Lead K9 Caretaker
About The Position
K9s For Warriors is a nonprofit organization that provides Service Dogs to military Veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma, at no financial cost to the Veteran. The organization primarily rescues dogs and pairs them with Veterans in need. Under the direction of the Assistant Kennel Manager, the Lead K9 Caretaker supports kennel operations by directing the K9 Caretaker team and modeling effective day-to-day practices. The role involves cleaning and maintaining kennel facilities; feeding, bathing, handling, and caring for dogs; supporting kennel staff and volunteers; ensuring compliance with policies and safety procedures; maintaining records; and keeping Kennel Management informed of issues and concerns. The Lead K9 Caretaker also responds to operational needs as directed and performs additional assigned duties. The position works Tuesday through Saturday, with rotating hours. It requires weekend and holiday availability and physical effort, including lifting up to 50 pounds individually. The work may involve exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds, chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Supervisory skills.
- Ability to work with dogs with unknown or outdated vaccination history.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and a rotating schedule.
- Ability to exert moderate to extensive physical effort, including stooping, twisting, turning, crouching, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds individually.
- Ability to work around unpleasant odors or sounds, chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.
Responsibilities
- Direct and support the K9 Caretaker team and lead by example in day-to-day kennel operations.
- Perform and oversee cleaning, feeding, bathing, and animal handling in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
- Ensure kennel staff follow safety procedures, particularly those involving animal handling and cleaning chemicals, and adhere to PPE policies.
- Observe and assess dogs’ behavior and health, address concerns according to organizational guidelines and best practices, and report changes or concerns to the Veterinary team and Kennel Management.
- Participate in dog enrichment under the direction of the Enrichment team and support its directives to kennel staff.
- Complete kennel and enrichment logs and related paperwork accurately and fully.
- Follow Veterinary Staff instructions to assist with dog medication and care.
- Handle dogs humanely and safely and ensure kennel staff and volunteers do the same.
- Report maintenance concerns to Kennel Management and assist with distributing incoming products and ordering.
- Assist with maintaining buildings, equipment, grounds, kennel areas, and yards.
- Assist with onboarding, orientation, and training for new kennel department hires and volunteers.
- Respond to kennel operational needs as directed by Kennel Management.
- Follow and promote organizational policies and procedures.
- Identify opportunities to improve dogs’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being and bring suggestions to Kennel Management.
- Assist with training and overseeing volunteers, verifying that shift duties are completed and processes are followed.
- Perform additional tasks assigned by the Kennel Manager and Assistant Kennel Managers.
- Maintain good communication and working relationships with kennel staff and employees in other departments.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
High school or GED
