K9 Trainer - Puppy

K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work, we are doing, we are in need of a K9 Trainer- Puppy to join our amazing team!

Basic Function

Under the general direction of the Manager of K9 Training Operations, the K9 Trainer (Puppy) is responsible for soliciting, screening, providing instruction, training, and support to volunteers raising puppies, and identifying, selecting, and transporting new puppies into the puppy program. Additionally, this position facilitates one-on-one and group puppy classes, evaluates puppy development, and performs administrative tasks as required by the position.

Essential Functions and Duties

• Instruct volunteer puppy raisers on proper training techniques and standards in accordance with approved K9s For Warriors training methods
• Manage, coordinate, document, and maintain records on Puppy Program volunteer activities, classes, calendars, and ambassador events
• Maintain detailed training, evaluation, behavior modification, and medical records as per our policies and procedures
• Recruit, interview, and provide in-person or virtual training to new puppy raiser volunteers; conduct in-home visits to evaluate safe puppy-raising environment
• Develop, coordinate, and teach group and one-on-one puppy classes
• Identify behavior concerns and create specific behavior modification plans
• Maintain positive and open communication with volunteers, provide feedback and updates on puppies in for final training; coordinate pre-graduation meet and greets
• Conduct puppy temperament testing, identify and procure new puppies for the program
• Participate in public relations presentations and demonstrations to show how Service Dogs provide assistance to veterans who have PTSD, TBI, or MST in addition to promoting our mission and encouraging donations
• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning of training equipment, vehicles, and on-campus training areas
• Analyze Puppy Program data and generate reports
• Schedule day training and kennel camp sessions

• Provide a positive example regarding work ethic, attitude, professional ethics, knowledge of policies/procedures, interpersonal interactions, and mutual respect.
• Provide exceptional, courteous, and compassionate customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members at all times.

• Must be able to work independently with little or no supervision and always handle oneself in a professional matter

Other Duties

• Attend various Puppy Program activities off campus
• Work nights & weekends as needed
• Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisor or management
• Travel locally, regionally, and nationally to procure puppies
• Arrange grooming appointments for hypoallergenic dogs

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High school degree or equivalent
• Dog training certification from an accredited school or equivalent work experience
• Must have excellent organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks
• Reliable transportation to and from offsite training locations required
• Comfortable with being photographed, filmed and other interactions with media
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and able to be on company vehicle insurance
• Ability to work independently and within a group setting

Core Competencies

• Coaching
• Sociability
• Adaptability
• Verbal Communication
• Planning and Organizing
• Initiative

Physical Requirements

• Walking 3 to 5 miles per day on average
• Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, twisting, turning, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors, sounds, cleaning chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.