Service Dog Apprentice Trainer

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