Since 1972, Guide Dogs of the Desert (GDD) has made a difference in the lives of individuals who are legally blind. Over the past 52 years, more than 1425 client/dog teams from around the country have graduated from Guide Dogs of the Desert, enjoying richer, fuller and more productive lives. Attending a 28-day in-residence training program on campus, the blind individual is matched with the highest quality dog that is custom-trained to the individual’s personal needs and home environment – at no cost to the client.
Guide Dogs of the Desert is a service provider to the visually impaired supported by over 200 volunteers who raise puppies for training to be service animals for those in need. All dogs are AKC-registered pedigreed animals who are taught obedience and socialization before their intense specialty training as service animals begins.
Guide Dogs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Job Title: Kennel Supervisor
Department: Canine Development/Medical
Reports to: Canine Dev./Medical Director
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time
Supervises: Yes
Updated: March 2024
POSITION OVERVIEW
This position oversees all logistical and operations of the kennel. This position also provides support to our Puppy Raiser program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
· Creates and maintains daily, weekly, and monthly kennel schedules to ensure adequate kennel coverage.
· Responsible for grooming and boarding appointments.
· Provides daily oversight to kennel staff and volunteers, including training and competency assessments.
· Responsible for maintenance of indoor and outdoor kennel facilities being addressed.
· Tracks and maintains adequate amounts of supplies for the kennel department and all dogs residing on campus.
· Answers and return phone calls.
· Documents staff trainings, digital/paper files, personnel productivity.
· Offers enrichment programs for the dogs in training and boarding.
· Provides basic obedience in accordance with Training Department procedures.
· Provides basic medical care in accordance with the Medical Department’s instruction.
· Oversees the grooming care of all program dogs including ear, nail and teeth maintenance.
· May be required to work some evenings, weekends, and travel out of the area (with Director’s approval).
· Will be required to perform kennel duties as needed.
· Leadership – Maintains a positive, upbeat role in the company. Promotes and exemplifies organization values, represents departmental objectives and interests to internal and external customers, and is accountable for responsibilities and own actions.
· Customer Service – Follows up on complaints, questions, and concerns; responds to internal/external customer needs in a timely and efficient manner.
· Teamwork - Develops and promotes teamwork and cooperation among colleagues and employees.
· Safety – Demonstrates commitment to a healthy and safe environment and follows all safety and security policies and procedures
Flexibility - Adapts to changing policies and procedures, as well as varying deadlines.
· Communication – effectively communicates the status of the wellness and breeding program with other GDD employees, as needed.
· Performs other reasonable duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or experience
Minimum 5 years of experience in position with similar responsibilities
Required Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge
Strong ability to gather, analyze and interpret information
Ability to manage vendors effectively and efficiently
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Knowledge of information technology systems and ability to oversee basic IT functions
Time management with multiple priorities
Required Technical / Certification / Licenses
Valid Driver’s license; First Aid Certification desirable
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Day range:
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Shift:
Work setting:
Experience:
- Dog handling: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- CA Driver's Lisence (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Whitewater, CA 92282: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person