Lead K9 Procurement & Placement Trainer

K9s For Warriors Inc; Ponte Vedra Beach (FL); On-site; USD 31,657 - 36,423; Full time

Job summary

K9s For Warriors Inc in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, is seeking a Lead K9 Procurement & Placement Trainer to oversee the training and handling of dogs for veterans. The role involves coordinating trainers, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and leading dog evaluations.

The ideal candidate requires CPDT certification, previous animal training experience, and leadership skills. The position offers competitive hourly wages between $22.98 and $26.44.

Qualifications

• CPDT required or required to register within 3 months.
• Must have at least 2 years of experience in animal training.
• Must have supervisory and team management experience for a minimum of 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee training and handling of Career Changed dogs.
• Coordinate procurement and placement of dogs.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures.

Skills

Animal Training

Leadership

Flexibility

Education

CPDT certification

Minimum 2 years in Animal Training

Minimum 1 year in Leadership

Job description

About this Position

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing Service Dogs to military Veterans nationwide suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma — at no financial cost to the Veteran. Founded in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors is committed to saving lives at both ends of the leash by primarily rescuing dogs and pairing them with Veterans in need. In order to continue the great work we’re doing, we’re looking to add a Lead K9 Procurement & Placement Trainer to our amazing team.

Roles and Responsibilities

Under the general direction and supervision of the K9 Procurement & Placement Assistant Managers, the Lead K9 Procurement & Placement Trainer is responsible for assisting in the oversight of all areas of the handling, training, and the evaluation of dogs. The Lead K9 Procurement & Placement Trainer will conduct training and provide guidance for the Adoption Trainers and Procurement Trainers.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for leading and overseeing the training, continued progress, and handling of Career Changed dogs
• Coordinate and lead a team of Procurement Trainers to facilitate the procurement of dogs into our program
• Coordinate and lead a team of Adoption Trainers to facilitate the placement of dogs from our program
• Assist Management to ensure all procedures, policies and protocols are current with best practices and updates are distributed to appropriate staff
• Oversee on-site and off-site evaluation for procuring rescue dogs that meet program guidelines from a variety of sources
• Must be comfortable traveling independently or with a team, flying with Service Dogs, and transporting Service Dogs
• Must be comfortable completing dog evaluation trips alone, with little to no supervision if necessary
• Responsible for dog assessment and readiness, documentation for proper transport, vehicle oversight, safe transportation of dogs nationwide, dog handling, transport schedule routes, and emergency preparedness. Occasional overnight travel will be required for dog transport, procurement, and placement.
• Assist with scheduling trips – booking flights, rental cars, and making hotel reservations
• Assist in ensuring all dogs have received the required preparation for transport: microchip, rabies vaccination, heartworm test, health certificate signed by a veterinarian, and complete transport manifest and photo
• Help maintain all relevant information in current databases (Smartsheet, Excel, Salesforce), expense report processing, and other technology as required
• Ensure accuracy and compliance with safety procedures for all aspects of Procurement and Placement, with special emphasis on animal handling and conducting off-site assessments, events, and training sessions
• Assist with ordering, receiving, maintaining, and tracking inventory of all procurement & placement supplies and disseminating incoming products and supplies to appropriate personnel
• Assist in department meetings and planning meetings for designated teams & other lead(s)
• Coordinate closely with Adoption Trainers to troubleshoot training needs through direct guidance and assistance with the creation & implementation of training plans.
• Follow and promote K9s’ culture, values, policies and procedures
• Always provide exceptional, courteous, and compassionate customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members
• Work collaboratively, and with a positive attitude, with all K9s’ department teams for the care, benefit, promotion, and ultimate outcome for animals in our care
• Work independently with little to no supervision

Supervisory Responsibilities

Check in daily and accurately report stats/numbers to the leadership of Procurement and Placement.

Core Competencies

• Coaching
• Initiative
• Integrity
• Flexibility

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• CPDT required, or required to register within 3 months
• Previous experience in Animal Training AND handling with a minimum of 2 years required
• Previous leadership, supervision, and team management with a minimum of 1 year required
• Experience in animal behavior and dog training required
• Passport for international travel or ability to acquire one within 6 months
• Comfortable being filmed, photographed, and other interactions with media & working dogs in crowds or at adoption events
• Previous experience in animal welfare and animal shelters preferred
• Exhibit confidence in self and others; inspire and motivate others to perform well; effectively influence actions and opinions of others
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and ability to drive a company vehicle
• Must be able to travel as needed nationally or internationally to fulfill the mission

Physical Demands

Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including walking up to 2-4 miles a day, stooping, crouching, twisting, turning, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds. Exposure to chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather. Ability to train dogs in crowded environments on-campus and in public.

Salary Information

$22.98 - $26.44 Hourly Wage