K9 Procurement Trainer

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing Service Dogs to military Veterans nationwide suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma — at no financial cost to the Veteran. Founded in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors is committed to saving lives at both ends of the leash by primarily rescuing dogs and pairing them with Veterans in need. In order to continue the great work we’re doing, we’re looking to add a K9 Procurement Trainer to our amazing team! 

Basic Function

Under the general direction and supervision of the K9 Procurement & Placement Assistant Managers, 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. 

Travel: 

40% Local/Regional – Home each day

35% National – Overnight stays

5% International –Overnight stays

Essential Functions and Duties 

• Act as primary training evaluator for dogs in our Provider Dog Program. This will include on-site evaluation, video conference calls, and video review.

• Perform on-site and off-site evaluation for procuring rescue dogs that meet program guidelines from a variety of sources.
• Recognize and appropriately respond to behavioral concerns such as fear, stress, over-arousal, reactivity, guarding, avoidance, and potential aggression while exercising sound judgment regarding when an evaluation should be modified or discontinued.
• Safely handle and evaluate unfamiliar dogs with varying or unknown behavioral histories, temperaments, and training levels in a variety of environments and situations.
• Responsible for dog assessment and readiness, documentation for proper transport, vehicle oversight, safe transportation of dogs nationwide, dog handling, transport schedule routes, and emergency preparedness. Occasional overnight travel will be required for dog transport, procurement, and placement.

• Scheduling overnight trips – booking flights, rental cars, and making hotel reservations.
• Work with Procurement & Placement Coordinator and respective Leads to maintain positive relationships with Shelters, Rescues, Providers, and Breeders.
• 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.
• Communicate regularly with the Lead Procurement & Placement Trainer to ensure coordination of all relevant tasks.

• Maintain all relevant information in current databases (Smartsheet, Excel, Salesforce), expense report processing, and other technology as required.
• Work collaboratively, and with a positive attitude, with all K9s’ department teams for the care, benefit, promotion, and ultimate outcome for animals in our care.

• Develop and demonstrate an understanding of processes and safety requirements.
• Work with Lead Procurement & Placement Trainer and respective management to schedule and facilitate shelter and provider trainings as needed, in-person and remote.
• Support all other department activities which will contribute to the advancement and success of the team and the mission as identified by management.
• Coordinate with Kennel and Veterinary staff regarding newly procured dogs through dog movement.
• Assist Adoptions Trainers with the training and handling of Career Changed dogs when procurement is not possible with the guidance of the Lead Procurement & Placement Trainer.

• Must be comfortable flying with Service Dogs in training, Service Dogs, and returning Warrior Dogs.
• Must be comfortable completing procurement trips alone, with little to no supervision if necessary.

Other Duties

• Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisor or management

Qualifications

• H.S. diploma or equivalent 
• Experience in Service Dog Training preferred
• Knowledge identifying dog behavior required
• 2 years of experience handling strange and unknown dogs is required
• Previous shelter/rescue experience with dog evaluations 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