Trainee Guide Dog Trainer

Trainee Guide Dog Trainer

At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, we are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals seeking greater independence. We are dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing partnerships between people and dogs. At our facilities, we breed, raise, and train exceptional guide dogs – and match them with individuals ready to embrace a life of greater freedom, confidence, and possibility. Together, they embark on incredible life adventures. Are you ready to play a role in that journey? Join us and help be a part of transforming lives. Our incredible dogs make our mission possible – and working with them will inspire you! At Guiding Eyes, we are passionate about matching the right dog with the right person, providing exceptional dogs trained to meet each client's unique needs and empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired to live the lives they choose.

As a Trainee Guide Dog Trainer, you will play a vital role in fulfilling our mission. You will participate in a 1.5-year development program that offers a unique opportunity to prepare for a potential career as a Guide Dog Trainer. In this role, you will train and prepare our dogs to reach class-ready status – ready to be matched with the person whose life they will transform. You will 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. Through your expertise and care, you'll help each dog realize its purpose: to provide independence, confidence, and partnership to those we serve.

The development period to become a Guide Dog Trainer typically spans about 1.5 years, though the exact timeframe may vary based on individual progress. This period provides the time and experience needed to build the competencies and full skill set of a Guide Dog Trainer. At its conclusion, trainees undergo evaluation and assessment to determine readiness and next steps. While successful completion of this period represents significant progress and an important milestone, it does not automatically guarantee advancement into a Guide Dog Trainer role.

The Role

• Lead the training and development of a string of eight (8) dogs, two (2) to three (3) times per year following Guiding Eyes and IGDF standards.
• Conduct foundation training (16 weeks) and customized training (4 weeks) for assigned dogs, preparing each dog to reach its full potential.
• 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 You Will Need

• 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.
• Capable of accurately assessing situations and making 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.
• 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.

Salary: $24.00 per hour

Please include a cover letter along with your resume telling us 'About You' and to share why you're excited about contributing to our mission. As a Guiding Eyes employee, you will enjoy knowing that every day you make a difference in the lives of people with vision loss!

While we appreciate your interest and application, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind offers a comprehensive benefits package including the following:

• Competitive and generous healthcare (Medical/Dental/Vision)
• 403(b)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• You are invited to bring your well-behaved dog to work

The above job description is intended to be a general description of the requirements and duties of this position. It is one of inclusion, not exclusion. Any Guiding Eyes for the Blind employee must be willing to perform tasks not specified within their specific job description, so long as those tasks are in the best interests of Guiding Eyes for the Blind and are tasks which the individual is capable of performing. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V. Must be authorized to work in the United States.