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