Lead 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 Lead K9 Caretaker to our amazing team!

Basic Function

Under the direction of the Assistant Kennel Manager, the Lead K9 Caretaker will support the proper operation of the kennels by providing direction to the K9 Caretaker team and leading by example regarding day-to-day operations. The duties and tasks include cleaning and maintaining kennel facilities, feeding and caring for the dogs, supporting the K9 Caretaker staff, keeping Kennel Management updated and informed of issues and concerns, and performing all other tasks as assigned.

Essential Functions and Duties

• Responsible for all cleaning, feeding, bathing and animal handling in accordance with K9s for Warriors policies and procedures, ensuring all kennel staff are in compliance.
• Ensure and assist in accuracy and compliance with safety procedures for all aspects of the kennels, with special emphasis on animal handling and cleaning chemicals
• Observe, assess, and ensure all dog behavior and health concerns are dealt with in accordance with K9s for Warriors guidelines and best practices, reporting any concerns or changes to Veterinary team and Kennel Management.
• Participate and provide enrichment to dogs with direction from Enrichment team.
• Support directives of Enrichment team given to kennel staff.
• Complete kennel and enrichment logs and associated paperwork completely and accurately.
• Follow instruction given by Veterinary Staff to assist in medicating and care of dogs.
• Always handle dogs humanely and safely and ensure all kennel staff and volunteers do the same.
• Report maintenance concerns to 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.
• Assist in onboarding, orientation, and training of new kennel department hires and volunteers.
• Respond to the operational needs of the kennel as directed by Kennel Management.
• Follow and promote all K9s For Warriors’ policies and procedures.
• Follow and adhere to all PPE policies
• 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 Kennel Management.
• Assist in training and oversee volunteers verifying shift duties are being completed and processes are being followed
• Ability to work with dogs on unknown or outdated vaccination history
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, rotating schedule

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 and Education Requirements

• High school Diploma or Equivalent
• Supervisory skills required

Physical Demands

• Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, twisting, turning, crouching, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds, chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.

Core Competencies

• Attention to Detail
• Accountability
• Discipline
• Initiative
• Integrity
• Cooperation
• Leadership

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