Apprentice GDMI

Contact at organisation: Kristine Wallace, Guide Dogs of America

Phone: 8188336439

Email: kdwallace@guidedogsofamerica.org

Job Type: Full Time Non-Exempt Position

Salary Range: The GDMI Apprenticeship program consists of 6 progressive modules that are generally completed over the course of three years and the pay range from Module 1 to 6 over the next three years is $19.38 to $28.46.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, Life Insurance
• Pension & 401k
• Vacation & Paid Holidays
• Casual Work Environment
• Pet Friendly
• Mission-driven non-profit organization
• 7.5-acre park-like campus grounds

Job Purpose: To complete a 3-year apprenticeship program as set forth by GDA/TLC in accordance with IGDF standards, resulting in obtaining qualified GDMI status

Essential Functions:

• Train dogs as assigned to a condition of class readiness in obedience and guide work skills
• Instruct students who are blind/visually impaired on becoming a guide dog handler
• Assist with daily cleaning and disinfecting of kennel as per GDA/TLC’s current standards of procedure
• Assist with daily feeding and monitoring the diets of dogs assigned to the training department
• Provide clear and accurate weekly reports on the progress of your assigned in-for-training dogs
• Under supervision, assist in class effectively teaching students to utilize their guide dog
• Apply GDA training techniques and correct procedures for documenting students’ progress and giving class lectures
• Participate in public outreach and education efforts by giving presentations and demonstrations
• Complete course work and testing outlined in the Apprentice Training Manual
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends and holidays to fulfill the requirements of class assignments or student needs
• Must be able to travel by car, train or airplane as required
• Ability to obtain a USA passport
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Must be comfortable wearing and working under blindfold for extensive periods of time
• Must be able to complete a 7-day blindfold experience during a class in session
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, indoors and outdoors in all types of weather
• Ability to bend and kneel to the floor for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift 60 lbs., and up to 80 lbs. with assistance; must possess the physical strength to lift healthy, potentially strong, large breed dogs
• Ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force including pushing or moving objects
• Ability to push, pull, and reach overhead
• Ability to wear protective gear including masks, gloves, goggles, boots
• Visual acuity required to see and read dog’s reaction to environment and distractions, ability to read forms, documentation, and computer screen
• Hearing ability required to interact with dogs, trainers, students, and volunteers
• Ability to tolerate elevated noise levels – barking dogs
• Working in a kennel environment with multiple dogs
• Interactions with all types of people/personalities

Qualifications:

•  18+ years of age
• Valid driver’s license and insurable
• High school graduate or GED, Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience with the care and training of dogs
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Strong initiative and problem-solving skills when working independently
• Proficient in Microsoft, Excel and Outlook
• Prefer experience in Veterinary software ex: Cornerstone
• Work well as part of a team and in a team environment