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Organization: Guide Dogs of America
Location: Sylmar, CA
Job Type: Full time
Deadline: June 30, 2022

Job Description

Contact at organisation: Kristine Wallace, Guide Dogs of America

Phone: 818-833-6439

Email: kdwallace@guidedogsofamerica.org

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 standards of procedure;
  • Provide clear and accurate weekly reports on the progress of your assigned in-for-training dogs;
  • Implement and organize the training for students in class and effectively teach students to utilize their guide dog;
  • Guide apprentice instructors in all aspects of class work and teaching students in the use of their guide dog;
  • Apply GDA training techniques and correct procedures for evaluating and documenting students’ progress and giving class lectures;
  • Conduct effective graduate follow-up visits, applicant assessments and graduate assists;
  • Perform in-home training placements as needed (may require travel);
  • Participate in public outreach and education efforts by giving presentations and demonstrations;
  •  Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays to fulfill the requirements of class assignments or student’s needs;
  • Travel by car, train, and/or airplane may be required;
  • Ability to obtain a USA passport.

Essential Physical Requirements:

  • Must be comfortable wearing and working under blindfold for extensive periods of time;
  • 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;
  • Must have completed a 3-year apprenticeship and qualified at an IGDF accredited program;
  • Requires at least two years’ experience in positive or force free dog training;
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills;
  • Strong initiative and problem-solving skills when working independently;
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word), SharePoint, Cornerstone, and experience with CRM database management programs such as Salesforce preferred;
  • Work well as part of a team and in a team environment.

How to Apply

Submit cover letter and resume to: kdwallace@guidedogsofamerica.org