Job Description

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 Training Manager to join our amazing team!

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general direction and supervision of the Campus Director, the K9 Training Manager is responsible for directing strategy and application for the K9 Training team, Apprentice Program, Prison Program, and Mentorship Program on proper service dog training standards. This position will liaise with all K9s For Warriors (K9s) campuses in matters of training, kenneling, transporting, and testing dogs in their care. The K9 Training Manager will be to identify and track behavior trends and implement solutions to constantly improve the quality of the service dog.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

· Manage, assign, schedule, approve timecards, review, and conduct/track feedback of the work of the K9 Training Team under the Campus Director

· Recruit, hire, train, coach, evaluate, promote, discipline, and fire staff with the support and guidance of Human Resources

· Provide leadership and mentorship to the K9 Training Team relative to the performance of initiatives aimed at meeting service dog training and Warrior placement goals

· Expand and formalize training curriculum that identifies obedience and program milestones within a logical progression to ensure quality control of training team and dogs in training aimed at Warrior placement in a timely and appropriate manner

· Forecast available K9s’ dog numbers for upcoming classes; coordinate with Warrior Relations Manager to plan class sizes, transmit training files, meet with Warrior relations and trainers to select Warrior/Dog teams

· Enter data, collect metrics, run reports, identify trends, modify enrichment and training plans to improve dog’s mental health and behavior

· Oversee K9 Trainer Apprentice and Mentorship Programs; develop and implement updated course material, didactic and practical exams. Fill in for Apprentice Instructor when necessary

· Liaise with donor relations and marketing; communicate when dogs are ready to be sponsored; assist with marketing endeavors; schedule and perform tours, training demonstrations and interviews

· Liaise with all K9s Campuses and Prison Programs; provide and educate on new policies and procedures; coordinate and approve dog transports; implement and track dog training progress

· Identify and provide continuing education opportunities ensuring trainers are informed of professional and industry trends

· Assess service dog trainer’s skills to create consistency of training; provide feedback and demonstrate appropriate K9s Trainer techniques

· Ensure appropriate equipment is ordered and available for Service Dog In Training candidates

· Ensure K9s Trainers accurately and timely enter all required data and documentation into database

· Review training progress data and proactively manage Trainer progress

· Evaluate dogs for potential candidacy into the program, review behavior modification plans and techniques; release dogs from program when not meeting criteria

· Manage all Career Change dogs and help advocate their adoption process

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Oversee K9 Training Team, Apprentice Program, Prison Program, and to ensure the completion of day-to-day tasks

· Direct the work of the K9s Training Team

· Exercise discretion and independent judgment on matters that are core functions of K9s For Warriors’ mission

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

· 3 years in a supervisory and management position responsible for the performance of five or more employees

· Certification from an accredited dog training school or equivalent relevant work experience

· High school diploma or equivalent

· Proven professional experience of dog training

· Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation

· Excellent communication skills

CORE COMPETENCIES

· Coaching

· Adaptability

· Initiative

· Integrity

· Planning and Organizing

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

· Ability to train dogs in crowded environments on campus and in public

· Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors, sounds chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• San Antonio, TX 78227: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Dog training: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

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