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 FunctionThe 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 proceduresResponsible for complying with all safety procedures while working in the kennels, with special emphasis on animal handling and proper use of cleaning chemicalsObserve, 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 ManagementParticipate and provide enrichment to dogs with direction from Enrichment teamComplete kennel and enrichment logs and associated paperwork completely and accuratelyFollow instruction given by Veterinary Staff to assist in care of dogsHandle dogs humanely and safely at all timesReport maintenance concerns to the Lead K9 Caretaker or Kennel Management, assist with dissemination of incoming products and orderingAssist with maintaining buildings and equipment, including but not limited to interior and exterior of buildings, grounds, kennel areas, yard maintenance/equipmentRespond to the operational needs of the kennel as directed by the Lead K9 Caretaker and/or Kennel ManagementAbility to work with dogs on unknown or outdated vaccination historyFollow and adhere to all PPE policiesFollow and promote all K9s For Warriors’ policies and proceduresIdentify opportunities to improve the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 supervisorParticipate in kennel training sessions and enrichment as designatedComplete training logs and associated paperwork completely and accurately
Other Duties
Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Kennel Manager and Assistant Kennel ManagersMaintain 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 preferredValid 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 TeamworkIntegrity InitiativePositive AttitudeCooperation
