Careers

CANINE BEHAVIOR AND TRAINING TEAM 

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is seeking dynamic team players with a detail-oriented focus, self-initiation, and a passion for working with creative people and canines to join our Canine Behavior and Training Team. Individuals should fully embrace SDF’s mission and be able to work independently, as well as with our entire team. This is a full-time onsite position based in Santa Paula, CA and we seek to build a diverse team.

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) recruits high-drive dogs from shelters and rescues, channels that drive through training and enrichment, and finds each dog a successful working career or family home. Our Lifetime Care Credo that once rescued, a dog that enters our program will never need to be rescued again is at the heart of our program.

SDF is looking for experienced canine professionals that share our team’s passion for working with high-drive dogs and that want to join us in celebration of the human-canine bond. SDF’s Canine Behavior and Training Team, including our Canine Kennel Technicians, Canine Training Assistants, and Canine Trainers, work together each day to achieve the goals for all canines in our program.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The primary role of our Canine Behavior and Training Team members (Canine Training Assistants and Canine Trainers), is to positively contribute to the forward advancement of the care and training progress of the dogs in our program. Specific duties are assigned based upon the skill and experience of the individual team member and may include the following:

• Meet all the basic care and medical needs of our dogs (daily feeding, grooming, administering medications, etc.) and execute our comprehensive canine athletic conditioning program.
• Implementation of canine training plans to include basic to advanced level training of skills in a variety of areas.
• Assist in the behavioral and performance screening of dogs.
• Digital data collection/recordkeeping of all activities related to our dogs.
• Provide support and mentorship to Canine Operations Team members and canine handlers.
• Work courteously and cooperatively with staff, volunteers, and handlers. Treat people and animals with respect; contribute to effective teamwork; foster public relations beneficial to SDF and its programs; promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals and treat canines humanely and with compassion at all times regardless of circumstances, including those that are sick, injured, fearful or aggressive.
• Other tasks and duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

SDF’s Canine Behavior and Training Team positions require a high level of physical and mental fitness. Physical exertion will be required, including but not limited to the following:

• The ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.).
• The ability to handle large, energetic, untrained canines in a rigorous, fast-paced environment.
• The ability to climb unstable surfaces and negotiate concrete, wood, and green waste rubble piles.
• The ability to be comfortable as a mock “victim”, buried in rubble and hidden in training props.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

We are currently recruiting for several positions and welcome applicants of all skill levels. Position and salary ranges are commensurate with the experience and skill level of the individual. We are currently looking for individuals with the following minimum requirements:

• Experience working with dogs in a professional environment.
• The ability to work in a demanding and emotionally challenging environment.
• Ability to work with dogs in all states of health, and of unknown dispositions in a safe, effective and humane manner. Ability to embrace the philosophy and science that all dogs are individuals.
• Flexibility in scheduling and workflow.
• Ability to problem-solve, innovate, and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to help fulfill the mission of SDF.
• Must have a genuine passion for the work, programs, and mission of SDF.
• Flexibility and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays if needed.
• Strong interest in life-long learning and skill development.
• A cooperative, team-oriented attitude.
• Open-mindedness and willingness to learn.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), including exemplary customer service skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

APPLICANTS

If you feel you would be a good fit for this fast-moving, dynamic team environment, we would love to hear from you! Please send your cover letter and resume electronically to the Senior Director of Canine Operations, Tracy Darling, at [email protected] to be considered for this position. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we look forward to reviewing applications from all who are qualified to apply.