Employment Opportunities

Employment Opportunities

Join Our Team

Founded in 1948, Guide Dogs of America has long been a leader in providing guide dogs to individuals who are blind and/or visually impaired. Regardless of where you work at Guide Dogs of America, you will contribute to fulfilling our mission. We recognize and support employees’ efforts to develop, expand their knowledge, improve their skills, and assume added responsibility. Yet, the greatest reward comes from knowing that you have a role in assisting blind and visually impaired individuals pursue their goals of greater independence and mobility.

Kennel Technician

Part Time: Non-Exempt Position

Location: Sylmar, California

Salary: $16.04 per hour

Reports To: Kennel Manager 

Job Purpose: Assists in the day-to-day care and oversight of GDA/TLC dogs.

Essential Functions:

  • Help ensure a safe, humane, clean and sterile environment for the dogs.
  • Feed, bathe, exercise and groom dogs.
  • Assist with canine health care and routine procedures when necessary, including administering vaccines and other medications as directed, restraining and weighing dogs, and taking care of minor ear, wound or skin issues in accordance with GDA protocols.
  • Monitor the health and status of dogs and report any concerns or changes to manager.
  • Assist with canine socialization and enrichment activities.
  • Daily cleaning activities including: cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting kennels; sweeping;  cleaning indoor and outdoor yards; laundry; trash; dishes.
  • Organize and stock supplies as assigned and report low levels to manager.
  • Supervise dogs when playing in “community” with other dogs.
  • Indoors and outdoors in all types of weather
  • Increased noise-barking dogs.
  • Working overtime, nights, holiday, and weekends, as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, indoors and outdoors in all types of weather
  • Ability to bend and kneel to the floor for extended periods of time
  • Ability to handle and control a large breed dog
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs., 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 to see and read dog’s reaction to environment and distractions, ability to read forms, documentation, and computer screen
  • Hearing ability required to interact with dogs, trainers, students, and volunteers
  • Working with all sizes of dogs
  • Ability to tolerate elevated noise levels – barking dogs
  • Working in a kennel environment with multiple dogs
  • Interactions with all types of people/personalities

Qualifications:

  • 18+ years of age
  • High school graduate or GED
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Basic understanding of canine health care
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft, Excel and Outlook.
  • Prefer experience in Veterinary software ex: Cornerstone
  • Work well as part of a team and in a team environment

Qualified candidates,  Please send cover letter and resume to kdwallace@guidedogsofamerica.org

Breeding Department Technician

Part Time: Non-Exempt Position

Location: Sylmar, California

Salary: $16.04 per hour

Job Purpose Functions in the nursery to assist in the day-to-day care of the puppies and dogs in the Nursery.

Essential Functions:

  • Help ensure a safe, humane, clean, and sterile environment for the dogs.
  • Feed, bathe, exercise, and groom dogs
  • Conduct routine health care and routine procedures when necessary, including vaccines and other medications as requested, restraining, and weighing dogs, and taking care of minor ear, wound or skin issues in accordance with GDA protocols.
  • Monitor the health and status of dogs in their care and report any concerns or changes to Manager.
  • Daily cleaning activities including cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting kennels; sweeping; steam cleaning. 
  • Cleaning indoor and outdoor yards; laundry, trash, dishes
  • Organize and stock supplies as assigned, report low level to manager.
  • Supervise canine socialization and enrichment activities.
  • Volunteer Management and communication (preschoolers, huggers, housekeepers, and breeder hosts)
  • Supervise dogs when playing.
  • Draw blood, process lab results and track/analyze slides under microscope.
  • Breed dogs naturally and through artificial insemination.
  • Ability to work overtime, nights, holidays, and weekends, as needed.
  • Working indoors and outdoors in a variety of conditions and share office space.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, indoors and outdoors in all types of weather
  • Ability to bend and kneel to the floor for extended periods of time
  • Ability to lift 60 lbs., 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 to see and read dog’s reaction to environment and distractions, ability 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 with all sizes of dogs

Qualifications:

  • 18+ years of age
  • Valid driver’s license and insurable
  • High school graduate or GED
  • Prefer degree in Animal Science
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word), SharePoint, Cornerstone, and experience with CRM database management programs such as Salesforce preferred 
  • Experience working in Veterinary medicine.
  • Work well as part of a team and in a team environment

Qualified candidates,  Please send cover letter and resume to kdwallace@guidedogsofamerica.org

Marketing & Communications Associate

Job Type: Full Time Exempt Position

Salary Range: $65,000-$70,000 a year

Location: Sylmar CA. Campus

Benefits include:

  • Medical, Dental, Life Insurance
  • Pension & 401k
  • Vacation & Paid Holidays
  • Casual Work Environment
  • Pet Friendly
  • Mission-driven non-profit organization
  • 7.5-acre park-like campus grounds

Reports To: Director of Development & Marketing

Job Purpose: Support marketing, development, and outreach through the creation and implementation of a comprehensive marketing and communications plan that helps the organization fulfill its mission.

Essential Functions:

  • Create, plan, organize, implement, and execute a formal marketing and communications strategy to increase awareness, engagement, and meet organizational goals
  • Ensure consistent messaging across the organization and help maintain brand integrity
  • Manage creation and distribution of all digital and published materials, such as the newsletter, e-newsletter, drip campaigns, website materials, paid and organic social media posts, blog posts, fundraising pages, videos, mailers, event materials, eblasts, and volunteer recruitment collateral
  • Provide copy, editing, and proofing for all marketing and communications needs
  • Manage the organization’s social media channels; generate, edit, publish, share, and respond to engaging content on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tiktok, Twitter, and any additional channels marketing sees fit; must be able to use Hootsuite or other Social Media scheduling software
  • Draft press releases, FAQs, and other documents for public relations
  • Conduct targeted public relations and media outreach, working directly with the press Cultivate and maintain relationships with key reporters at print, radio, and television outlets
  • Manage the organization’s website site; collaborate with IT and vendors to maintain website functionality
  • Track website statistics, lead generation, and other campaign metrics. Report on key metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of content strategy using tools like Google Analytics
  • Manage Salesforce Pardot database lists; implement strategies to grow subscribers/followers, readership, and overall engagement
  • Supports organization event coordination and logistics
  • Other duties as assigned; weekends, evenings, and travel may be required
  • Working weekends, nights, holidays, and/or early mornings may be required  
  • Travel by car, train, and/or airplane may be required
  • Other duties as assigned

Essential Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time
  • Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
  • Ability to lift 30lbs or more
  • Visual acuity required to read copy, proof design whether digitally or printed
  • Hearing ability required to produce and edit video content
  • Interactions with all types of people/personalities

Qualifications:

  • Valid DL and insurable driving record
  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Journalism, Communications, Business, or related field
  • 3 years professional marketing or journalism experience, including visual content creation and social media
  • Success in developing and implementing consistent and effective brand materials across all internal and external communications
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to develop strong relationships
  • Strong written skills and experience with copy editing and proofreading
  • Strong project management, time management, and organized capabilities with the ability to manage numerous competing priorities
  • Ability to identify and resolve complex problems in a timely manner
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
  • Experience with Salesforce, Pardot, or other CRM software preferred
  • Self-directed, independent, strategic learner who appreciates collaboration
  • Ability to assume accountability and ownership of projects from start to finish
  • Working knowledge with Adobe Creative Suite, email marketing platforms
  • Experience with website content management (WordPress is plus)
  • Familiarity with Google Analytics and Google Ads
  • Expertise in social media strategy best practices and platforms
  • Work well as part of a team and in a team environment

Qualified candidates please send cover letter and resume to kdwallace@guidedogsofamerica.org

Client Services Specialist

Job Type: Full Time Exempt Position

Salary: $64,480 a year

Location: Sylmar Campus plus Travel

Benefits include:

  • Medical, Dental, Life Insurance
  • Pension & 401k
  • Vacation & Paid Holidays
  • Casual Work Environment
  • Pet Friendly
  • Mission-driven non-profit organization
  • 7.5-acre park-like campus grounds

Job Purpose:  Responsible for conducting in-home assessments for completed applicants awaiting acceptance into the program; managing and providing on-going support services to program graduates via phone, virtual and in-person assistance; and supporting the training department with the training and evaluation of service dogs.

Essential Functions:

  • Conducts assessments on completed applicants in their home
  • Documents completed in-home assessments in database in a timely manner
  • Participates in applicant selection committee
  • Participates in client/dog selection in service dog team training classes
  • Participates in service dog team training classes
  • Manages and provides follow-up services to graduated service dog teams via virtual and in-person assistance, including travel to clients’ home area 
  • Travel throughout the US and Canada required
  • Responds to service dog client related inquiries
  • Records and maintains database of all required documentation and communications with applicants, students, graduates, and dogs
  • Conducts annual recertification for all working graduated teams
  • Supports training department with training of dogs on Sylmar campus and within prisons as needed
  • Meets GDA|TLC and ADI standards
  • Working weekends, nights, and holidays as needed
  • Other duties, responsibilities, projects, and special tasks as assigned based on evolving business needs

Essential Physical Requirements:

  • Stand, walk long distances indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, push, pull, reach overhead and bend to the floor
  • Ability to lift up to 60 pounds; must possess the physical strength to lift healthy, potentially strong, large breed dogs
  • Ability to handle and control a large breed dog
  • Must be able to travel independently
  • Ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force including pushing or moving objects
  • Ability to wear protective gear including masks, gloves, goggles, boots
  • Ability to tolerate elevated noise levels – barking dogs
  • Visual ability required to see and read dog’s reaction to environment and distractions, ability to read forms, documentation and computer screen
  • Hearing ability required to interact with dogs, trainers, clients and volunteers 
  • Walking through prison yards and interacting with inmates

Qualifications:

  • 18+ years of age
  • High school diploma: Bachelor degree preferred
  • 3 years’ experience training service dogs with an ADI or IGDF accredited organization
  • 3 years’ experience training service dog recipients with an ADI or IGDF accredited organization
  • Experience with decision making, independent judgement, and problem solving with respect to common service dog team issues
  • Knowledge of current ADI & IGDF standards
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Maintain a valid US passport
  • Work well as part of a team and in a team environment
  •  High level of proficiency in Microsoft 365 (outlook, excel word), Sharepoint and CRM database programs such as salesforce.
  • Knowledge of education platforms such as Canvas
  • Excellent presentation, teaching, and public speaking skills

Qualified candidates please send cover letter and resume to kdwallace@guidedogsofamerica.org

About Guide Dogs of America

At Guide Dogs of America, all of our volunteers, donors, clients and staff share a belief that we don’t just train guide dogs, we inspire others to live their lives. Guide Dogs of America places more than 50 dogs each year, serves more than 300 graduates across the U.S. and Canada and has been enriching the lives of others for 70 years.

Guide Dogs of America is a Four Star Charity of Charity Navigator and a “Best” award recipient of the Independent Charities of America and earned the 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guide Star. Our guide dogs are provided at no cost to our clients and our program receives no federal, state or local government funding. Guide Dogs of America is an accredited member of the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dog International.