Job Description
Contact at organisation: Cathy Binyildiz, Guide Dogs for the Blind
Phone: 415-492-4144
Email: cbinyildiz@guidedogs.com
Ensure the welfare of our dogs and the performance of our team.
If you have the skills and competencies for managing the care of inspiring dogs while leading a team of dedicated people, consider joining Guide Dogs for the Blind as a Canine Welfare and Training Manager at our Boring, OR campus. In this key role, you will actively manage the performance of our Kennel Technicians, including mentoring, coaching, and providing feedback and recognition. At the same time, you will ensure the day-to-day physical and psychological well-being of dogs in the training kennel environment.
What You’ll Love
- Ensuring the quality, health, and temperament of our guide dogs in support of a fulfilling mission
- Leading a team of motivated individuals while helping build a diverse and skilled workforce
- Having the opportunity to share your ideas and achieve process improvements
- Working at our beautiful campus
- The option to bring your own dog to work!
What You’ll Do:
- Oversee and coach staff, conduct performance evaluations, and facilitate continued education and professional development
- Schedule staff to ensure optimal coverage of canine care needs including kennel cleaning, feeding, enrichment, and administering of medications
- Develop, implement, and oversee projects designed to enhance physical and psychological well-being of all dogs residing in the kennels, as well as specialized programs for dogs with behavioral or health needs
- Establish and align policies, systems, procedures, and protocols for all areas pertaining to Canine Welfare
- Assist in the response to complex or emergent scenarios
- Represent the Training Department on committees and organizational teams as needed
- Stay current in and utilize the latest techniques and technologies in both staff development and care/training of dogs
- Maintain adequate supplies of dog food, class supplies, and all kennel related supplies
What You’ll Need:
- Proficiency in canine handling, behavior, and care, typically gained by 5-7 years of experience in a training, veterinary, animal control, or kennel position
- Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of supervisory experience preferred
- Ability to set up and carry out an effective care and training program for individual dogs; preference will be given to applicants with experience using positive reinforcement techniques to modify problematic behavior
- Sound judgment, strong communication and team management skills, and the ability to make timely and prudent decisions
- Strong computer skills, including the ability to use software including Microsoft Office products such as Salesforce, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Administrative and organizational skills such as time management, work organization and planning, multi-tasking, and problem solving
- Ability to handle a variety of large breed dogs, weighing up to 90 pounds, with varying strength and manageability
- Able to withstand repetitive bending, kneeling, squatting, and the opening and closing of our kennels
- Current driver’s license or ability to receive one in Oregon and maintain insurability at regular risk rates
- This full time, exempt position may require occasional weekends, evening shifts, and/or holidays
Guide Dogs for the Blind
At Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), we believe that everyone deserves to move through the world safely and confidently – to live the life they want to live. As the largest guide dog school in North America, we have graduated more than 16,000 guide dog teams from across the U.S. and Canada since our founding in 1942. GDB not only improves mobility for our clients, we further inclusion. Join our team of more than 300 employees and share your passion for our mission.
At Guide Dogs for the Blind, we respect, value, and appreciate all differences. We welcome all qualified candidates irrespective of your race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Individuals with disabilities, especially those who are blind or visually impaired, are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability and need assistance and/or accommodation with applying for a job, please feel free to contact our Human Resources department.
Pay Range:
$81,000-$99,000/year
