Dog Boarding Manager-In-Training

Job Description

Job Description

Manager-in-Training (MIT) — Dog Camp Operations

Pay: 18.00–20.00 per hour, based on role, progression, and applicable prior experience

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Union Dale, PA

Schedule: Four 10-hour shifts per week, including weekends and holidays

Build Your Leadership Career in a Different Kind of Workplace

Eva's Dog Camp is looking for a motivated, capable leader who wants to develop their management skills in a unique, hands-on environment.

Our 66-acre property provides dogs with opportunities to hike, explore, and socialize in supervised off-leash groups. Our team of approximately 30–50 employees, depending on the season, works together to maintain a safe, active, and engaging environment.

We're looking for someone who can do more than supervise from the sidelines. Our managers work alongside their teams, lead by example, solve problems, develop employees, and help keep daily operations running smoothly.

You don't need professional dog-handling experience to succeed here. You do need leadership experience, good judgment, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn.

What Makes This Opportunity Different?

• Four-day workweek: Work four 10-hour shifts and enjoy three days off each week.
• Leadership development: Receive hands-on training and mentorship from experienced managers.
• Career advancement: Develop toward Assistant Manager and potentially Manager responsibilities.
• Meaningful work: Help support the care and well-being of dogs while developing a strong team.
• Professional growth: Participate in ongoing training, continuing education, and leadership development.

We also offer benefits and perks, subject to eligibility, including paid time off, health, dental, and vision insurance, opportunities to bring your dog to work, frequent staff meals and snacks, and opportunities to support foster and rescue dogs.

What You'll Do

Our MIT program combines hands-on operational training with progressive leadership responsibilities.

You'll learn to:

• Lead and support employees in a fast-paced, physically active environment.
• Help organize daily operations, assign responsibilities, and adjust plans as priorities change.
• Delegate effectively, follow up on assignments, and maintain operational standards.
• Coach employees, provide constructive feedback, and address performance concerns.
• Make sound decisions under pressure while maintaining safety and professionalism.
• Communicate effectively with fellow managers and other departments.
• Learn canine body language, safe dog handling, and off-leash group management.
• Participate in daily dog care, hiking, cleaning, feeding, and kennel operations.
• Support employee training, operational documentation, and continuous improvement.

As your skills develop, you'll take on increasing responsibility for coordinating daily operations and supporting the team.

Who We're Looking For

We're particularly interested in candidates who have experience supervising or leading teams of 10 or more employees.

Strong candidates bring:

• Previous leadership, supervisory, or management experience.
• Experience working in fast-paced, hands-on operations.
• Strong organizational skills, delegation, and follow-through.
• Confidence making decisions and taking responsibility for outcomes.
• The ability to coach employees and address performance concerns respectfully.
• Adaptability, sound judgment, and composure under pressure.
• A willingness to receive feedback and continue developing professionally.
• Reliability, accountability, and a commitment to maintaining high standards.

Experience in hospitality, restaurants, recreation, outdoor operations, animal care, or other team-oriented environments may translate well to this role.

Professional dog-handling experience is preferred but not required.  
We can teach our operational procedures and dog-handling practices. We're looking for candidates who already demonstrate the foundation for effective leadership.

Physical and Outdoor Requirements

This is not a traditional office-based management position. MIT employees work alongside Dog Handlers and are expected to participate in the same physical activities.

Essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, include:

• Walking, standing, and hiking for extended periods, often 6–8 hours outdoors.
• Navigating our 66-acre property, including uneven terrain, hills, mud, and changing weather conditions.
• Handling and supervising dogs of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Bending, climbing, squatting, and performing physical cleaning and kennel duties.
• Maintaining situational awareness and responding appropriately to changing conditions.

Training and Advancement
The Manager-in-Training program is designed to develop individuals into effective operational leaders.

You'll work alongside experienced managers, learn our procedures, and gradually assume additional leadership responsibilities as you demonstrate readiness.

Progression is based on demonstrated skills, consistency, judgment, and leadership ability rather than time in the position alone.

Successful completion of the MIT program may lead to advancement into an Assistant Manager position, depending on performance, readiness, and organizational needs.

Our Hiring Process
We want candidates to understand the position and experience our workplace before making a long-term commitment.

Our selection process generally includes:

1. An initial phone interview to discuss your background, experience, and interest in the position.
2. An on-site trial day to experience daily operations and meet members of our leadership team.
3. Additional hands-on evaluation and management interviews for candidates moving forward.

This process allows both you and our team to evaluate whether the position is a good fit.

Ready to Lead Close to the Work?

If you're an experienced team leader who enjoys solving problems, developing people, and staying actively involved in daily operations, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and tell us about your leadership experience and what interests you about joining Eva's Dog Camp.