Contractual, Remote GDMI/GDT

About the role

OccuPaws Guide Dog Association is seeking a remote contract Guide Dog Trainer (GDT) or GDMI to formally train a guide dog candidate to IGDF/OccuPaws standards. The dog will live full‑time with the Trainer (or an approved host home arranged by the Trainer), and all formal training occurs in the home setting and surrounding community rather than on‑site in Wisconsin. Training cycles follow Wisconsin’s weather and generally run January–April and April–August. The position is full‑time contract, with the possibility of extending across consecutive cycles for suitable candidates. Application deadline: February 1, 2027. Contact: Kassel Matushak, phone 608‑219‑8090, email kassel@occupaws.org.

Responsibilities

• Formally train the dog through the stages of guide dog development to IGDF/OccuPaws standards
• Assess and document the dog’s progress and suitability for guide work
• Participate in regular video check‑ins with OccuPaws’ lead GDMI for oversight, guidance, and quality assurance
• Maintain detailed training logs tracking exercises, progress, and any concerns
• Communicate promptly with the lead GDMI regarding any health, behavioral, or training issues

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in formal guide dog training or comparable service dog training work
• Comfortable working independently in a home‑based training environment
• Willingness and ability to participate in regular video check‑ins and maintain thorough written training logs
• Suitable home/property setup for housing and training a guide dog candidate (or ability to arrange an approved host home)
• Familiarity with IGDF/ADI training standards