Trainee Guide Dog Trainer

About the role

Join us at Guiding Eyes for the Blind and help transform lives by playing a vital role in our mission to connect exceptional dogs with individuals seeking greater independence. As a Trainee Guide Dog Trainer, you will participate in a 1.5-year development program that prepares you for a potential career as a Guide Dog Trainer.

Responsibilities

• Train and prepare our dogs to reach class-ready status – ready to be matched with the person whose life they will transform.
• Build upon the principles of positive reinforcement, using International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)-aligned training methods to create the best training experiences possible for our amazing dogs and their future handlers.
• Support the emotional and physical well-being of all assigned dogs.
• Perform blindfold work with assigned dogs.
• Represent Guiding Eyes periodically in public relations and education efforts, delivering talks, presentations, and demonstrations that inspire and transform.
• Provide coverage for 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.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed, including, but not limited to, day trips, overnight stays (which may include weekends), and airline travel within the U.S. and Canada.
• Ability 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned, contributing wherever needed to advance our mission.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive and generous healthcare (Medical/Dental/Vision)
• 403(b)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer

M/F, D/V