Guide Dog Mobility Instructor
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Job Location:
Yorktown Heights, NY - USA
Yearly Salary:
USD 70000 - 85000
Posted on:
19 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Department:
Job Summary
Description
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 clients unique needs and empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired to live the lives they choose.
As aGuide Dog Mobility Instructor you will play a vital role in fulfilling our mission. Drawing on your professional certification and hands-on experience you will train and prepare our dogs to reach class-ready status ready to be matched with the person whose life they will transform.
In your role 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 youll help each dog realize its purpose: to provide independence confidence and partnership to those we serve.
The Role
- Lead the training and development of a string of eight (8) dogs biannually following Guiding Eyes and IGDF standards with the possibility of starting additional strings as needed.
- Conduct foundation training (16 weeks) and customized training (4 weeks) for assigned dogs preparing each dog to reach its full potential.
- Collaborate with managers to thoughtfully determine client-dog pre-matches and final matches ensuring successful partnerships.
- Support the emotional and physical well-being of all assigned dogs.
- Perform blindfold work with assigned dogs.
- Serve as a mentor when designated to fellow GDMIs sharing expertise and guiding less experienced team members.
- Represent Guiding Eyes periodically in public relations and education efforts delivering talks presentations and demonstrations that inspire and transform.
- Provide coverage for other 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 dogs 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.
- 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.
- Successfully completed a 3-year apprenticeship and qualified at an IGDF-accredited program with a preferred minimum of three (3) years of experience following qualification.
- 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.
- 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.
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office with familiarity in Salesforce considered a plus.
- Must be comfortable around large active dogs.
- Must have a valid Drivers License.
Salary Range (annually): $70k - $85k
Please include a cover letter along with your resume telling us About You and to share why youre 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!
Please include a cover letter along with your resume telling us About You and to share why youre 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 those candidates selected for further 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
Required Experience:
IC
Key Skills
- Animal Care
- Animal Science
- K-9
- Dog Training Materials
- Basic Commands
- Dog Kennels
- Pet Parents
- Law Enforcement
- Training Records
- Training Techniques
- Communication
- Pet Care
- Behavioral Issues
- General Care
- Safe Environment
About Company
Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a nonprofit organization that provides exceptional, trained guide dogs to individuals with vision loss for greater independence.
