Lead the team that helps prepare extraordinary dogs for extraordinary work.
Guide Dogs of the Desert is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and hands-on Kennel Supervisor to oversee the daily operation of our kennel facility and lead a dedicated team committed to providing exceptional care for future guide dogs.
This is more than a kennel management position. Every dog you help care for is part of a life-changing journey that will ultimately provide greater independence, confidence, and mobility to someone who is blind or visually impaired.
This is a working supervisor position. In addition to leading the kennel team, you'll regularly participate in hands-on animal care and help ensure daily operations run smoothly. If you're an experienced animal care professional who enjoys leading people, maintaining high standards, and making a meaningful difference every day, we'd love to hear from you.
Why Join Guide Dogs of the Desert?
Working here means being part of something bigger than yourself.
You'll enjoy:
- Meaningful work that changes lives every day
- The opportunity to work alongside remarkable guide dogs
- A collaborative and supportive leadership team
- A role with significant responsibility and autonomy
- The opportunity to mentor and develop kennel staff
- Working with professionals dedicated to excellence in animal care and service
- A beautiful campus dedicated to animal welfare and service
What You'll Do
As Kennel Supervisor, you'll oversee the daily operation of our kennel while ensuring the highest standards of canine care, employee leadership, and facility operations.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead, coach, train, and support kennel staff and volunteers.
- Schedule staff and provide daily operational oversight.
- Provide hands-on kennel coverage during staffing shortages, emergencies, or other operational needs.
- Monitor canine health and behavior while working closely with veterinary staff.
- Ensure strict sanitation, disease prevention, and biosecurity standards.
- Oversee medication administration and treatment protocols.
- Maintain consistent dog handling, enrichment, and welfare practices.
- Coordinate communication with puppy raisers, foster families, resident advisors, volunteers, and other departments.
- Manage kennel supply inventory and operate within departmental budget guidelines.
- Ensure compliance with organizational safety standards and animal care protocols.
- Foster a positive, collaborative team culture focused on excellence in animal welfare.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits Include
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Employer-paid Life Insurance
- Employer-paid Long-Term Disability
- Voluntary benefits through Aflac
- SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer matching
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick leave
- Paid holidays
Schedule
This is a full-time position. The schedule generally consists of weekday shifts; however, flexibility is required to support kennel operations, including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency staffing coverage.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who combines strong leadership skills with genuine compassion for animals.
Our ideal candidate:
- Has at least five years of progressively responsible animal care experience.
- Has previous supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Is comfortable making decisions and managing multiple priorities.
- Communicates professionally with staff, volunteers, veterinary personnel, and the public.
- Leads by example and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves.
- Demonstrates exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Is passionate about maintaining outstanding standards of canine health, welfare, and sanitation.
Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum five years of animal care experience.
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
- Valid California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform the physical requirements of kennel operations.
- Ability to obtain First Aid/CPR certification within six months of employment.
Physical Requirements
This is an active, hands-on position requiring frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting (up to 50 pounds), and working directly with dogs in a kennel setting.
Work Environment
This position is performed primarily in a kennel environment and involves regular exposure to dogs, animal noise, cleaning and disinfecting products, and both indoor and outdoor conditions.
Guide Dogs of the Desert is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position.
About Guide Dogs of the Desert
Guide Dogs of the Desert is a nonprofit organization dedicated to breeding, raising, training, and placing exceptional guide dogs with individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Every employee contributes to transforming lives by preparing extraordinary guide dogs that provide independence, confidence, and companionship to the people they serve. As Kennel Supervisor, you'll play a vital leadership role in ensuring our dogs receive exceptional care while supporting a team committed to excellence and our mission.
Apply Today
If you're looking for a leadership opportunity where your work truly matters—and where every day brings the reward of caring for remarkable dogs while supporting an incredible mission—we encourage you to apply.
Guide Dogs of the Desert is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Qualified individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, are encouraged to apply.
Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
