Kennel Manager

Contact at organisation: Kristine Wallace, Guide Dogs of America

Phone: 8188336439

Email: kdwallace@guidedogsofamerica.org

Essential Functions:

• Interview, hire and train new kennel staff.
• Maintain adequate staffing in the kennels and support for veterinary treatment room when needed.
• Keep kennel staff informed of any special instructions for the day.
• Monitor and assist, as needed, with feeding, bathing, medicating etc.
• Monitor adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Maintain appropriate levels of food, supplies and equipment.
• Assist all visitors/puppy raisers arriving for medical appointments, drop offs/pickups, vaccinations, etc.
• Help arrange transportation of dogs to/from other locations as needed.
• Attend weekly manager’s meetings.
• Coach, motivate and create a positive work environment.
• Ensure all kennel facilities, including cages, runs, community areas, dock area, offices, breakroom, laundry areas, storage areas, etc. are kept clean, sanitized and in compliance with industry standards of kennel operations.
• Monitor Paylocity- approve/decline vacation requests, set up monthly schedules, handle call outs and ensure adequate staffing.
• Implement and put into place ongoing proper canine care including but not limited to canine enrichment, proper exercise, grooming and overall, well-being of all dogs under the kennel staff care.
• Develop and continue a dedicated work force of volunteers to assist the kennel staff in the day-to-day operations of kennel maintenance and canine welfare.
• Ongoing development, implementation and enforcement of standard operating procedures for the Kennel Department.
• Assist and train Head Start Coordinator in proper kennel cleaning standard operating procedures and ensure Head Start has appropriate levels of supplies and equipment.
• Maintain a safe work environment, reducing hazards and enforcing proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Conduct biweekly departmental meetings and schedule in-service meetings as deemed appropriate and necessary.
• Assist with planning and budgeting for all kennel operations.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Stand, walk long distances outdoors in all weather conditions, push, pull, reach overhead and bend to the floor.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds; must possess the physical strength to lift healthy, potentially strong, large breed dogs.
• Ability to handle and control a large breed dog.
• Ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force including pushing or moving objects.
• Ability to wear protective gear including masks, gloves, goggles, boots.
• Hearing ability required to interact with dogs, trainers, students and volunteers.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather.
• Working with all sizes of dogs.
• Ability to tolerate elevated noise levels – barking dogs.

Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• 18+ years of age
• High school graduate or GED
• Work well as part of a team and in a team environment
• Knowledge of proper methods of animal restraint
• Knowledge in animal behaviors, medications, and diseases
• Knowledge and skills in controlling/handling individual animal temperament
• Experience in animal training a plus
• Ability to work independently and accept direction
• Ability to direct, guide and assist a group of individuals
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills and experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Working knowledge of MS Office365 (MS Outlook, Excel and Word) and experience with data entry
• Preferred experience in SharePoint, Salesforces, and Cornerstone