Apprentice, Guide Dog Program

DOGS INC•Palmetto, FL

18d•Onsite

About The Position

The guide dog apprenticeship is a program consisting of three phases. Each phase will last no less than one year and is to be completed in no more than 18 months. Each phase has different requirements to move on to the next phase. Responsibility for dog care, dog training, and client instruction will increase with each phase of the apprenticeship.

Requirements

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before members of the public, volunteers, and other employees.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
Ability to perform calculations in standard measures of American currency and weight, volume and distance.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram/chart, or schedule form.
Ability to use basic levels of Microsoft office including Outlook and Excel
Ability to read data from a databases such as International Working Dog Registry and ProVet
Valid Driver’s License
Primarily sedentary work, including sitting for extended periods.
Regular standing and walking.
Frequent use of hands and fingers to type, handle materials, and operate equipment.
Occasional bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, climbing, or balancing as needed.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds independently and up to 80 pounds with assistance from another team member.
Must be able to effectively communicate using visual and auditory means
Office and administrative setting.
Clinical and medical environment.
Regular outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
Frequent interaction with animals.
Exposure to noise, odors, chemicals, and cleaning agents.
Exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions.
Required use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, or other safety equipment), as applicable.
Every team member helps tell our story. We may occasionally ask you to welcome guests, support tours, or talk about your work.

Nice To Haves

Four-year college degree strongly preferred.
Prior experience in positive reinforcement animal training will take preference but not required.

Responsibilities

Feed and exercise animals and provide other general care such as grooming daily
Transport dogs daily to training routes or events
Provide demos on and off campus to educate members of the public on the Guide Dog process
Maintain a high level of physical fitness to safely perform the range of required duties
Communicates regularly with the Guide Dog Program Director, program team members, Canine Care and Medical teams, immediate team members, and on- and off-campus volunteers to support program dog needs.
Interacts with members of the public to provide information and education about service dogs and Dogs Inc.
Maintains a collaborative, positive attitude; accepts feedback, works independently with initiative, follows instructions, and demonstrates reliability through strong attendance.
Complete requirements of a customized Apprenticeship Program including, but not limited to, assigned reading, training, and documentation
Observe animals’ physical conditions in order to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care
Conduct training routes and follow guide dog training curriculum in order to develop and maintain desired behaviors
Administer prescribed medications to animals
Keep records documenting animal health, diet, behavior and training progress
Ensure the physical and emotional needs of our dogs in training are met
Conduct pre-admission home visits as needed (travel within and outside of the state)
Provide follow up services (travel within and outside of the state)
Record activities and outcomes in appropriate database
Work well in a team environment
Be a core member of the training team during on campus class instruction of guide dog clients including overnight stay, evening, weekend and holiday hours
Provide customer service to members of the public and visitors to Southeastern Guide Dogs
Other duties as assigned
Match handlers with dogs
Transport clients during class
Instruct clients

Benefits

Full dental and vision insurance premiums covered
competitive medical coverage
a $15,000 life insurance policy
A discretionary retirement plan match for all benefit-eligible employees after one full year of employment.
Free access to our fitness center
chef-prepared lunches served on campus (Monday-Friday)
Generous Paid Time Off policies (12-20 days/year based on tenure)
14 paid holidays—including your birthday!
Many opportunities to earn additional Paid Time Off.
Bring your well-behaved, pre-screened dog to work