Join Us in Turning Rescued Dogs into Rescuers
Who We Are:
The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to strengthening disaster response by rescuing and training dogs to serve in disaster search operations. Our mission is supported by a passionate team committed to excellence, innovation, and compassion for both people and animals.
We are looking for an individual with strong organizational and communication skills to join our team as a Facilities Specialist. This essential role focuses on campus maintenance, construction projects, and facilities initiatives on SDF’s unique 145-acre campus. If you are skilled, compassionate, motivated to make a difference, and eager to join a team united by a shared mission, we'd love to hear from you!
We're looking for someone who:
- Brings experience in building maintenance, repairs, and general trades;
- Has experience operating, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and equipment;
- Possesses strong mechanical and technical troubleshooting skills;
- Enjoys hands-on work and takes pride in tackling challenging projects;
- Is versatile, adaptable, and eager to support a wide range of maintenance needs;
- Wants to contribute to an organization transforming lives through the partnership of people and canines; and
- Thrives both independently and as part of a collaborative, mission-focused team.
If you're ready to put your skills to work in support of a meaningful mission, this could be the opportunity for you!
Please review the details below and instructions for applying. This is a full-time, onsite position based in Santa Paula, CA, with a regularly scheduled weekend shift.
What You’ll Do:
Core responsibilities include:
- Site & Landscape Maintenance: Maintenance, repairs and upkeep of the 145-acre campus, encompassing fire/unpaved roads and trails, bridges, benches, picnic tables, fencing, entrance gate system, electrical repairs, landscape maintenance, and fire prevention, including weed abatement, tree trimming, monitoring and installing irrigation systems, and general landscape care.
- Vehicle and Equipment Repair and Maintenance: Facilitate the repair and maintenance of the SDF vehicle fleet, heavy equipment and machinery, and other maintenance and operating equipment with general vehicle maintenance and cleaning as well as specialty repairs and maintenance including but not limited to: Hydraulic hose repair and replacement, oil and fluid changes, the use of an itemized oil storage and containment system, and other tasks as assigned.
- Building Maintenance: Perform general and routine repair and maintenance of the multiple buildings onsite, involving appliances, electrical, plumbing, painting, communications, HVAC systems, and general cleaning and repairs (including washing windows, cleaning & replacing filters, troubleshooting systems, etc.). Provide occasional support with the cleaning, sanitization, and maintenance of kennel runs and other canine care areas to help ensure a safe and healthy environment for dogs and staff.
- Water Treatment System & Well Maintenance: Under the supervision of the facilities supervisor, assist in troubleshooting and maintaining the water well and RO system, including maintenance of logs, testing of turbidity, chlorine content, filters, mineral contents and adjusting levels as needed under supervision, checking and draining clarification tanks and brine field, and transporting water with a manual transmission water truck.
- Training Site Assistance: In collaboration with SDF’s Canine Operations and Search Team Operations Teams and under the supervision of the facilities supervisor, maintain, reconfigure, and construct canine training props and agility equipment, coordinate delivery and staging of material, etc.
- General Duties: Assist the Facilities Team and subcontractors on the peculiarities of the site, assist volunteers facilitating maintenance and facility initiatives, clean and prepare site for SDF events and tours as needed, and other duties and projects as assigned.
Who You Are:
We’re seeking a team member who is excited to bring your experience to a mission-driven organization. You will:
- Embrace and promote SDF’s values: collaboration, innovation, compassion, grit, and integrity.
- Create and nurture a professional, respectful, and constructive work environment.
- Demonstrate sound judgement, ethical behavior, and accountability.
- Communicate clearly and encourage open, collaborative communication.
- Maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
- Seek opportunities to positively impact organizational culture.
Qualifications & Experience
· Ability to thrive in a physically demanding, primarily outdoor work environment. Physical requirements include:
o Lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds
o Working comfortably at heights
o Performing labor-intensive tasks in varying weather conditions
· Hands-on experience in a variety of trades, including plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, landscaping, and general facility maintenance and repair
· Strong mechanical and technical aptitude, with the ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve maintenance and equipment issues
· Ability to safely operate and maintain vehicles, tools, and construction equipment, including both manual and automatic transmissions, on- and off-road
· Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and adapt to changing needs
· Collaborative, team-oriented approach with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
· Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and acquiring new skills
· Positive attitude, flexibility, and willingness to assist wherever needed
· Availability to work regularly scheduled weekend shifts, including holidays as needed
· Strong verbal and written communication skills
· Excellent customer service skills when interacting with coworkers, volunteers, vendors, and visitors
· Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
Where and When You’ll Work
This full‑time role is based at SDF’s National Training Center in Santa Paula, California. The regular schedule for this role, once trained and onboarded, is Thursday through Monday, with weekends serving as a standard part of the workweek.
Compensation & Benefits
SDF offers a competitive, experience-based wage that is commensurate with demonstrated skills and qualifications. Full-time employees are eligible for our benefits package, which includes employer-supported medical coverage with multiple plan options, a 401(k)-retirement plan with an employer contribution match, a flexible spending account, paid time off and paid holidays, long-term disability and life insurance, an employee assistance program, and access to additional programs and discounts. Specific eligibility timelines and details are provided during onboarding and in plan documents.
Starting range: $20.00 - $28.00/hour
How to Apply
If you’re ready to make a difference and join our team, we’d love to hear from you. Please email your cover letter and resume to our Facilities Manager, Matthew Meadows, at [email protected]. No phone calls, please.
Equal Opportunity
The Search Dog Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Learn More
Explore our mission and programs at https://www.searchdogfoundation.org.
Pay: $20.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to work onsite in Santa Paula, CA, including on weekends?
Work Location: In person
