Trainer, Puppy Development

CNIB; Victoria; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

CNIB is seeking a dedicated Trainer, Puppy Development for the CNIB Guide Dogs program in Victoria. You will recruit and manage Puppy Raisers, oversee the development of puppies, and coordinate training sessions to ensure dogs progress to guide dog readiness.

The role requires strong communication, dog-handling skills and the ability to work both independently and with a team, including occasional travel and flexible hours. CNIB values accessibility and inclusion in all its activities.

Qualifications

• Able to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrates aptitude for puppy and dog handling.
• Ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practice.
• Capable of walking long distances and managing dogs of various temperaments.
• Team player who can also work independently.
• Maintains professional approach and complies with policies.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, interview and select Puppy Raisers and boarders; ensure resources meet planned puppy allocations.
• Assess and record puppies' social, educational, temperamental and physical development; maintain records.
• Manage placement of puppies to raisers; identify ready-for-training candidates.
• Plan, organise and conduct training classes with venues and costs.
• Identify behaviours issues and implement appropriate solutions; refer health concerns for review.
• Investigate complaints/accidents related to puppies and Raisers per Health & Safety policies.
• Support CNIB’s mission and promote CNIB Guide Dogs publicly.

Skills

Communication

Dog handling

Theoretical knowledge application

Dog walking

Team player

Independent work

Professionalism

MS Office

Local area knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certification in an appropriate subject

Accredited learning in animal welfare/behaviour

Accredited learning in people management

Accredited learning in teaching/mentoring

Eligibility to work in Canada

Tools

None

Job description

Position Title: Trainer, Puppy Development CNIB Guide Dogs

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.