Paid Apprenticeship: Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

INTERNATIONAL GUIDE DOG FEDERATION; San Antonio, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Guide Dogs of Texas in San Antonio seeks an Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. This paid, mentored role follows International Guide Dog Federation standards to train, assess, match, and instruct guide dogs and clients for safe, independent travel.

The apprenticeship typically lasts up to three years, with a structured program emphasizing animal handling, mobility instruction, and feedback in a supportive, goal-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Experience training or working with dogs or other animals.
• Strong interest in rehabilitation, orientation & mobility, or human services.
• High level of physical fitness; role involves walking up to 10 miles a day in various weather conditions, and handling large breed dogs up to 85 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, train and develop guide dog skills including obstacle avoidance, traffic response, and intelligent disobedience
• Monitor behavior, temperament, and suitability
• Maintain detailed training records
• Participate in supervised blindfold assessments of trainee dogs to evaluate safety and training outcomes
• Assist with dog-client matching
• Support residential and community-based training programs
• Reinforce safe travel practices and independence
• Conduct supervised route risk assessments
• Ensure client and dog welfare at all times
• Follow strict organizational and public safety protocols
• Work toward formal qualification as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor
• Participate in structured mentoring and assessment
• Engage in continuous professional development

Skills

Dog training experience

Observation skills

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Valid driver’s license

Willingness to learn

Job description

Guide Dogs of Texas in San Antonio seeks an Apprentice Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. This paid, mentored role follows International Guide Dog Federation standards to train, assess, match, and instruct guide dogs and clients for safe, independent travel.

The apprenticeship typically lasts up to three years, with a structured program emphasizing animal handling, mobility instruction, and feedback in a supportive, goal-oriented environment.