What are the responsibilities and job description for the Whelping Kennel Technician position at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Inc.?
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! We put our clients first, striving to exceed their expectations by providing exceptional dogs trained to meet their unique needs and empower them to live the lives they choose.
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! We put our clients first, striving to exceed their expectations by providing exceptional dogs trained to meet their unique needs and empower them to live the lives they choose.
It all begins in our Whelping Kennel, where our compassionate and dedicated Technicians play a vital role in caring for the moms and nurturing the healthy early development of their sweet puppies as they embark on their journey to potentially becoming guide dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
As a Whelping Kennel Technician, you’ll be part of a collaborative team committed to maintaining a clean, safe and nurturing environment in accordance with established standards. In this role, you will provide high-quality animal husbandry, enrichment, and socialization for all moms and puppies in the Whelping Kennel. You'll work closely with your team to deliver specialized care for mothers during whelping and weaning, as well as for newborn and young puppies up to six (6) weeks of age.
We encourage you to apply if you have a willingness to learn, a desire to be physically active, and an appreciation for working as a team in order to achieve our mission.
The Role
Normal shift hours are Tuesday through Friday from 7am to 3:30pm, and Saturdays from 11am to 7:30pm. During whelps or critical care situations, shifts may begin at 3pm with the possibility of an overnight.
- Provide a high level of animal husbandry care including, but not limited to, bathing, feeding, check overs, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and medicating according to established policies and procedures.
- Monitor the birthing process to ensure the health and safety of the brood and her neonates. Perform whelping procedures and assist the brood as needed. Manage all post-whelp clean-up, care, and treatments.
- Perform assigned medical treatments in accordance with standard procedures, including but not limited to administering vaccines and preventatives, subcutaneous fluids, tube feeding, and the use and care of ICU equipment.
- Clean and maintain kennel facilities, equipment and assigned grounds.
- Effectively work with pups in early obedience and socialization.
- Maintain accurate and timely records utilizing point of entry system.
- Work with Volunteers providing support, guidance, and recognition.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications You Will Need
- Demonstrated competency in all Kennel Technician duties, with experience caring for dogs in a kennel, Veterinary, or training environment; Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) or Veterinary Technician strongly preferred.
- Familiar and comfortable with working overnight shifts if necessary.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to accurately assess situations and make quick, sound judgements independently when it comes to animal husbandry.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
- Able to work daily with bleach and other cleaning agents.
- Reliability, a high level of integrity and punctuality are essential.
- This is an essential personnel position so flexibility in availability is a must; including weekends, evenings and holidays are required as needed.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs; Salesforce savvy a plus.
- Physically able to lift and control 65 – 75 lb. dogs and withstand up to two hours of repetitive bending, stooping, kneeling, and squatting on concrete surface.
Salary: $20.00/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 not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of this employee for this role.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F, D/V
Must be authorized to work in the United States
Salary : $20