Service Dog Trainer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Under the direction and guidance of the Lead Dog Trainer, this position will provide advanced obedience and custom task training to meet the needs of Leashes of Valor’s (LOV) service dogs in training and veteran recipients.  This position will primarily utilize positive reinforcement training techniques; train service dogs including outings & evaluations for each dog assigned in accordance with LOV and Assistance Dogs International (ADI) standards; provide instruction to veterans receiving service dogs; and assist in the training and mentoring of LOV foster volunteers assisting in dog socialization, training, and boarding.  The Service Dog trainer will work closely with other LOV staff, dog trainers, foster families, and veteran candidates on a daily basis to ensure all members are properly trained and equipped to raise, train, and properly handle service dogs. 

Essential Functions

The essential functions listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed; the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to be completed by the  position:

Service Dog Training

• Evaluate and temperament test service dog candidates in accordance with LOV Service Dog Temperament testing procedures and ADI standards.
• Learn and execute the Leashes of Valor training curriculum.
• Apply the prescribed training fundamentals to canine candidates within the service dog training program to prepare the animal for pairing with a specific Veteran to aid with symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and / or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).
• Conduct one-on-one and group training for service dogs in training, foster volunteers, and veteran recipients on basic and advanced skills and custom tasks specific to the veteran’s needs.
• Assist with the development of LOV service dog training plans and timelines.
• Adhere to LOV training plans and timelines.
• Transport dogs to and from routes or events for public access work.
• Monitor the progress and maintain detailed records of all LOV service dogs in training utilizing the LOV dog management platform to ensure sufficient training and progress are occurring.
• Maintain clear and open communication with all peer trainers to ensure transparency and proper progression of all service dogs in training.
• Liaise with the Warrior Coordinator and Director of Operations on the progression of each dog’s training ability and suitability for veteran placement.
• Maintain the medical readiness and medical records of the canine candidates utilizing the LOV designated dog management platform. This includes scheduling veterinary visits, administering prescribed medications, and transporting the canines to and from the veterinary office.

Veterans

• Work with the Warrior Coordinator, CEO, and Director of Operations to assist in matching veteran candidates with service dogs in training.
• Conduct home inspections for potential Veteran candidates based on the LOV Home Inspection standard operating procedures.
• Educate veterans during Leashes Of Valor Veteran & Service Dog Pairing Classes.
• Provide training to the Veteran recipients on the proper handling, training, and care of their service dog and how to integrate their new service dog into their daily routines.
• Provide ongoing support to veteran service dog recipients virtually, on the phone, and in-person.
• Conduct annual recertifications of Veteran/ service dog teams to ensure compliance with all Leashes of Valor requirements. 

Foster Volunteers

• Work with the Warrior Coordinator, CEO, and Director of Operations to assist in evaluating foster care applicants for admission into the foster care program for service dogs in training.
• Conduct home inspections for potential foster volunteer candidates based on the LOV Home Inspection standard operating procedures.
• Assist with training, mentoring, and organizing of foster volunteers that are assisting with the dogs in the LOV Service Animal program.
• Provide support to foster volunteers when training or behavioral issues arise for service dogs in training, and direct all other concerns to appropriate LOV staff.

Other

• Participate in Leashes of Valor public and fundraising events.
• Assist with other LOV programs as needed.
• Mentor new training team hires during the first 90 days of employment as needed.
• Participate in continuing education related to your position.
• Assist with kennel care and cleaning as needed.
• Drive company vehicles to transport dogs or other needs of the Organization.
• Other duties that may be assigned.
• House dog(s) at your house if needed

Supervisory Responsibility

Responsible for assisting with the training, mentoring, assigning tasks to, and monitoring of foster volunteers and veteran service dog recipients.

Work Environment 

The Service Dog Trainer will dedicate 85% of his or her scheduled time to field operations which include operating in dog kennels, surrounding areas, and various public settings (restaurants, shopping malls, gyms, schools).  15% of scheduled time will operate in a professional brick and mortar or virtual office environment.  

The noise level in the work environment can often be loud.  Service Dog Trainers will work in close proximity with multiple types and breeds of dogs that have been approved by the Leashes Of Valor executive team.  The Service Dog Trainer must be willing to work in multiple environments and weather conditions.

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the Service Dog Trainer to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, which primarily includes the training and care of service dogs in training and their kennels, the Service Dog Trainer is regularly required to be very physically active. The Service Dog Trainer is frequently required to stand, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and perform a variety of physical motions with his or her hands, arms, shoulders and legs in order to properly clean kennels, care for and train dogs. The Service Dog Trainer is often on her or his feet, and is often required to walk; escort visitors or volunteers in or around the kennel areas; and climb or balance.

The Service Dog Trainer must be able to manipulate and use all equipment and tools necessary to care for dogs, including leashes, medicines, locking mechanisms, and dog toys. Service Dog Trainer must be able to open packages, measure, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Service Dog Trainer must be able to use a writing instrument to record information related to dog care and must be able to use a computer keyboard. 

The Service Dog Trainer must regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds. This includes the ability to retrieve and distribute dog food and other supplies and ability to retrieve and replace objects from shelves of up to 7 feet high. This job requires handling multiple dogs in training every day of up to 100 pounds on and off leash. The Service Dog Trainer will work in proximity to cleaning agents and disinfectants and must be able to follow instructions for the use and storage of these chemicals. 

Work occasionally requires irregular hours to accommodate unforeseen dog care demands outside of regular hours.  During work, the Service Dog Trainer is expected to be physically present at the training locations that have been scheduled for the day.  Service Dog Trainer must be able to drive a company vehicle.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work 

This is a Full time , non-exempt position consisting of approximately35 hours of work per week. The Service Dog Trainer will be expected to operate in and around a 60 mile radius of Fredericksburg, VA, hours may be adjusted depending on the needs of the Organization. This position  requires working weekends, holidays, and being open to working additional shifts to maintain the operational and emergency needs of the organization and service dogs in training.

Travel 

Travel, such as travel to foster’s and veteran residences, group training locations, and designated veterinary clinics is expected.  Out-of -state or in-state travel is required to assist foster volunteers and veterans with training and re-certifications of the service dog teams.  Local travel is defined as a 60 mile radius from Fredericksburg, VA.

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum three (3) years’ experience training service, assistance, or guide dogs with LOV or an affiliate ADI or military organization.
• Experience working with 1-on-1 dog training and group training classes with multiple dogs and handlers.
• Must have a working understanding of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accreditation standards and ethics.
• Must be able to produce effective working service dog teams that meet or exceed LOV and ADI Standards (i.e., Public Access Test in an Urban Setting, Demonstration of  Alert / Tasks, Mastery of Basic and Advanced Dog Obedience).
• Experience in working with individuals with disabilities.
• Experience working with volunteers donating their time.
• Advanced understanding of canine behavior and learning theory.
• Must consent and be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Must consent to regular Motor Vehicle Driving History Checks. 

Preferred Education, Experience and Competencies

• Degree in animal behavior, psychology, zoology, biology or related professional experience
• Certificate or degree from accredited service dog training program.
• ADI training certification.
• Nonprofit work/volunteer experience.

Required Skills and Competencies 

Dog Interaction and Training Skills:

• Must be able to learn LOV dog training techniques and consistently implement them.
• Must be experienced with marker training.
• Must be able to work in a fast paced environment.
• Must be able to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Must be able to stay focused despite numerous distractions and multiple tasks. 

Language and Communication Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively with peers, management, foster volunteers, veterans, partners, donors, vendors and stakeholders.
• Approaches others in a professional and tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Routinely utilize advanced English language skills to edit documents and to prepare reports and correspondence and training materials, including spelling, sentence structure, syntax, grammar, usage, and the chief aspects of style, such as punctuation, capitalization, abbreviations, plurals and possessives, and compound words.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and follow instructions effectively with a diverse group of staff and provide information with ordinary courtesy, patience and tact.
• Must be able to communicate any problems or issues in training the dogs to the appropriate personnel, and recommend any changes in status of the dog in training.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal in a variety of situations using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Ability to interpret and to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to maintain a high level of mental concentration and effort and strain when performing a high volume of analyses and decision making as well as other essential duties.

Office Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Proficiency in typing/keyboarding
• Proficiency in using a database system
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications 

• Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain current vehicle insurance.
• Must maintain a clean driving record subjected to regular inspections. 

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable) 

• Must be authorized to work in the United States. 

Other Duties 

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the Service Dog Trainer for this job. Essential and marginal job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.