Guide Dog Mobility Instructor

About the role

Lead the training and development of a string of eight (8) dogs biannually following Guiding Eyes and IGDF standards, with the possibility of starting additional strings as needed. Conduct foundation training (16 weeks) and customized training (4 weeks) for assigned dogs, preparing each dog to reach its full potential. Collaborate with managers to thoughtfully determine client-dog pre-matches and final matches, ensuring successful partnerships. Support the emotional and physical well-being of all assigned dogs. Perform blindfold work with assigned dogs. Serve as a mentor when designated to fellow GDMIs, sharing expertise and guiding less experienced team members. Represent Guiding Eyes periodically in public relations and education efforts, delivering talks, presentations, and demonstrations that inspire and transform. Provide coverage for other GDMIs as needed when not training assigned dogs, ensuring continuity of training and care. Provide and maintain clear and accurate reports to track each assigned dog’s progress and achievements. Transport guide dogs in the field as needed, including pickups, drop-offs, and boarding of placement-ready or returned guides. Collaborate effectively within a team environment. Maintain a high level of productivity throughout the workday. Foster and promote positivity, teamwork, and a culture of collaboration in all interactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the training and development of a string of eight (8) dogs biannually following Guiding Eyes and IGDF standards, with the possibility of starting additional strings as needed.
• Conduct foundation training (16 weeks) and customized training (4 weeks) for assigned dogs, preparing each dog to reach its full potential.
• Collaborate with managers to thoughtfully determine client-dog pre-matches and final matches, ensuring successful partnerships.
• Support the emotional and physical well-being of all assigned dogs.
• Perform blindfold work with assigned dogs.
• Serve as a mentor when designated to fellow GDMIs, sharing expertise and guiding less experienced team members.
• Represent Guiding Eyes periodically in public relations and education efforts, delivering talks, presentations, and demonstrations that inspire and transform.
• Provide coverage for other GDMIs as needed when not training assigned dogs, ensuring continuity of training and care.
• Provide and maintain clear and accurate reports to track each assigned dog’s progress and achievements.
• Transport guide dogs in the field as needed, including pickups, drop-offs, and boarding of placement-ready or returned guides.
• Collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Maintain a high level of productivity throughout the workday.
• Foster and promote positivity, teamwork, and a culture of collaboration in all interactions.

Qualifications

• Successfully completed a 3-year apprenticeship and qualified at an IGDF-accredited program, with a preferred minimum of three (3) years of experience following qualification.
• College degree preferred, ideally with a concentration in Animal Behavior, Psychology, or Education/Teaching.
• Comfortable wearing and working under a blindfold for extended periods.
• Physically capable of lifting and handling large, active dogs, and maintaining stamina throughout the workday.
• Able to maintain a pace of 4.0 miles per hour when working with a guide dog, as required.
• Stand and walk for extended periods, both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather conditions (average of three to ten miles per training day).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and the capacity to handle multiple tasks effectively.
• Maintains a positive attitude, professional demeanor, and welcoming presence in all interactions.
• Able to accurately assess situations and make quick, sound judgements independently.
• Demonstrated teamwork and interpersonal skills; outcome focused and able to achieve results through collaboration.
• Flexible and adaptable, embracing challenges and adjusting quickly to changing priorities while contributing to team success.
• Self-motivated and driven by a strong work ethic, demonstrating reliability, integrity, and punctuality in all aspects of work.
• Strong relationship building-skills, with the ability to find common purpose, build consensus, and strengthen collaboration.
• Able to work a flexible schedule that may include non-traditional hours, including, but not limited to nights, weekends, evenings, and holidays, as required to meet training needs.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office, with familiarity in Salesforce considered a plus.
• Must be comfortable around large, active dogs.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.