What are the responsibilities and job description for the K9 Training Operations Manager position at K9s For Warriors Inc?
K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work we are doing, we are in need of a K9 Training Operations Manager to join our amazing team!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the general direction and supervision of the Director of K9 Training, the K9 Training Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing tasks and ensuring the maintenance of records for the K9 Training teams, puppy program and Paws for Change Program. The K9 Training Operations Manager will oversee professional development and assist with personnel and employee relations matters on the K9 training team. This position will ensure consistency across all K9s For Warriors (K9s) campuses in matters of training, kenneling, transporting, and testing dogs to ensure consistency of care.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Manage, assign, schedule, approve timecards, review, and conduct/track feedback on the work of the K9 Assistant Training Managers
- Recruit, hire, evaluate, promote, discipline, and terminate staff with the support and guidance of the Director of K9 Training and Human Resources
- Forecast available canines for upcoming classes; coordinate with Manager of K9 Training Operations, Warrior Relations Manager and Director of K9 Training to plan class sizes, transmit training files, and meet with Warrior Relations, Warrior Trainers, and K9 Trainers to preliminarily select Warrior/Dog teams
- Expand and formalize training curriculum that identifies obedience and program milestones within a logical progression to ensure quality control of training team and dogs in training aimed at Warrior placement in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Oversee puppy program scheduling, puppy raiser assignments and overall logistics required to ensure the management of the puppy program and success of puppies in training.
- Collaborative with the volunteer coordinator to schedule and carry out volunteer activities to aide in the training of service dogs.
- Assess service dog trainer’s skills to create consistency of training; provide feedback and demonstrate appropriate K9 Trainer techniques as well as establish coaching plans to enhance trainer skills through continued education.
- Coordinate and assist in transportation of class dogs to other campuses as well as supporting Operation Reach Every Warrior.
- Coordinate, assist, and take part in travel opportunities to effectively carry out classes, post-graduate warrior support, and revenue events.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development to the Assistant K9 Training Managers and K9 Trainers relative to the performance of initiatives aimed at maintaining professionalism and positive culture and consult on personnel and employee relations matters.
- Collaborate with the warrior training and education department to coordinate trainer assistance in warrior classes, assist in post graduate training support and remedial training.
- Collaborate with members of the revenue department to oversee coordinating trainers for events, carry out plans to support sponsorships and communicate projection details.
- Ensure all procedures, policies, and protocols are current with best practices and updates are distributed to appropriate staff across all campuses.
- Ensure accuracy and compliance with safety procedures for all aspects of K9 Training, with special emphasis on animal handling
- Maintain up-to-date records for dogs in training within the teams on campus and the Paws for Change program
- Provide a positive example regarding work ethic, attitude, professional ethics, knowledge of policies/procedures, interpersonal interactions, and mutual respect
- Provide exceptional, courteous, and compassionate customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members at all times
- Enter data, collect metrics, run reports, identify trends, and build training plans to improve dogs’ mental health and behavior
- Liaise with donor relations and marketing; communicate when dogs are ready to be sponsored; assist with marketing endeavors; schedule and perform tours, training demonstrations, and interviews.
- Liaise with all K9s Campuses and Paws for Change Programs; provide and educate on new policies and procedures; coordinate and approve dog transports; maintain and track dog training records
- Ensure appropriate equipment is ordered and available for Service Dogs in Training
- Additional tasks as assigned by the Director of K9 Training
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee K9 Training Teams, and Paws for Change Program, and ensure the completion of day-to-day tasks
- Direct the work of Assistant K9s Training Managers
- Exercise discretion and independent judgment on matters that are core functions of K9s For Warriors’ mission
QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
- 3 years in a supervisory and management position responsible for the performance of five or more employees preferred
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Proven professional experience in team management and record keeping.
- Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation
- Excellent communication skills
- Valid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Coaching
- Adaptability
- Initiative
- Integrity
- Planning and Organizing
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors, sounds chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.
Monday - Friday 7:30-4:00- weekends and holidays as needed
Salary : $68,300 - $82,000