Service Dog Trainer

Guide Dogs of America; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A service dog training organization is seeking a dedicated individual to train service dogs and instruct incarcerated trainers in the care and training of dogs. Responsibilities include evaluating progress, communicating with prison staff, and ensuring the well-being of dogs. The ideal candidate has 3+ years of dog training experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in a team. This position requires a valid driver's license, and navigating a prison environment is essential.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ years of age.
• Valid driver’s license and insurability required.
• 3+ years training dogs using all 4 quadrants of operant conditioning.
• Comfortable walking through a prison yard and interacting with inmates.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Train service dogs in accordance with the curriculum.
• Instruct incarcerated trainers and support clients.
• Evaluate and record progress for trainer and dog teams.
• Communicate with prison staff to ensure program needs are met.

Skills

Dog training using operant conditioning

Written and verbal communication skills

Experience with MS Office365

Team collaboration

Education

High school graduate or GED

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Reports to: Manager of Service Dog Program

ob Purpose: To support GDA/TLC’s service dog program by training dogs, instructing incarcerated trainers in the service dog prison training programs, and instructing and supporting clients in the care and use of their service dog.

Essential Functions:

• Train service dogs in accordance with GDA/TLC training curriculum –7%
• Participate in the selection of incarcerated trainers per GDA/TLC and prison guidelines –5%
• Collect and maintain required paperwork for incarcerated trainers—5%
• Teach educational classes, provide coaching, and track progress of incarcerated trainers—6%
• Ensure training of dogs is being carried out by incarcerated trainers according to GDA/TLC and ADI standards—5%
• Evaluate and record progress for each incarcerated trainer and dog team—5%
• Complete job performance reviews for incarcerated trainers and submit to prison program liaison—4%
• Make recommendations on incarcerated trainer pay raises –3%
• Write evaluations for each incarcerated trainers’ review board file —6%
• Responsible for terminating trainers with unacceptable performance or who violate rules set forth in program agreement –4%
• Communicate with prison staff to ensure program and prison needs are met—5%
• Oversee the care and well-being of dogs within the prison; communicate any medical concerns to the veterinary department—6%
• Plan, handle, and train dogs during weekly training outings, test, train and desensitizing dogs in public environments—6%
• Transport dogs to appointments as needed—4%
• Assist in testing and training evaluations of dogs—4%
• Take photos and videos of training sessions and medical concerns as needed—4%
• File training log reports and veterinary documentation electronically—4%
• Assist in matching dogs to potential clients —4%
• Assist with client follow up in the field as needed—3%
• Maintenance of program van, organizing equipment and taking inventory as needed—2%
• Order supplies needed for the program—2%
• Must pass a prison background check to enter the prison, attend an annual orientation, abide by the policies and procedures of the prison, follow directions from Correctional Officers and other prison staff to ensure everyone’s safety, and adhere to all prison standards of behavior and dress code
• Travel, nights, weekends may be required
• Other duties as assigned or required

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Stand, walk long distances outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to bend and kneel to the floor for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and up to 80 lbs. with assistance; must possess the physical strength to lift healthy, potentially strong, large breed dogs
• Ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force including pushing or moving objects
• Ability to push, pull, and reach overhead
• Ability to wear protective gear including masks, gloves, goggles, boots
• Visual acuity required for ability to see and read dog’s reaction to environment and distractions, to read forms, documentation, and computer screen
• Hearing ability required to interact with dogs, trainers, students, and volunteers
• Ability to tolerate elevated noise levels – barking dogs
• Working in a kennel environment with multiple dogs
• Working in a prison environment

Qualifications:

• 18+ years of age
• Position will require driving — Valid driver’s license and insurability required
• High school graduate or GED
• Possession of or ability to obtain a US passport
• 3+ years training dogs using all 4 quadrants of operant conditioning
• Must be comfortable walking through a prison yard and interacting with prison inmates
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Working knowledge in MS Office365 (MS Outlook, Excel, and Word), experience with data entry and CRM database management programs such as Salesforce preferred
• Must work well as part of a team and in a team environment