Trainer, Puppy Development

CNIB; Halifax; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

CNIB invites applications for a Trainer, Puppy Development CNIB Guide Dogs. This full-time contract role involves recruiting and training Puppy Raisers, managing puppy flow and coordinating classes, while promoting CNIB’s public image as an ambassador for the guide dog program.

You will assess development, health and temperament, maintain records, and work with the Manager Early Canine Development to ensure the club’s resources meet needs. Experience in dog handling and leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Excellent English written and verbal communication.
• Ability to handle dogs and assess temperaments.
• Apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
• Able to walk long distances and manage multiple breeds.
• Team player with ability to work independently and follow procedures.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel/Word/PowerPoint/Outlook).
• Knowledge of the local CNIB Guide Dogs club area.

Responsibilities

• Recruits, interviews and selects Puppy Raisers and boarders.
• Trains and supports volunteers throughout their puppy raising careers.
• Assesses and records puppies' development and health data.
• Manages puppy placements to raisers; identifies those ready for intake.
• Plans, organises and conducts training classes with venues and costs.
• Identifies temperamental issues and refers for appropriate solutions.
• Investigates complaints/accidents following Health and Safety policies.
• Acts as CNIB ambassador, supporting the organization’s mission.

Skills

Dog handling

Team player

English communication

Theoretical knowledge application

Stamina for long walks

Professional approach

MS Office

Local club area knowledge

Education

High school diploma

IGDF/ADI certification desirable

Accredited learning in animal welfare

Accredited learning in people management

Accredited learning in teaching/mentoring

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Title:Trainer, Puppy Development CNIB Guide Dogs

Full Time, Contract
Reports To:Manager, Early Canine Development

I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

To assist in the operations of a puppy raising club, which includes the assessment, selection, training and line management of volunteer Puppy Raisers and ensuring that the volunteer resources are in place to meet the needs of the club. The Puppy Development Trainer will provide the required supply of healthy, temperamentally sound and socially acceptable young dogs for training as future guide dogs. This position will also act as an ambassador for CNIB Guide Dogs, promoting good public image and supporting CNIB’s strategic direction.

II. Essential Functions

This position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities:

• Recruits, interviews and takes responsibility for the selection of Puppy Raisers and boarders. Ensures that supporter resources are in place to meet the planned allocation of puppies. Trains and supports the volunteers throughout their puppy raising careers to ensure their on-going development and performance management.
• Assesses, monitors and records all of the puppies’ social, educational, temperamental and physical development. Maintains accurate and current documentation including progress and health records.
• Manages the placement of puppies to the puppy raisers within their club. Identifies puppies that are ready for intake into training and recommends those that should be withdrawn.
• In collaboration with the Manager Early Canine Development, plans, organises and conducts training classes on a regular basis to provide best practice, education and support to Puppy Raisers and boarders. This includes identifying and negotiating the cost of suitable venues.
• Identifies temperamental and behavioural issues and ensures the application of appropriate solutions. Highlights all health issues and promptly refers them to be reviewed. Recommends appropriate time and place for castration and spaying.
• Investigates and documents all complaints and accidents relating to puppies and Puppy Raisers and takes appropriate action, in line with current Health and Safety policies.
• Any other activities relevant to the role that will positively impact what it means to be blind and partially sighted today.

III Qualifications

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Communicate effectively using a good standard of written and verbal English.
• Able to demonstrate aptitude for puppy and dog handling.
• Able to practically apply theoretical knowledge.
• Able to undertake demands of the role. Including walking long distances and controlling and walking with a range of dog breeds, ages and temperaments.
• Team player and able to work independently.
• Able to apply a professional approach and comply with policies and procedures.
• Basic skills in Microsoft Office software including Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word
• Knowledge of the local club area.

Experience and Education

• Applicants must have at least one year of previous experience as a Puppy Development Trainer at an IGDF of ADI certified member organization
• Previous experience in the areas of animal welfare or behaviour.
• Previous experience in the field of people management. Previous experience in a teaching or mentoring role.
• Current valid driving licence.
• High school or the equivalent. Certification in an appropriate subject is desirable.
• Accredited learning in the areas of animal welfare or behaviour.
• Accredited learning in the field of people management.
• Accredited learning in the area of teaching or mentoring.
• Eligibility to work in Canada: Proof of identity and eligibility to work in Canada
• Able to meet the requirements of the training program in terms of work hours plus any required travel or periods of working away from home. Overnight hotel stays away from home. Able and willing to work unsociable hours and support promotional events.
• Comfortable with dogs in the workplace/office.
• The successful candidate will be required to carry out other such duties as may reasonably be required, commensurate with the grade of this position. All employees will be expected to excel in being customer centric and advocate for CNIB at all times.

CNIB is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.