Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

Contact at organisation: Jim Kessler, The Seeing Eye

Phone: 973-539-4425 ext. 1812

Email: jkessler@seeingeye.org

Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

The Seeing Eye, the pioneer of guide dog schools, is seeking candidates for an experienced Guide Dog Mobility Instructor to join our team. For 96 years, The Seeing Eye, based in Morristown, NJ enhances the independence, dignity, and self-confidence of blind people through the use of Seeing Eye® dogs.

Scope of Responsibilities:
This position trains dogs to safely guide blind and visually impaired people. This position teaches blind and visually impaired students in the skills necessary to travel safely with a Seeing Eye dog. This position travels within the U.S. and Canada to assess applicants and provide aftercare to graduates in their home communities.

Essential Functions:

• Instructs students to safely and effectively travel with a Seeing Eye dog to further enhance their independence and mobility.
• Trains assigned dogs in all aspects of guide work to a qualified level in preparation for their partnership with a blind or visually impaired person.
• Travels by air and ground transport throughout North America, sometimes with an apprentice or associate instructor observing, for the purpose of supporting graduates to achieve continued success with their dogs and assessing applicants in their home communities to determine suitability for training with a Seeing Eye dog.
• Provides essential daily maintenance and health care for dogs assigned within the instructor team in order to insure healthy guides.
• Lectures students in areas of canine care, behavior, and guide work to supplement their understanding of their partnership with their dog.
• Speaks publicly to support the mission of The Seeing Eye in areas of fundraising, public relations, and public education.
• Interacts with puppy raisers through periodic updates and at scheduled events to enhance their understanding of and interest in The Seeing Eye’s program.
• Performs other duties as required by the manager to fulfill the mission of The Seeing Eye.

Education and Experience:

• Must have successfully completed The Seeing Eye’s 3-year apprenticeship program or the equivalent program at another qualified Guide Dog school.
• Eight plus years’ experience working as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor.
• Orientation and Mobility Specialist certification a plus.
• Bilingual a plus.

Candidate Profile:

• Ability to live in residence and work weekends and holidays as needed
• Ability to function independently while upholding the standards and missions of TSE
• Capable of walking 8-12 miles daily in all extremes of weather; rain, snow, sleet, sun, etc.
• Must be capable of walking at all pace ranges of TSE dogs, graduates and applicants on hills as well as level terrain. Pace can vary from 2 mph to 4 mph (sometimes faster). Pace must be sustained for long distances.
• Must be capable of handling or providing a pull. Pull ranges from light to hard (less than 2.5 lbs. to 10 lbs.). Pull is provided by the instructor and maintained for the equivalent of several long city blocks while walking at the pace level described above.
• Must enjoy teaching and be able to articulate lessons clearly
• Ability to be patient with people and dogs while teaching under stressful conditions
• Must maintain a professional appearance
• Must be able to qualify for a passport
• Must have valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to drive safely in all weather conditions

Salary & Benefits:

• Salary Range – $75K to $90K
• Salary Differential for bilingual applicants.
• Doggie Daycare is available on-site for staff members.
• Bi-Annual Vet Clinic provided for staff dogs.
•  Breakfast and lunch provided at no cost to employees.
• Benefit package includes but is not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, pension, 403(b), paid time off.

The Seeing Eye is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Seeing Eye does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected class, including but not limited to race, color, or national origin, religion, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or marital status in the administration of its hiring, admissions policies, loan programs, and other school-administered programs. The Seeing Eye is committed to equal opportunity, hires individuals, admits students without consideration of legally protected class, and affords all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally made available to employees and students at the school.