EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Summit K9 is seeking full and part time applicants to assist in handling and caring for dogs enrolled in our Enrichment Daycare, Boarding, and Training programs. 

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Summit K9 Dog Handlers/Apprentice Trainers are responsible for caring for dogs, assisting in their training, and assisting in integrating dogs into safe and productive social groups during daycare and boarding services. Handlers are also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the facility to ensure a safe and functional space for dogs enrolled in programming.​

This position is open both to experienced dog handlers and aspiring dog trainers. This position is an excellent paid opportunity to hone your dog training skills and work hands on with other trainers to improve your craft. For motivated, self-starting candidates, this position offers significant growth opportunities, from professional trainer positions directly teaching clients and classes, to leadership roles within Summit K9. In addition to on-the-job training, motivated apprentices are encouraged to shadow our training staff outside of working hours for continued education and professional development.

The ideal candidate should have experience caring for dogs in a boarding and daycare setting and possess some base dog training and behavior knowledge and skill. However, candidates can expect professional development opportunities and on-the-job training, so candidates who demonstrate other qualities that match our values (highly motivated, friendly problem solvers with a passion for the work) but who may not have significant professional experience with dog training will be strongly considered.

Summit K9 Dog Handlers/Apprentice Trainers are responsible for handling and caring for dogs in our day, boarding, and training programs, providing light training for dogs enrolled in day programs, maintaining training work for all dogs enrolled in programs, implementing program curriculum in day and boarding programs, cleaning and maintaining the kennels and facility, communicating with clients, and collaborating with other staff to ensure the best possible quality in our programs. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated candidate to join a collaborative team of like-minded, passionate, knowledgeable dog professionals and receive endless opportunities to improve their dog training skills.

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DETAILS AND COMPENSATION:

• Full and part time positions available: 25-35 hours per week. Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Rate: $15-$18/hour dependent on experience.

• Professional development opportunities included. 

• Free and discounted access to applicable workshops, classes, and services

• Shadow opportunities available for candidates seeking further education. 
   

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Caring for dogs enrolled in training, daycare, and boarding programs, including but not limited to feeding, pottying, exercising, and providing enrichment.

• Maintaining cleaning protocols throughout the day at the Summit K9 facility.

• Handling dogs for obedience, exercise, and social sessions for dogs enrolled in our daycare, boarding, and training programs. 

• Collaborating with other staff members to plan and execute daily activities.

• Assisting trainers and senior staff in providing services and running special events.

• Light administrative tasks, such as checking dogs in for services, ensuring online bookings are accurate, ensuring services have been paid for, answering phones, responding to emails, etc.
   

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/PREREQUISITES:

• Must love working with dogs and people. Must enjoy collaborating with staff members and educating clients in addition to working with dogs. Though this position is dog training and handling focused, creating a positive, productive, and enjoyable human culture is fundamental to the position.

• The ideal candidate would have a minimum 1 year formal dog training experience and/or actively handling dogs in group settings. This is a training position and requires significant skill in shaping behavior and safely managing social groups, however, staff training will be provided.

• Must have an open mindset towards dog training methodology and tools.

• Must be a self starter, go getter type. This position offers the freedom to grow and assist in developing new programs and adapt existing ones, so the right candidate should enjoy exploring new ideas and getting creative with the existing services.

• Must be reliable and prepared to work weekends and evenings in accordance with services.

• Must possess strong creative problem solving skills. Dog training, customer relations, education, and staff management all require strong active problem solving skills. The right candidate will be prepared to tackle potential issues in a positive and productive manner. 

• Must be detail oriented. The high quality care of animals that Summit K9 adheres to requires diligence in cleaning and care protocols. 

• A strong interest or experience in dog sports or working dogs is recommended but not required.

• Ability to lift a minimum of 50lbs. Dog training and handling is a highly physically demanding job. For the safety of the dogs, clients, and other staff members, staff members must be physically fit and capable of maintaining physical control of power and giant dog breeds.

• Applicants are subject to a background check before hiring.

TO APPLY
Complete the following form and attach your resume.