Instructor Assistant

Canine Companions; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

PTO & Holidays

Retirement plan

Community Engagement

Wellness Programs

Diversity Committee

Job summary

Canine Companions is seeking an Instructor Assistant (IA) at our Orlando regional campus. This entry-level role offers hands-on learning under experienced Instructors and exposure to canine training protocols.

You will learn Canine Companions’ values, support dog care, and assist in program development while gaining insights into professional dog training for independence.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow directions and guidelines for feeding, exercising and animal husbandry.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral, written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Canine Care & Health Management: Maintain kennels, yards, bathing areas; administer medications and monitor dog health.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow safety policies to protect clients and dogs at all times.
• Training Support & Program Development: Learn required skills and assist with special projects for the Program Department.
• Public Interaction & Representation: Represent Canine Companions professionally at events and tours.

Skills

Follow directions

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Disability awareness

Attention to detail

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Florida - Orlando, FL 32818

Position Type: Full Time

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

• 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 Instructor Assistant (IA) is an entry-level position located at our regional campuses for those interested in becoming a professional Canine Companions for Independence Instructor. Successful IAs will learn Canine Companions’ values and training protocols under the supervision of experienced Instructors.

Key Responsibilities

• Canine Care & Health Management:Maintain and clean kennels, play yards, breezeways, bathing rooms and other kennel facilities using established and appropriate cleaning tools and methods. Administer oral and topical medications and treatments to the dogs in the training kennels. Provide daily care and treatments to dogs in kennels, including administering prescribed medications. Review and make health observations for dogs in kennels; keep accurate records about dog health and treatments. Assist in maintaining canine health care and well-being.


• Safety & Compliance:Maintain safety of individual clients and dogs, self, and group by following established safety policies and procedures at all times.


• Training Support & Program Development:Establish and maintain a positive learning climate by listening to instructions, following directions, asking questions, speaking clearly, and learning the skill sets required for the Instructor Assistant program. Perform special projects as assigned or necessary for the Program Department.


• Public Interaction & Representation:Maintain professionalism whenever working with constituents. Represent Canine Companions and the Program Department through speaking engagements and tours in a positive and professional way.

Qualifications

Must Have

• Ability to follow directions and follow guidelines for feeding, exercising and animal husbandry at all times.


• Ability to perform several tasks concurrently, time management and organizational skills.


• Excellent interpersonal and oral, verbal and written communication skills.


• Able to maintain confidential information.


• Able to work with people with a variety of disabilities.


• Ability to understand basic training requirements to train dogs according to Canine Companions’ standards.


• Valid Driver's License and ability to be insured at normal rates

Nice to Have

• Prior dog handling, training, and dog health care experience helpful but not required.


• High School graduate, GED or equivalent experience

Compensation

• Salary $ 19.75 per hour.


• Exciting opportunity for growth:This position is the first step in a well-defined career path designed to support your development and success. Employees become eligible for pay increases as they progress, with the first raise awarded upon promotion from Instructor Assistant to Apprentice I—generally at 6 months, based on individual performance.

Schedule

• Full-Time, Monday-Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required, 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.