Trainee Guide Dog Trainer

At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, we are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals for greater independence. Guiding Eyes for the Blind is dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing connections between people and dogs.
At our facilities we breed, raise, and train exceptional dogs. Then we connect them to people who are seeking increased freedom and independence, so that together, they can experience all kinds of life adventures. Do you want to play a role in that adventure?
As a Trainee Guide Dog Trainer, you will prepare assigned dogs to a state of readiness to be matched with a person who is blind in Guiding Eyes’ guide dog instruction program. You will provide a positive emotional, behavioral, and physical environment for all assigned dogs. Participation in public relations and public education events. This individual will also have the ability to demonstrate, understand and apply the values of Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
** This is an assignment for a 1.5-year development program to train for a potential role as a Guide Dog Trainer. As an assignment, after the 1.5-year program has ended, there is no guarantee of employment nor a guarantee of becoming a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor. **
The Role

• Participate in daily cleaning, disinfecting and other routine maintenance of the kennel and associated facilities
• Conduct foundation training (16 weeks) and possibly customized training (4 weeks) with assigned dogs; training to a condition of class readiness in obedience and guide work skills
• May be asked to fill in for Foundation GDMIs when not training assigned dogs
• Assist in daily feeding and monitoring the diets of all dogs in the kennel facility
• Blindfold work with assigned dogs
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Provide a constant positive image of Guiding Eyes through appropriate dress and conduct while working with dogs
• Start a string of eight (8) dogs, 2-3 times per year
• May be assigned boarding guides, returned guides, and placement-ready guides
• Participate in public relations and public education efforts by giving talks, presentations, demonstrations, and tours of the Training School and/or Training Kennel
• May be asked to pick up and drop off guide dogs in the field

Qualifications You Will Need

• Valid driver’s license
• Must be comfortable wearing and working under a blindfold for extensive periods of time
• Ability to accurately assess situations and make quick, sound judgements
• Clear and professional communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Physically able to lift up 40 pounds as well as manage large, active dogs
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs; Salesforce savvy a plus
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Guiding Eyes requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment
• Able to maintain a pace of 4.0 miles per hour if needed when working with a guide dog
• Experience working and training dogs; solid understanding of positive dog training techniques and behavior modification
• Flexibility in availability is a must including weekends, evenings and holidays as needed
• Stand, walk long distances both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions (average of 3-10 miles per training day)

Travel Requirements

• Willing and able to travel by car, train or airplane as required within the United States and Canada
• 0 -10 overnights per year (may include weekends)
• Day trips as needed or assigned

Guiding Eyes for the Blind offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Competitive and generous healthcare (Medical/Dental/Vision)
• 403(b)

Pay Range $22.60 - $24.60/hour
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V
Must be authorized to work in the United States