What are the responsibilities and job description for the Service Dog Apprentice Trainer position at NEADS World Class Service Dogs?
NEADS, a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the independence of people with disabilities through the use of expertly trained Service Dogs, seeks a Service Dog Apprentice Trainer.
The NEADS Service Dog Apprentice Trainer Program lays the foundation of knowledge for becoming a Service Dog Trainer with NEADS. The ideal candidate has some animal interaction/exposure or teaching experience and is interested in a physical, fast-paced position with a strong team approach. We’re looking for someone who is comfortable around dogs and people, as the position requires the ability to work with both.
The individual undergoes a 2-year apprenticeship during which they work closely with experienced trainers to learn how to train Service Dogs according to the NEADS curriculum. The Apprentice will also work with incarcerated individuals/handlers through our Prison Pup Program as they train Service Dogs and ultimately will teach new client teams how to work with their new Service Dogs.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Follow all established NEADS protocols, procedures, and policies
- Observe experienced NEADS trainers as they work with new client/dog teams on the NEADS campus and with Service Dogs in Training in correctional institution classroom settings, with the goal of teaching independently by the end of a two-year apprenticeship
- Under the guidance of a Senior Trainer, learn how to train NEADS dogs following Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) methods in accordance with training standards set by Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
- Learn how to appropriately match dog/client teams
- Assist in the Early Learning Center and learn to work with puppy behavior
- Assist in the Hawkins Canine Center to learn, understand, and support the kennel operations
- Maintain training records from the incarcerated individuals and weekend puppy raisers
- Work with 3-4 assigned string dogs under the guidance of a Senior Trainer
- Provide transportation for dogs and supplies as needed to prison institutions and back to NEADS
Position Requirements:
- Comfortable working in a correctional institution
- Ability to drive to various correctional facilities
- Comfortable teaching group classes both to Service Dog clients and to incarcerated individuals
- Comfortable working with large breed dogs
- The ability to stand and walk long distances outdoors in all weather conditions
- Capacity to lift 60 pounds independently and up to 80 pounds with assistance
- Ability to work in a kennel environment with multiple dogs
Qualifications
- Four-year degree or equivalent education/work experience in animal or disability major
- Physically capable of performing in a fast paced, active environment
Schedule:
- Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break
Compensation: Starts at $17.00/hour
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
- Employer Matched 403b
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending programs
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Work Location: In person
Salary : $17