K9 Caretaker

Job Description

Job Description

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing Service Dogs to military Veterans nationwide suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma — at no financial cost to the Veteran. Founded in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors is committed to saving lives at both ends of the leash by primarily rescuing dogs and pairing them with Veterans in need. In order to continue the great work we’re doing, we’re looking to add a  K9 Caretaker to our amazing team! 

Basic Function

The K9 Caretaker supports the proper operation of the kennels, to include cleaning/maintaining kennel facilities, feeding the dogs, caring for the dogs, and ensuring the overall safety of the kennel facilities and dogs.

** Shifts vary based on the needs of the kennel; to include weekends, holidays, evenings, and rotating days off.

Essential Functions and Duties 

• Responsible for all cleaning, feeding, bathing and animal handling in accordance with K9s for Warriors policies and procedures
• Responsible for complying with all safety procedures while working in the kennels, with special emphasis on animal handling and proper use of cleaning chemicals
• Observe, assess, and ensure all dog behavior and health concerns are dealt with in accordance with K9s for Warriors guidelines, reporting any concerns or changes to Lead K9 Caretaker or Kennel Management
• Participate and provide enrichment to dogs with direction from Enrichment team
• Complete kennel and enrichment logs and associated paperwork completely and accurately
• Follow instruction given by Veterinary Staff to assist in care of dogs
• Handle dogs humanely and safely at all times
• Report maintenance concerns to the Lead K9 Caretaker or Kennel Management, assist with dissemination of incoming products and ordering
• Assist with maintaining buildings and equipment, including but not limited to interior and exterior of buildings, grounds, kennel areas, yard maintenance/equipment
• Respond to the operational needs of the kennel as directed by the Lead K9 Caretaker and/or Kennel Management
• Ability to work with dogs on unknown or outdated vaccination history
• Follow and adhere to all PPE policies
• Follow and promote all K9s For Warriors’ policies and procedures
• Identify opportunities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the dogs in K9s For Warriors’ care and bring ideas and suggestions to appropriate supervisor
• Participate in kennel training sessions and enrichment as designated
• Complete training logs and associated paperwork completely and accurately

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Kennel Manager and Assistant Kennel Managers
• Maintain good communication with kennel staff and other departments 
• Maintain good working relationships with all kennel and organization employees

Qualifications

• High school degree or equivalent 
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and rotating schedule 
• Kennel experience preferred
• Valid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance

Physical Demands

Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually.  Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds, cleaning chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.  Must be able to operate power tools, pressure washers, lawn equipment, etc.

Core Competencies 

• Attention to Detail 
• Teamwork
• Integrity 
• Initiative
• Positive Attitude
• Cooperation