Field Training Center Representative Lead

Canine Companions®; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

Paid Time Off

403(b) Retirement plan

Volunteer hours

Wellness programs

Diversity committee

Job summary

Canine Companions is seeking a Field Training Center Representative Lead to support client programs, puppy initiatives, training, and fundraising efforts at remote field centers. The role requires travel across regions and exceptional customer service and organizational skills.

You will independently train professional dogs, manage program operations, and coordinate with program directors to ensure successful placements and volunteer support. A two-year apprenticeship is expected.

Qualifications

• Problem solving in high-stress situations.
• Ability to work with people with a variety of disabilities.
• Ability to train dogs according to Canine Companions’ standards.
• Ability to follow directions and feeding/exercise guidelines.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Train Canine Companions dogs for service or facility roles using approved methods.
• Provide client services, coordinate recertification trips, and support graduates and veterinary follow-ups.
• Support Puppy Program operations, including reports and placements, and assist with program logistics.
• Lead field training center staff communications and day-to-day operations, including fleet management and safety duties.
• Assist with philanthropy marketing activities and community outreach.

Skills

Problem solving

Disability experience

Dog training

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Communication (oral/written)

Record keeping

Computer skills

Initiative & teamwork

Education

Two-year apprenticeship

Job description

At Canine Companions, we’re dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. As an employee, you’ll help provide independence to individuals, while also giving a dog a meaningful job. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in our equally strong dedication to our employees.

Our Employee Benefits

We believe in offering a comprehensive benefits package to ensure the well-being and growth of our team:

• Employer-Paid Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision benefits for staff
• Paid Time Off: 14 paid holidays annually, including an Inclusion Holiday, plus 17 paid days off (PTO) during your first year
• Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan
• Community Engagement: Additional paid hours to volunteer within your community
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs: Support for both professional and personal well-being
• Inclusion and Diversity Committee dedicated to ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by setting actionable goals and evaluating progress

Employee Testimonial

"Training and teaching. I love watching dogs discover how to complete the tasks that we train. I also love seeing clients learn how to utilize those tasks to increase their independence."

— Senior Instructor

About the Position

The Field Training Center Representative Lead supports Canine Companions client programs including client services, puppy program, training, marketing and philanthropy at our remote field training centers. It requires travel throughout assigned regions, a diverse knowledge base of Canine Companions programs and exceptional customer service and organizational skills.

• Training: Independently train Canine Companions professional training dogs in the skills required for placement as service or facility dogs, utilizing approved training methods and organizational guidelines. Independently implement all elements of service and facility dog training and student teaching, including canine body language, training procedures, environmental awareness, learning theory, equipment, evaluation, assessment and reporting. Teach Team Training classes, maintain a positive and safe learning environment, coordinate foster dog programs, support volunteers fostering dogs in professional training, evaluate potential therapy dogs and provide behavioral support to therapy dog handlers.
• Client Services: Plan and coordinate client recertification trips and coordinate with the graduate department and veterinary clinic on canine medical cases. Participate in ADI tests and follow-ups, support graduates with dog behavior or temperament issues and conduct client home visits for graduates and applicants. Provide administrative support through portal/database projects and digitization of client files.
• Puppy Program: Support the processing of Puppy reports, including follow-up with puppy raisers, and manage released dogs in coordination with the Program Director and Executive Director as necessary for placements, therapy dogs and agency transfers. Support puppy classes, evaluate puppies in the field and transport puppies to and from the airport and to puppy raisers or the region. Provide support for the prison program, including assistance with the application process, interviews and home visits.
• Leadership: Act as the point person for field training center program staff to ensure communication to managers is streamlined and consistent and guide the day-to-day program operations of the physical training center, escalating challenges to the Program Director as needed. Direct fleet management and serve as a Safety Emergency Team (SET) member. Ensure apprentice instructors receive proper instruction in Canine Companions-approved and standardized training techniques to meet advancement requirements, and coach and develop direct reports by providing the tools, resources and career growth opportunities needed to successfully execute their roles and maintain a high level of engagement.
• Philanthropy Marketing: Assist with demos and presentations at fundraisers, outreach events, media requests and other activities that support Canine Companions’ mission and community engagement.

Qualifications

To be successful in this role, candidates should possess the following:

Must Have:

• Able to problem solve in high-stress situations.
• Able to work with people with a variety of disabilities.
• Able to train dogs according to Canine Companions’ standards.
• Able to follow directions and follow guidelines for feeding, exercising and animal husbandry at all times.
• Able to perform several tasks concurrently, with strong time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral, verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to maintain confidential information.
• Able to organize and maintain detailed records, complete necessary paperwork and meet deadlines.
• Able to use computers, word processing, spreadsheets, email and database applications.
• Able to take direction and show initiative and cooperate with coworkers.

Experience

• Canine Companions’ Instructor or Senior Instructor or equivalent dog handling, training and dog health experience.
• Proven success in handling multiple projects simultaneously and high-volume customer service experience.

Education

• Minimum of two years of apprenticeship at an Assistance Dogs International or International Guide Dog Federation accredited school.

License

• Current driver’s license and insurability at normal risk rates.
• $29.00-$33.00 per hour
• For internal candidates, compensation will be set within the posted wage range for the role, in consideration of internal equity and the scope of the position.

Schedule:

• Full-Time. Some evening and weekend requirements as needed.

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.

The base salary range above represents the low and high of the range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors, including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees.

Pursuant to local Fair Chance Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Accommodation Request

If you need accommodations during the interview process, please let us know. We are committed to ensuring all applicants have equal access to the opportunity to succeed.