CNIB clients by:
• Thoughtfully matching trained guide dogs with program participants by developing a thorough understanding of each dog’s temperament, skills, and suitability in relation to individual client lifestyles and mobility needs.
• Delivering comprehensive home assessments and guide dog training courses to program participants in both English and French, as required.
• Contributing to the development and mentorship of colleagues and apprentices within the program.
• Training all dogs in alignment with International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) standards and CNIB Guide Dogs’ program principles, applying appropriate training methodologies based on behavioral and temperamental assessment.
• Evaluating dogs throughout the training process and recommending progression, redirection, or alternative program pathways as appropriate.
• Providing aftercare services to support long-term mobility success, guide dog welfare, and strong handler partnerships.
• Developing individualized mobility plans that align participant goals, abilities, and expectations with the effective use of a guide dog.
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Who You Are
Education and Experience:
• GDMI qualification recognized by the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).
• Demonstrated experience working with dogs across various ages, temperaments, and stages of training.
• Strong knowledge of best-practice guide dog training methodologies.
• A valid, current driver’s license.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:
• Experience training guide dogs for individuals who are blind or partially sighted.
• Experience working with people with disabilities across diverse age groups.
• Ability to deliver instruction and training in both English and French, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to apply teaching and learning principles in both theoretical and practical settings.
• Physical capability to meet the demands of the role, including extended walking and hands-on work with dogs.
• Strong collaboration skills, paired with the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in both official languages.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Lived or professional experience related to blindness, sight loss, assistive technology, or accessible environments is considered an asset.
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Perks
We support our people with rewards and programs that recognize the whole person — your work, your growth, and your well-being:
• Relocation assistance may be available for candidates moving from outside the region or internationally.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, where operationally appropriate.
• Opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and involvement in inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility initiatives.
• Comprehensive group insurance benefits, including dental, health, and vision coverage.
• An engaging employee referral program.
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Working Together for Change
Our diversity is our strength. We are proud of our inclusive workplace and are committed to recruiting and selecting candidates through fair, transparent, and accessible practices.
We strongly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, people who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
CNIB is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with candidates requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.
Learn more about our mission and impact here https://www.cnib.ca/en?region=on