Apprentice - Instruction & Training

Job Description

Job Description

The Seeing Eye, the world’s oldest organization devoted to breeding, raising, and training dogs to work as guides for people who are blind, has an opportunity available for an Apprentice in the Instruction & Training department.

Reporting to the Sr. Manager of Apprentice Training, the successful candidate will be responsible for performing essential routine and diversified duties in support of the Instruction and Training staff in both the instruction of students each month as well as the training of dogs during each training cycle. This position also works closely with the Director of Canine Development by providing interaction, support, and exposure for dogs not yet assigned to Training to help determine or improve their suitability for guide work. This position is often called upon to perform varied duties for other areas of the organization.

Individuals hired for this position are required to advance into the Associate Instructor position as the job prepares the employee to take on greater job responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides support for each class of students by offering exposure to various learning situations (leashed dogs, barriers, etc).
• Coordinates with Director of Canine Development to provide and keep records of interaction and exposure with a number of the new dogs in for training to help determine or improve their suitability to remain in the program and reduce kennel stress.
• Travels by air and ground transport throughout North America to pick up and deliver trained dogs.
• Provides support for Instructor teams during dog training by helping with kennel and medical care, driving early traffic exposure, shuttling dogs, and hosting puppy raiser visits to maximize the instructor training time.
• Coordinates with Class manager and Class instructors to provide transportation for students to and from the Training Center for their in-town work, as well as for doctor appointments and essential purchases to allow class instructors to maintain focus on their instructional duties.
• Assists in photographing all dogs and students before graduation to support graduate and canine records and to provide pictures for puppy raisers and ID photos and class pictures for graduate.
• Responsible for working up to two overnights each class, including a lecture on canine massage, to provide an opportunity for teaching and student interaction, as well as support for the class instructors.
• Organizes and re-stocks needed supplies in the main building and Training Center as well as coordinates the washing and refueling of training and class vehicles in preparation for each new group of students and rotating team of instructors.
• Provides transportation to the airport for students as needed, sometimes under difficult circumstances, to offer support until they are on route.
• The ability to assess situations and write timely and accurate reports.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to interact comfortably and professionally with blind and visually impaired people
• Good knowledge and understanding of dogs, dog care and dog behaviors
• Motivated with the ability to work independently in support of a team effort
• Ability to prioritize tasks to organize and accomplish them efficiently
• Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and the ability to drive safely in all weather conditions and all types of company vehicles
• Must be able to qualify for a passport
• Must have good verbal and communication skills
• College degree preferred or equivalent professional experience considered.
• Be able to work overtime as needed, including night duty

For further consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume.