Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

INTERNATIONAL GUIDE DOG FEDERATION; San Rafael, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bring your dog to work

Job summary

Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, CA invites applications for the Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor program. This paid, three-year apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with an academic curriculum to prepare you to train dogs and clients and support teams in the field.

You will mentor under experienced instructors, learn how to assess applicants, and even travel to client homes for training and evaluation.

Qualifications

• Experience as Kennel Technician or equivalent is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required; some college preferred.
• Ability to safely handle large-breed dogs.

Responsibilities

• Train dogs and clients as part of the apprentice program.
• Assess applicants alongside instructors.
• Travel to visit clients in their homes for training and evaluation.

Skills

Kennel Technician experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

Organization: Guide Dogs for the Blind

Location: San Rafael, CA

Job Type: Full time

Deadline: August 31, 2026

Job Description

Contact at organisation: Cathy Binyildiz, Guide Dogs for the Blind

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Let your teaching heart guide you here.

Being an Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor with Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) on our San Rafael, CA campus is a special role that requires intelligence, emotional fortitude, and a love for both people and animals. What could be more rewarding than training a dog to fulfill its purpose as a guide, then working closely with a client and dog to secure the bond and ensure the team’s success? You’ll enjoy a sense of accomplishment every day knowing that your work is a crucial part of our mission.

Our paid, three-year Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Apprentice Program offers direct mentorship, intense on-the-job training, and a comprehensive academic curriculum. You will learn how to train dogs and clients, support teams in the field, and assess applicants alongside qualified instructors. We are committed to your success by investing the time, resources, and training necessary for you to become a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor based on the requirements of the International Guide Dog Federation and State of California Guide Dog Instructor program.

What sets us apart?

• GDB offers a stable, professional career in dog training, with the potential for longevity and ongoing learning and growth. You can potentially step up into higher levels of the Instructor role and even into a Supervisory position.
• You’ll have the resources and training you need, plus exceptional support from your mentor, manager, and team through frequent meetings and communication.
• You will see amazing things happen as dogs rise to their role as a guide through your training. Once a dog has been trained and matched with a person who is visually impaired or blind, you’ll help the team work together, gain confidence, and create a special bond. You even get to travel to visit our clients in their homes for additional training and evaluation.
• You’ll stay in shape as you clock many miles each day that you are training a dog or working with a client and guide dog team. You should love working outdoors in all kinds of weather.
• Our generous benefits package includes medical/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, 403(b), tuition reimbursement, and great wellness perks like yoga, circuit training, and an onsite gym.
• You can bring your dog to work!

The qualifications you’ll need:

• Experience as a Kennel Technician at GDB or equivalent
• High school diploma or equivalent; some college preferred
• Ability to safely handle a variety of large-breed dogs
• Current driver license and insurability at non-risk rates
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays

Guide Dogs for the Blind

At Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), we believe that everyone deserves to move through the world safely and confidently - to live the life they want to live. As the largest guide dog school in North America, we have graduated more than 16,000 guide dog teams from across the U.S. and Canada since our founding in 1942. GDB not only improves mobility for our clients, we further inclusion. Join our team of more than 300 employees and share your passion for our mission.

At Guide Dogs for the Blind, we respect, value, and appreciate all differences. We welcome all qualified candidates irrespective of your race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Individuals with disabilities, especially those who are blind or visually impaired, are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability and need assistance and/or accommodation with applying for a job, please feel free contact our Human Resources department.