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.

Canine Development Assistant (temp position)

Job Type: Temporary Full Time Non-Exempt

Salary:      $25.75 per hour

Location: Sylmar Campus plus Travel

Benefits include:

  • Casual Work Environment
  • Pet Friendly
  • Mission-driven non-profit organization
  • 7.5-acre park-like campus grounds

Job Purpose:  Evaluate and support puppies’ progress as they develop and ensure dogs are properly prepared for recall into formal training.

Essential Functions:

  • Evaluate behaviors of individual puppies and dogs as assigned or otherwise identified
  • Identify and monitor individual puppies that display problematic behaviors
  • Develop behavior modification plans for puppies/dogs as needed
  • Apply or assign approved behavior modification plans and recommended techniques
  • Evaluate, track, and timely report on the success of such plans
  • Document communications with Puppy Raisers
  • Support the puppy socialization program
  • Participate in puppy evaluations and BCLs as assigned
  • Participate in the development of dog handling manuals and videos or other educational or instructional materials
  • Participate in educating Puppy Raisers and Area Leaders in approved training, socializing and behavior protocols, including conducting hands-on training workshops
  • Monitor progress of puppies relating to desirable physical and temperament traits
  • Prepare written requests for releasing dogs from the program, for Manager approval
  • Frequent travel to Area Leader and Puppy Raiser homes or other locations for meetings, classes, trainings, outings, evaluations, drop-off/pick-ups, or other needs
  • Working weekends, nights, holidays, and/or early mornings may be required  
  • 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

Qualifications:

  • 18+ years of age
  • Valid driver’s license and insurable
  • High school graduate or GED
  • Prefer degree in Animal Science
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in dog obedience or handling, knowledge of behavioral modification techniques
  • Basic understanding of canine health care
  • Proven ability to effectively teach others in individual and group settings
  • Excellent interpersonal, presentation, teaching, analytical and public speaking skills
  • 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
  • Work well as part of a team and in a team environment

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

Puppy Program Assistant

Job Type: Full Time Non-Exempt Position

Salary Range:  $17.68-$19.00 per hour

Location: Sylmar 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

Job Purpose:  Assists the Puppy Program and Canine Development Departments with Puppy Raiser recruitment, supporting the Puppy Raiser population and Area Leaders, and increasing public awareness.

Essential Functions:

  • Support Puppy Raiser recruitment efforts, including e.g., community outreach, handling inquiries from potential Puppy Raisers, reviewing incoming applications, and conducting or delegating interviews, assessments and home screenings
  • Assist with onboarding new puppy raisers, placing puppies and coordinating puppy pick-up
  • Internal and external communications related to puppy raising (e.g., phone calls, e-mails, newsletters, flyers, etc.)
  • Database entry
  • Assist with handling puppy sitting requests in emergency situations
  • Help plan and hold in-for-training luncheons including, e.g., arranging for catering, preparing certificates, notifying raisers, set-up/clean-up
  • Attend and assist at graduations and other on-campus or community events as needed
  • Work with Puppy Program volunteers to maintain updated inventory of supplies for department
  • Travel, nights 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 lift 50lbs., 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
  • Interactions with all types of people/personalities

Qualifications:

  • 18+ years of age
  • Valid driver’s license and insurable
  • High school graduate or GED; Bachelor’s degree preferred
  • Experience working with volunteers preferred
  • Basic understanding of canine behavior and health care
  • Multi-tasking and organizational skills a high priority
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Excellent presentation, teaching and public speaking skills
  • 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
  • Work well as part of a team and in a team environment

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

Service Dog Trainer

Job Type: Full Time Non-Exempt Position

Salary: $23.00-$25.00 per hour

Location: San Diego, CA — Plus travel

Benefits include:

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

Reports To: Manager of Service Dog Program

Job 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
  • Participate in the selection of incarcerated trainers per GDA/TLC and prison guidelines
  • Collect and maintain required paperwork for incarcerated trainers
  • Teach educational classes, provide coaching, and track progress of incarcerated trainers
  • Ensure training of dogs is being carried out by incarcerated trainers according to GDA/TLC and ADI standards
  • Evaluate and record progress for each incarcerated trainer and dog team
  • Complete job performance reviews for incarcerated trainers and submit to prison program liaison
  • Make recommendations on incarcerated trainer pay raises
  • Write evaluations for each incarcerated trainers’ review board file
  • Responsible for terminating trainers with unacceptable performance or who violate rules set forth in program agreement
  • Communicate with prison staff to ensure program and prison needs are met
  • Oversee the care and well-being of dogs within the prison; communicate any medical concerns to the veterinary department
  • Plan, handle, and train dogs during weekly training outings, test, train and desensitizing dogs in public environments
  • Transport dogs to appointments as needed
  • Assist in testing and training evaluations of dogs
  • Take photos and videos of training sessions and medical concerns as needed
  • File training log reports and veterinary documentation electronically
  • Assist in matching dogs to potential clients
  • Instruct clients during class
  • Assist with client follow up in the field as needed
  • Maintenance of program van, organizing equipment and taking inventory as needed
  • Order supplies needed for the program
  • 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

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, 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 in a prison environment 

Qualifications:

  • 18+ years of age
  • Valid driver’s license and insurable
  • High school graduate or GED
  • 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

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

Service Dog Trainer

Job Type: Full Time Non-Exempt Position

Salary: $23.00-$25.00 per hour

Location: Sacramento, CA — Plus travel

Benefits include:

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

Reports To: Manager of Service Dog Program

Job 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
  • Participate in the selection of incarcerated trainers per GDA/TLC and prison guidelines
  • Collect and maintain required paperwork for incarcerated trainers
  • Teach educational classes, provide coaching, and track progress of incarcerated trainers
  • Ensure training of dogs is being carried out by incarcerated trainers according to GDA/TLC and ADI standards
  • Evaluate and record progress for each incarcerated trainer and dog team
  • Complete job performance reviews for incarcerated trainers and submit to prison program liaison
  • Make recommendations on incarcerated trainer pay raises
  • Write evaluations for each incarcerated trainers’ review board file
  • Responsible for terminating trainers with unacceptable performance or who violate rules set forth in program agreement
  • Communicate with prison staff to ensure program and prison needs are met
  • Oversee the care and well-being of dogs within the prison; communicate any medical concerns to the veterinary department
  • Plan, handle, and train dogs during weekly training outings, test, train and desensitizing dogs in public environments
  • Transport dogs to appointments as needed
  • Assist in testing and training evaluations of dogs
  • Take photos and videos of training sessions and medical concerns as needed
  • File training log reports and veterinary documentation electronically
  • Assist in matching dogs to potential clients
  • Instruct clients during class
  • Assist with client follow up in the field as needed
  • Maintenance of program van, organizing equipment and taking inventory as needed
  • Order supplies needed for the program
  • 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

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, 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 in a prison environment 

Qualifications:

  • 18+ years of age
  • Valid driver’s license and insurable
  • High school graduate or GED
  • 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

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.