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 Caretaker to our amazing team!

Basic Function

The K9 Caretaker supports the proper operation of the kennels, to include cleaning/maintaining kennel facilities, feeding the dogs, caring for the dogs, and ensuring the overall safety of the kennel facilities and dogs.

** Shifts vary based on the needs of the kennel; to include weekends, holidays, evenings, and rotating days off.

Essential Functions and Duties

Responsible for all cleaning, feeding, bathing and animal handling in accordance with K9s for Warriors policies and procedures
Responsible for complying with all safety procedures while working in the kennels, with special emphasis on animal handling and proper use of cleaning chemicals
Observe, assess, and ensure all dog behavior and health concerns are dealt with in accordance with K9s for Warriors guidelines, reporting any concerns or changes to Lead K9 Caretaker or Kennel Management
Participate and provide enrichment to dogs with direction from Enrichment team
Complete kennel and enrichment logs and associated paperwork completely and accurately
Follow instruction given by Veterinary Staff to assist in care of dogs
Handle dogs humanely and safely at all times
Report maintenance concerns to the Lead K9 Caretaker or Kennel Management, assist with dissemination of incoming products and ordering
Assist with maintaining buildings and equipment, including but not limited to interior and exterior of buildings, grounds, kennel areas, yard maintenance/equipment
Respond to the operational needs of the kennel as directed by the Lead K9 Caretaker and/or Kennel Management
Ability to work with dogs on unknown or outdated vaccination history
Follow and adhere to all PPE policies
Follow and promote all K9s For Warriors’ policies and procedures
Identify opportunities to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the dogs in K9s For Warriors’ care and bring ideas and suggestions to appropriate supervisor
Participate in kennel training sessions and enrichment as designated
Complete training logs and associated paperwork completely and accurately

Other Duties

Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Kennel Manager and Assistant Kennel Managers
Maintain good communication with kennel staff and other departments
Maintain good working relationships with all kennel and organization employees

Qualifications

High school degree or equivalent
Ability to work weekends, holidays, and rotating schedule
Kennel experience preferred
Valid driver’s license and meet policy requirements for company auto insurance

Physical Demands

Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually. Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds, cleaning chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather. Must be able to operate power tools, pressure washers, lawn equipment, etc.

Core Competencies

Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Integrity
Initiative
Positive Attitude
Cooperation

** Shifts vary based on the needs of the kennel; to include weekends, holidays, evenings, and rotating days off.

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