K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury and/or Military Sexual Trauma. Our program is unique, comprehensive, and proven. We provide each warrior with a service canine, equipment, training, certification, seminars, legal instruction, vet care, housing, home cooked meals, unconditional love and listening, and a life-time of wrap-around services. In essence, we don’t just give each of our warriors a service dog, we give them the K9s Family. In order to continue the great work we are doing, we are in need of a K9 Training Manager to join our amazing team!
Basic Function
Under the direction and supervision of the President, the Manager of K9 Training is responsible for directing and overseeing the entire team of K9 Trainers. The Manager will develop, implement and coordinate the K9 Training program to ensure dogs are successfully trained to become Service Dogs for the K9s For Warriors program.
Essential Functions and Duties
- Manage a team of K9 Trainers who are responsible for training assigned dogs to become a service dog
- Manage training team’s progression of canines within the program
- Responsible for hiring, scheduling, development, performance reviews, counseling, and approving time cards for K9 Trainers
- Assign canines to trainers
- Assigning new trainers to mentor program
- Coordinate with mentor trainers to ensure all supplies are given to new hire and ensure new hires are progressing successfully through each stage of the mentor program
- Determine when a dog needs to be released from the program
- Communicate how canines are progressing through training to various departments
- Review documentation from trainers for each K9 in the program. Prepare files for each graduate and make sure all documents are complied for each dog transitioning to class
- Consult, advise and coordinate with Medical, Puppy and Procurement Departments
- Work with Warrior Relations and Warrior Trainers to determine/select the canine and warrior teams to be paired for class
- Work with warrior trainers to become proficient in behavioral concepts
- Coordinate and liaise with the Advancement and Education Team assist with marketing endeavors and public relations
- As needed support graduates and their canines with any concerns that may arise after graduation/leaving campus
- Coordinate and communicate with various departments within the organization including remote campuses
Other Duties
- Perform any other duties as assigned by management
- Maintain good working relationships with all employees
Qualifications
- 3 -5 years of previous management experience
- Certification from an accredited canine training school or equivalent relevant work experience
- At least 2 year of canine training experience
- Good communication skills
- Must be able to work independently with little or no supervision and handle oneself in a professional matter at all times
- Ability to multi-task
- Must have basic computer literacy skills
- Some kennel experience preferred
- Must be comfortable on camera for public relations/ marketing
Physical Demands
- Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort while working dogs
- Walking 3 to 5 miles per day on average in various weather ranges
- Working on feet most of the day
- Bending/crouching
- Walking stairs
- Lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually
Competencies
- Coaching
- Identification with management
- Developing employees
- Accountability
- Adaptability
- Cooperation
- Initiative
- Integrity
- Planning and Organizing
Job Type: Full-time
