Instructor Assistant - Medford, NY

As a Canine Companions employee, youll enjoy knowing that every day you make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Youll give independence and give a dog a job!

Canine Companions dedication to our mission is only equaled to our dedication to our employees.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefit program including employer-paid medical, dental and vision for staff
• 14 paid holidays, including an Inclusion Holiday
• 17 paid days off during your first year (Paid time off, PTO), including hours to serve your community
• Employer matched 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program/Wellness Programs
• Diversity and Inclusion Committee dedicated to ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by setting actionable goals and evaluating progress

The organization really lives out the core values in daily actions and decision making. I enjoy coming to work as I know that my day will be filled with integrity as the organization does what is right, guided by honesty, accountability and sincerity.

• Canine Early Care Team Member

The Instructor Assistant program lays the foundation of knowledge, for those interested in becoming a service dog trainer with Canine Companions. As an Instructor Assistant, you will be an integral member of our team while shadowing all departments, learning about our highly trained service dogs.

A typical day as an Instructor Assistant may include:

• Shadowing team members from various departments including: training staff, puppy program, client services, marketing and development
• Educational learning opportunities on topics such as canine health, and disability etiquette
• Maintaining and cleaning kennels, play yards, bathing rooms, and other kennel facilities
• Administering medications and treatments to dogs in the training kennels
• Assisting in the maintenance of canine health care and well-being: feeding, monitoring weights, monitoring group exercise, grooming and bathing, performing physical examinations, taking dogs to scheduled health appointments, walking dogs recovering from surgery and assisting in canine emergency care
• Developing public speaking skills, by representing Canine Companions during campus tours and external events

EXPECTATIONS:

To be successful in this position:

• Must Haves:
  • Education: High school graduate or equivalent.
  • License: Current drivers license and insurability at normal risk rates.
• Nice to Haves:
  • Experience: Prior dog handling, training and dog health care experience preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements:

• Employee is regularly required to work outdoors and indoors performing cleaning, maintenance and canine health care duties that include regular and/or repeated walking, standing, bending, stooping and kneeling with exposure to cleaning chemicals and high temperature steam cleaning apparatus.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and reach and pull with hands and arms; lift and/or move up to 45 pounds.

Schedule: Full time. May include weekends and holidays.

Rate of Pay: $18.25 per hour

The base salary range above represents the range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of total compensation package for employees.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

Pursuant to local Fair Chance Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.