Canine Development Assistant

Canine Development Assistant Requirements

Job Type: Full Time Non-Exempt

Salary: $26.53 per hour

Location: Sylmar Campus plus Travel

Benefits include:

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

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

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

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