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 Procurement Trainer to join our amazing team!

Basic Function

Under the general direction and supervision of the K9 Procurement Manager and Director of K9 Procurement and Placement, the K9 Procurement Trainer is responsible for the procurement, evaluation, and transportation of dogs in our program and the maintenance of all associated records, processes, and documentation.

**Shifts will include weekend, evening, and overnight work.

Essential Functions and Duties

• Coordinate and lead a team of Quarantine Trainers to facilitate the procurement of dogs into our program.
• Act as primary training evaluator for dogs in our Partnership Program. This will include on-site evaluation, video conference calls, and video review.
• Oversee on-site evaluation for procuring rescue dogs that meet program guidelines from a variety of sources.
• Support safe dog transport for long and short trips to locations nationwide. Occasional overnight travel will be required for dog transport and procurement.
• Responsible for partner relationships, dog assessment and readiness, documentation for proper transport, vehicle oversight, transportation of dogs, dog handling, transport schedule routes, and emergency preparedness.
• Scheduling overnight trips – booking flights, rental cars, and making hotel reservations.
• Assist in ensuring all dogs have received the required preparation for transport: microchip, rabies vaccination, heartworm test, health certificate signed by a veterinarian, and complete transport manifest and photo.
• Understand expectations for shelter and rescue visitation to ensure positive relationships are established.
• Communicate regularly with the K9 Procurement Manager and Director of Procurement and Placement to ensure coordination of all relevant tasks.
• Maintain all relevant information in current databases, expense report processing, and other technology as required.
• Work with Managers, shelters, and program logistics to ensure the proper acquisition, maintenance, filing, and recording of required documentation.
• Develop and demonstrate an understanding of processes and safety requirements.
• Schedule and facilitate meetings as needed, in-person and remote, to keep all participants informed, motivated, and encouraged.
• Solicit and provide stories and pictures of transported dogs. As requested, write stories for Facebook, newsletters, marketing, etc.
• Facilitate shadow shifts with employees from other departments.
• Support all other department activities which will contribute to the advancement and success of the team and the mission as identified by supervisor.
• Coordinate housing with Quarantine Trainers and Kennel staff.
• Schedule and instruct Foster Program training classes for procured dogs. This schedule will include weekend and evening classes.
• Assistance in other departments and campuses as needed or when K9 Procurement is not possible.

Other Duties

• Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisor or management

Qualifications

• H.S. diploma or equivalent
• Experience in Service Dog Training preferred
• Previous work in related animal field is required
• Valid driver’s license and ability be covered by facility driving insurance required
• Good communication skills in one on one, over the phone, by email and in group settings
• Must have basic computer literacy skills and be able to handle multiple unrelated tasks simultaneously while working in a busy environment

Physical Demands

• Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, twisting, turning, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually
• Ability to drive or be in a car for up to 10 hours a day
• Exposure to unpleasant odors, chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather

Core Competencies

• Planning and Organizing
• Integrity
• Results Oriented
• Sociability