Manager of K9 Training Operations

K9s For Warriors Inc•Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

22d

About The Position

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 Manager of K9 Training Operations to join our amazing team! ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the general direction and supervision of the Director of K9 Training, the K9 Training Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing tasks and ensuring the maintenance of records for the K9 Training teams, Apprentice Program and Paws for Change Program. The K9 Training Operations Manager will oversee professional development and assist with personnel and employee relation matters on the K9 training team. This position will ensure consistency across all K9s For Warriors (K9s) campuses in matters of training, kenneling, transporting, and testing dogs to ensure consistency of care.

Requirements

3 years in a supervisory and management position responsible for the performance of five or more employees
High school diploma or equivalent
Proven professional experience in team management and record keeping.
Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation
Excellent communication skills
Valid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance

Responsibilities

Manage, assign, schedule, approve timecards, review, and conduct/track feedback on the work of the K9 Assistant Training Managers
Recruit, hire, evaluate, promote, discipline, and terminate staff with the support and guidance of the Director of K9 Training and Human Resources
Forecast available canines for upcoming classes; coordinate with Warrior Relations Manager and Director of K9 Training to plan class sizes, transmit training files, and meet with Warrior Relations, Warrior Trainers, and K9 Trainers to preliminarily select Warrior/Dog teams
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
Assess service dog trainer’s skills to create consistency of training; provide feedback and demonstrate appropriate K9 Trainer techniques
Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development to the Assistant K9 Training Managers and K9 Trainers relative to the performance of initiatives aimed at maintaining professionalism and positive culture and consult on personnel and employee relations matters.
Ensure all procedures, policies, and protocols are current with best practices and updates are distributed to appropriate staff across all campuses.
Ensure accuracy and compliance with safety procedures for all aspects of K9 Training, with special emphasis on animal handling
Maintain up-to-date records for dogs in training within the Paws for Change program
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
Enter data, collect metrics, run reports, identify trends, and build training plans to improve dogs’ mental health and behavior
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 Paws for Change Programs; provide and educate on new policies and procedures; coordinate and approve dog transports; maintain and track dog training records
Ensure appropriate equipment is ordered and available for Service Dogs in Training
Additional tasks as assigned by the Director of K9 Training
Oversee K9 Training Teams, Apprentice Program and Paws for Change Program, and ensure the completion of day-to-day tasks
Direct the work of Assistant K9s Training Managers
Exercise discretion and independent judgment on matters that are core functions of K9s For Warriors’ mission