What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead K9 Caretaker position at K9s For Warriors?
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 Lead K9 Caretaker to join our amazing team!
Qualifications And Education Requirements
Under the direction of the Assistant Kennel Manager, the Lead K9 Caretaker will support the proper operation of the kennels by providing direction to the K9 Caretaker team and leading by example regarding day-to-day operations. The duties and tasks include cleaning and maintaining kennel facilities, feeding and caring for the dogs, supporting the K9 Caretaker staff, keeping Kennel Management updated and informed of issues and concerns, and performing all other tasks as assigned.
Essential Functions And Duties
Qualifications And Education Requirements
- High school Diploma or Equivalent
- Supervisory skills required
Under the direction of the Assistant Kennel Manager, the Lead K9 Caretaker will support the proper operation of the kennels by providing direction to the K9 Caretaker team and leading by example regarding day-to-day operations. The duties and tasks include cleaning and maintaining kennel facilities, feeding and caring for the dogs, supporting the K9 Caretaker staff, keeping Kennel Management updated and informed of issues and concerns, and performing all other tasks as assigned.
Essential Functions And Duties
- Responsible for all cleaning, feeding, bathing and animal handling in accordance with K9s for Warriors policies and procedures, ensuring all kennel staff are in compliance.
- Ensure and assist in accuracy and compliance with safety procedures for all aspects of the kennels, with special emphasis on animal handling and cleaning chemicals
- Observe, assess, and ensure all dog behavior and health concerns are dealt with in accordance with K9s for Warriors guidelines and best practices, reporting any concerns or changes to Veterinary team and Kennel Management.
- Participate and provide enrichment to dogs with direction from Enrichment team.
- Support directives of Enrichment team given to kennel staff.
- Complete kennel and enrichment logs and associated paperwork completely and accurately.
- Follow instruction given by Veterinary Staff to assist in medicating and care of dogs.
- Always handle dogs humanely and safely and ensure all kennel staff and volunteers do the same.
- Report maintenance concerns to Kennel Management, assist with dissemination of incoming products and ordering.
- Assist with maintaining buildings and equipment, including but not limited to interior and exterior of buildings, grounds, kennel areas, yard maintenance/equipment.
- Assist in onboarding, orientation, and training of new kennel department hires and volunteers.
- Respond to the operational needs of the kennel as directed by Kennel Management.
- Follow and promote all K9s For Warriors’ policies and procedures.
- Follow and adhere to all PPE policies
- Identify opportunities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the dogs in K9s For Warriors’ care and bring ideas and suggestions to Kennel Management.
- Assist in training and oversee volunteers verifying shift duties are being completed and processes are being followed
- Ability to work with dogs on unknown or outdated vaccination history
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, rotating schedule
- Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Kennel Manager and Assistant Kennel Managers.
- Maintain good communication with kennel staff and other departments.
- Maintain good working relationships with all kennel and organization employees.
- High school Diploma or Equivalent
- Supervisory skills required
- Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, twisting, turning, crouching, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds, chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.
