Lead K9 Trainer

K9s For Warriors Inc; Ponte Vedra Beach (FL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

K9s For Warriors Inc. in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL is seeking a Lead K9 Trainer to oversee the training of service dogs for veterans, manage a team of trainers, and ensure program quality.

You will implement training plans, monitor dog progress, maintain records, and ensure public access experiences with dogs in real-world settings.

The role requires formal canine training certification or equivalent, HS diploma, and supervisory experience; readiness to work in a dynamic nonprofit environment.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent.
• Certification from an accredited dog training school or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Kennel experience preferred.
• Previous supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
• Be comfortable being photographed, filmed and other media situations.
• Valid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Review training logs, behavior plans, enrichment forms, and class dog summaries for accuracy.
• Document training times into spreadsheet; assist with sponsor updates and class bios.
• Create weekly public access plans and establish training objectives and public access goals.
• Coordinate meetings between K9 Trainers and the Training Manager.
• Independently modify dogs’ behavior and train basic, intermediate, and advanced tasks.
• Provide public access exposure to Service Dogs in training in real-world settings.
• Participate in team training activities and supervise dog playgroups.
• Evaluate dogs’ stress levels and monitor for inappropriate behavior.
• Coordinate feeding schedules and enrichment plans; assist with kennel care.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Prioritization & multitasking

Media readiness

Valid driver’s license

Supervisory experience

Education

HS diploma or equivalent

Cert from accredited dog training school

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 aLead K9 Trainer to our amazing team!

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction and supervision of the Assistant K9 Training Manager, the Lead K9 Trainer is responsible for independently implementing all elements of assistance dog training, including reading dog body language, training procedures, environmental awareness, application of learning theory and related modalities, use of training equipment, training of K9s For Warriors (K9s) skills, dog evaluation, assessment, and reporting. The Lead K9 Trainer is also responsible for coordinating the assigned team’s activities, monitoring dog training progress, ensuring the team’s training documentation is accurate and complete, and informing the Assistant K9 Training Manager of any challenges or delays.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Review the team’s training logs, behavior plans, enrichment forms, and class dog summaries for accuracy and completeness
• document training times into spreadsheetAssist in the compilation of sponsor updates, class dog summaries, and class dog biosCreate weekly public access plans including locations and main objectives for each location.Establish Team training objectives and public access goals, home manners, and dog photo practices and develop weekly scheduleCoordinate meetings between K9 Trainers and Assistant K9 Training Manager to discuss concerns in training or career changes for service dogs in trainingIndependently modify dogs’ behavior, and train specific basic, intermediate, and advanced Service Dog tasks in accordance with K9s’ policies and proceduresMaintain detailed training, evaluation, behavior modification, and medical records per K9s’ policies and proceduresAnalyze and assess dogs
• execute a tailored training program, and assist with their care and healthProvide public access exposure to Service Dogs in training that include shopping centers, restaurants, sporting events, crowded city environments, parades, etc.
• Participate in team training activities, including impulse control, time outs, quiet kennels, temperament testing, group walks, and continuing education sessionsCoordinate, run, and supervise dog playgroups
• evaluate dog’s stress levels, and monitor for rude or aggressive behavior
• identify when and how to interrupt inappropriate playLiaise with kennel staff on assigned dog’s kennel behavior
• coordinate dog procedure requests, feeding schedule and enrichment plans through K9 Training Management and Kennel Management
• assist K9 Caretakers with cleaning kennels when neededAssist Warrior Trainers with identifying the correct Service Dog for each veteran, and provide training assistance through transferenceProvide a positive example regarding work ethic, attitude, professional ethics, knowledge of policies/procedures, interpersonal interactions, and mutual respect.Provide exceptional, courteous, and compassionate customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members at all times.Perform all other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee K9 Training Team to ensure the completion of day-to-day tasks
• Direct the work of K9s Trainers
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment on matters that are core functions of the K9s’ mission

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• H.S. diploma or equivalent
• Certification from an accredited dog training school or equivalent relevant work experience
• Kennel experience preferred
• Previous supervisory or management experience preferred
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks
• Be comfortable being photographed, filmed and other media situations
• Valid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance

COMPETENCIES

• Initiative
• Integrity
• Planning and Organizing
• Coaching

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to train dogs in crowded environments on campus and in publicAbility to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors, sounds chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.
  Monday - Friday
  7:30am-4:00pm