Apprentice, Guide Dog Program

DOGS; Town of Florida (NY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full dental and vision insurance

Competitive medical coverage

Life insurance policy

Retirement plan match

Campus fitness center access

Chef-prepared lunches on campus

Paid time off (12-20 days)

14 paid holidays

Job summary

Dogs Inc in Palmetto, FL invites applicants to join its Guide Dog Apprenticeship program. The role focuses on conditioning and maintaining guide dog behaviors, client instruction, and detailed record-keeping within a three-phase, year-long framework.

Candidates should be prepared to perform daily animal care, training route transport, on-campus demos, and collaborative teamwork with program staff; strong reliability and physical fitness are essential.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree strongly preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret documents and write routine reports.
• Ability to speak effectively before the public and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Feed and exercise animals and provide grooming daily.
• Transport dogs daily to training routes or events.
• Provide demos on and off campus to educate the public on the Guide Dog process.
• Maintain a high level of physical fitness to perform duties.
• Communicate with program staff and volunteers to support dog needs.
• Interact with the public to share information about service dogs and Dogs Inc.
• Maintain reliability and strong attendance.

Skills

Reading & interpretation

Report writing

Public speaking

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel)

Team communication

Education

Four-year college degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

International Working Dog Registry

ProVet database

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Dogs Inc Main Campus - Palmetto, FL 34221

FUNCTION: Condition and maintain guide dog behaviors, instruct guide dog clients on dog handling, care, and training. Manage record keeping for the program.

Apprenticeship

The guide dog apprenticeship is a program consisting of three phases. Each phase will last no less than one year and is to be completed in no more than 18 months. Each phase has different requirements to move on to the next phase. Responsibility for dog care, dog training, and client instruction will increase with each phase of the apprenticeship.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Independent Action Required for:

• Feed and exercise animals and provide other general care such as grooming daily
• Transport dogs daily to training routes or events
• Provide demos on and off campus to educate members of the public on the Guide Dog process
• Maintain a high level of physical fitness to safely perform the range of required duties
• Communicates regularly with the Guide Dog Program Director, program team members, Canine Care and Medical teams, immediate team members, and on- and off-campus volunteers to support program dog needs
• Interacts with members of the public to provide information and education about service dogs and Dogs Inc
• Maintains a collaborative, positive attitude; accepts feedback, works independently with initiative, follows instructions, and demonstrates reliability through strong attendance

Act and Report Results of:

• Complete requirements of a customized Apprenticeship Program including, but not limited to, assigned reading, training, and documentation
• Observe animals’ physical conditions in order to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care
• Conduct training routes and follow guide dog training curriculum in order to develop and maintain desired behaviors
• Administer prescribed medications to animals
• Keep records documenting animal health, diet, behavior and training progress
• Ensure the physical and emotional needs of our dogs in training are met
• Conduct pre-admission home visits as needed (travel within and outside the state)
• Provide follow up services (travel within and outside the state)
• Record activities and outcomes in appropriate database
• Work well in a team environment
• Be a core member of the training team during on campus class instruction of guide dog clients including overnight stay, evening, weekend and holiday hours
• Provide customer service to members of the public and visitors to southeastern Guide Dogs
• Other duties as assigned

Act only after Supervisor Approval:

• Match handlers with dogs
• Transport clients during class
• Instruct clients

Qualifications

Four-year college degree strongly preferred. Prior experience in positive reinforcement animal training will take preference but not required.

Responsibility for Money

This job does not have responsibility for developing, overseeing or monitoring a budget. This job has responsibility for training and kennel equipment of an estimated $100,000 value and a low limit credit card.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before members of the public, volunteers, and other employees.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to perform calculations in standard measures of American currency and weight, volume and distance.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram/chart, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

The following computer skills are required to perform essential duties of the job:

• Ability to use basic levels of Microsoft office including Outlook and Excel
• Ability to read data from a databases such as International Working Dog Registry and ProVet

Certificates and/or Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee must be able to meet to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Demands

• Primarily sedentary work, including sitting for extended periods.
• Regular standing and walking.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to type, handle materials, and operate equipment.
• Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, climbing, or balancing as needed.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds independently and up to 80 pounds with assistance from another team member.
• Must be able to effectively communicate using visual and auditory means

Work Environment

• Office and administrative setting.
• Clinical and medical environment.
• Regular outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Frequent interaction with animals.
• Exposure to noise, odors, chemicals, and cleaning agents.
• Exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, or other safety equipment), as applicable.

Resource Development & Marketing

At Dogs Inc, every team member helps tell our story. We may occasionally ask you to welcome guests, support tours, or talk about your work. These moments power our fundraising, strengthen our mission, and help sustain your pay and benefits. It’s something we share—and take pride in.

Why Join Dogs Inc?

• Comprehensive Benefits: Full dental and vision insurance premiums covered, competitive medical coverage, and a $15,000 life insurance policy.
• Retirement Match: A discretionary retirement plan match for all benefit-eligible employees after one full year of employment.
• Campus Perks: Free access to our fitness center and chef-prepared lunches served on campus (Monday-Friday)
• Time to Recharge: Generous Paid Time Off policies (12-20 days/year based on tenure) Enjoy 14 paid holidays—including your birthday!
• Reward-Based Programs: Many opportunities to earn additional Paid Time Off.
• Dog-Friendly Workplace: Bring your well-behaved, pre-screened dog to work and enjoy the ultimate companion-friendly environment.