Since 1972, Guide Dogs of the Desert (GDD) has made a difference in the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. For over 50 years, more than 1,000 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 Technician
FLSA Classification: Non-exempt (eligible for overtime), Full-time
Supervises: No
POSITION OVERVIEW
Under the supervision of the Director of Medical and Canine Development or Kennel Supervisor, the Kennel Technician is responsible for the basic care and feeding of animals housed at Guide Dogs of the Desert.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
- Prepares animal diets and feeds animals.
- Ensures all animals are supplied with water.
- Cleans kennels, office floors and run areas on a daily basis.
- Exercises controlled groups of dogs.
- Walks and relieves dogs.
- Bathes and grooms dogs.
- Transports dogs to and from veterinary clinics.
- Documents jobs completed and dog’s medical information. Notifies supervisor of medical problems immediately.
- Cleans dog’s ears, administers vaccines, cleans wounds and medicates dogs.
- Weighs dogs and measures dog’s height.
- Provides dog basic obedience in accordance with department procedures.
- Cares for and handles puppies, including bottle feeding if necessary.
- Empties fecal buckets and garbage.
- Washes and dries doggie dishes.
- Washes, dries and folds towels and blankets.
- Fills food bins.
- Inputs information on a computer.
- Faxes and copies information as needed.
- Answers phones in kennel.
- 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 –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.
- Performs other 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
High School Graduate or G.E.D.
6 months of related experience preferred
Required Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge
Must have basic knowledge of animal care
Must have basic computer data entry skills
Able to work collaboratively with team members
Must be flexible and able to work holidays, weekends, evenings
Must be able to pass background check and pre-employment drug test
Required Technical / Certification / Licenses
Valid California Driver’s License and Safe Driving Record
Able to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check
First Aid/CPR Certification to be obtained within the first six (6) months of employment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS – Must be able to lift 50 pounds
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Experience:
- dog handling: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- CA Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person
