Service Dog Training Instructor

Experienced Service Dog Training Instructor needed - train service dogs and help Veterans!

Warrior Canine Connection has an immediate opening for an experienced Service Dog Training Instructor at our Boyds, Maryland Healing quarters. If you are a passionate, experienced professional who loves dogs, this just might be your dream job!

Warrior Canine Connection is a nonprofit organization with a unique and highly effective service dog training model we call Mission Based Trauma Recovery. In short, active-duty Service Members and Military Veterans with combat related stress are engaged to help us train Golden Retrievers and Labradors to be service dogs. By learning to train service dogs, these Warrior Trainers are given a chance to develop practical skills such as patience, positive reinforcement, emotional regulation, and effective communication skills, while simultaneously helping to prepare the dog to assist a fellow injured Veteran in the future.

Our service dogs learn up to 90 commands during a comprehensive, two-year training process. After those two years of training, the dogs are professionally matched with a disabled Veteran who has mobility impairments or psychological injuries.

As a Warrior Canine Connection Service Dog Training Instructor, you will be responsible for the training, socialization and well–being of WCC dogs in training, WCC release dogs, and graduate dogs. Instructors also provide one-on-one instruction and teach group classes to puppy raisers, third parties, community volunteers, Warrior Trainers, and clients.

This is a job that will truly make a difference in the world, and in the lives of the individual Veterans and Service Members we work with every day.

This is a full-time on-site position with some evenings and weekends required.

What the job involves:

Key Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate Warrior Canine Connection's Puppy Raiser Training Program, guiding service dogs in training and their volunteer puppy raisers through all stages of development.
• Plan and deliver individual coaching, group classes, workshops, evaluations, and educational programming for puppy raisers, volunteers, veterans, and staff.
• Assess canine training and behavior, develop training and behavior modification plans in collaboration with leadership, and monitor progress.
• Maintain accurate training records, reports, and documentation in Salesforce and other required systems.
• Train Golden and Labrador Retrievers from puppyhood through final placement.
• Provide post-placement support, skill enhancement sessions, evaluations, and troubleshooting for graduate teams.
• Assist with service dog placements, team training, introductions, and recertification activities, including occasional travel.
• Communicate regularly with puppy raisers regarding training progress, schedules, dog care, and behavioral concerns.
• Monitor canine health and welfare, administer routine preventative care and medications as directed, coordinate veterinary appointments, and transport dogs as needed.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized training environment while following Assistance Dogs International (ADI) standards and Warrior Canine Connection policies.
• Support Warrior Canine Connection's Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program by facilitating therapeutic activities, maintaining required documentation, and following HIPAA and program guidelines.
• Represent Warrior Canine Connection through demonstrations, community events, educational presentations, and media opportunities as assigned
• Provide canine care support when needed or as assigned, including enrichment, feeding, exercising, grooming, cleaning, administering medications, and monitoring the overall health and well-being of dogs in the program.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and other duties that support Warrior Canine Connection's mission.
• The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this position. They are not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.

Required background, experience, and skills:

• Minimum of one (1) year working experience as a service dog trainer.
• Completion of a service dog training program of no less than 6-12 months, or a combination of education and work experience in the field of service dog training for a minimum of 18 months.
• Knowledge of, and ability to implement, effective training methods, problem solving and instruction for all phases of training (puppy through graduate training).
• Demonstrated experience working with individuals with mental health and/or TBI symptoms, understanding symptomology related to TBI and PTS/PTSD.
• Comfort in leading one-to-one or group training sessions in public spaces.
• Detail oriented and demonstrably strong work ethic – this can be demanding work.
• Friendly, calm, mature, patient, and professional demeanor with excellent communication skills.
• Desire to work with Veterans and the knowledge, skills, and ability to effectively interact and work with Veterans who have experienced combat trauma and/or psychological health or physical injuries.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate professionally and courteously with a variety of audiences including clients, visitors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Ability to instruct people with a variety of backgrounds and skill levels in the WCC training methodology and best practices for service dog training.
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize work tasks - organization skills and time management are critical.
• Ability to learn and manage a variety of administrative processes.
• Basic computer skills and competency in Microsoft Office applications in order to maintain dog records, training charts, puppy evaluations, etc.
• Valid driver's license with a driving record that meets organizational insurance standards.
• Ability and willingness to safely drive a Class 2 vehicle or similar passenger/cargo van for the transportation of service dogs and program-related materials.
• This is a full-time position with occasional weekend/evening hours.

Desired background, experience, and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Previous experience working with Veterans with combat trauma.
• Salesforce experience is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits:

Exceptional compensation package including salary, PTO, medical, dental, and retirement benefits for full-time employees.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $45,000-$50,000 annually

To Apply:

To apply for this position, please provide a cover letter and resume addressed to the Hiring Manager. Additional information about Warrior Canine Connection is available on our website www.warriorcanineconnection.org.

Warrior Canine Connection is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off

Experience:

• service dog training: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Boyds, MD 20841 (Required)

Work Location: In person