Careers

Who We Are

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to strengthening disaster response by rescuing and training dogs to serve in disaster search operations. Since 1996, our mission has paired compassion with action – providing professionally trained canines and ongoing support at no cost to fire departments and task forces nationwide to ensure communities have access to dependable, highly-skilled canine disaster search teams when disaster strikes. For dogs who do not complete disaster search training, we remain committed to their success by placing them in alternative careers or adoptive homes where they can thrive. Once rescued, these dogs will never need to be rescued again—our mission is to guide each one toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Today, over 100 SDF-trained canine disaster search teams stand ready across North America, bringing hope where it’s needed most.

Our mission is supported by a passionate team committed to excellence, innovation, and compassion for both people and animals. As we continue to grow, SDF is seeking a mission-driven, rising finance leader to help guide the organization’s future.

So, if you are talented, compassionate, motivated to make a difference, and eager to join a team of like-minded individuals, we want to talk to you!

 

What You’ll Do

As Director of Finance, you will play a pivotal role in capturing, processing, and reporting financial data, collaborating with the CEO, Finance Committee, Board of Directors, and staff to oversee and contribute to financial operations and strategies. You will develop financial plans that support SDF’s mission and goals, ensure efficient financial management, prepare budgets and forecasts, identify fiscal challenges and opportunities, conduct risk assessments, monitor investment performance, and prepare financial reports.

 

Core Responsibilities

• Financial Planning, Reporting, and Analysis
  • Develop and implement strategies to support organizational financial goals
  • Prepare financial reports, statements, and recommendations
  • Collaborate with the CEO on long-term financial planning
• Accounts Payable/Receivable and Bookkeeping
  • Manage all financial transactions via QuickBooks
  • Process bills, payments, credit card receipts, and merchandise orders
  • Collect and enter W-9s
• Budgeting, Forecasting, and Monitoring
  • Lead annual budget process and monthly budget meetings
  • Monitor budget variances and expense management
• Banking, Reconciliations, and Auditing
  • Serve as the point of contact for banking and investment activities
  • Oversee cash flow, reconciliations, and annual audit
• Investment and Risk Management
  • Identify and mitigate financial risks
  • Liaise with investment firms and manage investment performance
• Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations
  • Complete sales tax documentation, CFC applications, and state registrations
  • Manage annual 990-tax return and property tax forms
• Asset Management
  • Track and manage fixed assets and depreciation schedules
• Finance Committee Liaison
  • Coordinate and participate in Finance Committee meetings
  • Prepare financial documents and meeting minutes
• Internal Reporting and Collaboration
  • Collaborate with teams to produce specialized reports
  • Work with volunteers to maintain inventory accuracy
  • Provide staff reports and financial information as requested
• Other Duties
  • Train backup personnel
  • Represent SDF at events and public gatherings
  • Perform other administrative functions as assigned

 

Who You Are

We’re seeking a skilled finance professional who is excited to bring your expertise to a mission-driven organization. You will:

• Embrace and promote SDF’s values: collaboration, innovation, compassion, grit, and integrity.
• Create and nurture a professional, respectful, and constructive work environment.
• Demonstrate sound judgement, ethical behavior, and accountability.
• Communicate clearly and encourage open, collaborative communication.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
• Seek opportunities to positively impact organizational culture.

 

Qualifications & Experience

 

Required:

• At least 7 years of progressive financial experience, ideally with exposure to financial management or leadership.
• Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with GAAP, nonprofit compliance standards, and IRS regulations (e.g., Form 990).
• Proficiency with QuickBooks and financial software.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to SDF’s mission and values.

 

Preferred:

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA) or advanced certification (CPA, CFA, or CMA).
• Experience in nonprofit financial management, accounting, and reporting, especially with fund accounting, grant compliance and reporting, and audit and budget preparation.
• Familiarity with CRMs, including Salesforce.
• Background in investment oversight and endowment management.

 

Core Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• High integrity and accountability in all financial operations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership, board committees, and cross-functional teams.
• Skilled at presenting complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

 

Where You’ll Work

 

This full‑time role is based at SDF’s National Training Center in Santa Paula, California, with hybrid flexibility (onsite three days/week, remote up to two days/week).

 

Compensation & Benefits

SDF offers competitive, experience‑based hourly compensation, commensurate with experience and demonstrated skill. Full‑time employees are eligible for our benefits package, which includes employer‑supported medical coverage with multiple plan options, a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution match, flexible spending account, paid time off and paid holidays, long‑term disability and life insurance, an employee assistance program, and access to additional programs and discounts. Specific eligibility timelines and details are provided during onboarding and in plan documents.

 

How to Apply

If you’re ready to change lives through the power of the human‑canine bond, we’d love to hear from you. Please email your cover letter and resume to Rhett Mauck at [email protected]. Please include “Director of Finance – [Your Name]” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

Equal Opportunity

The Search Dog Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Who We Are

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to strengthening disaster response by rescuing and training dogs to serve in disaster search operations. Since 1996, our mission has paired compassion with action – providing professionally trained canines and ongoing support at no cost to fire departments and task forces nationwide to ensure communities have access to dependable, highly-skilled canine disaster search teams when disaster strikes. For dogs who do not complete disaster search training, we remain committed to their success by placing them in alternative careers or adoptive homes where they can thrive. Once rescued, these dogs will never need to be rescued again—our mission is to guide each one toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Today, over 100 SDF-trained canine disaster search teams stand ready across North America, bringing hope where it’s needed most.

Our mission is supported by a passionate team committed to excellence, innovation, and compassion for both people and animals. As we continue to grow, SDF is seeking a mission-driven, rising finance leader to help guide the organization’s future.

So, if you are talented, compassionate, motivated to make a difference, and eager to join a team of like-minded individuals, we want to talk to you!

 

What You’ll Do

This is a highly hands-on role designed for experienced working dog professionals who are passionate about foundational development and operational readiness.

 

At the heart of our training philosophy is the belief that strong, dependable partnerships with high-drive dogs are built on play, trust, and mutual respect. We emphasize joyful, authentic interactions that foster true collaboration—resulting in reliable performance not only in disaster search but across all facets of human-canine interaction. This approach deepens the connection between dog and handler and supports a healthy, sustainable path to shared success.

 

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and reinforce essential behaviors including:
  • Crate manners
  • Leash walking
  • Emotional regulation
  • Play and engagement
• Build and refine occupational foundations such as:
  • Motivation and drive
  • Agility and confidence
  • Specialized on- and off-leash behaviors critical for working dog performance
• Execute individualized training plans with precision, adapting criteria based on close behavioral observation.
• Maintain clear, detailed documentation of training progress and behavioral trends.
• Take full ownership of your dogs’ development, ensuring consistency, accountability, and high standards in every session.
• Collaborate with a mission-driven team dedicated to producing reliable, resilient canine partners.
• Contribute to a positive, evidence-informed training culture that values:
  • Joyful, authentic handler-dog interaction
  • Operational dependability
  • Continuous learning and professional growth
• Align daily work with the life-saving mission of preparing dogs for real-world deployment in search and rescue.

 

Who You Are

We’re seeking a skilled canine professional who is motivated by purpose and eager to be part of a life-saving mission to join our team.

 

Key Responsibilities & Qualifications

• At least 6 years of professional experience working with dogs, ideally high-drive dogs.
• Deep understanding of canine communication and behavior shaping through play and toy reward mechanics.
• Ability to work compassionately and effectively with dogs of varying health and temperament backgrounds.
• Strong growth mindset: curious, coachable, receptive to feedback, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Thrive in an outdoor, all-weather, fast-paced environment.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and accountable in daily operations.

 

Physical & Demonstrative Requirements

• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds and handling large, energetic dogs.
• Comfortable navigating unstable surfaces (e.g., concrete, wood rubble piles).
• Willing to act as a mock “victim” during training scenarios, including hiding in props to support canine search and alert training.

 

Work Environment & Culture

• Based at SDF’s National Training Center in Santa Paula, CA.
• Work rhythm follows the needs of the dogs and training plans.
• Training occurs in all conditions, with a focus on safety, thoughtful progression, and high standards.
• Team culture values:
  • Initiative and proactive problem-solving.
  • Clear communication and collaboration.
  • The discipline of foundational work repeated with excellence.
  • A shared commitment to the mission of saving lives through the power of rescue.

 

Where You’ll Work

This full-time, onsite role is based at SDF’s National Training Center in Santa Paula, California.

 

Compensation & Benefits

SDF offers competitive, experience‑based hourly compensation, commensurate with experience and demonstrated skill. Full‑time employees are eligible for our benefits package, which includes employer‑supported medical coverage with multiple plan options, a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution match, flexible spending account, paid time off and paid holidays, long‑term disability and life insurance, an employee assistance program, and access to additional programs and discounts. Specific eligibility timelines and details are provided during onboarding and in plan documents.

 

How to Apply

If you’re ready to change lives through the power of the human‑canine bond, we’d love to hear from you. Please email your cover letter and resume to Tracy Darling at [email protected]. Please include “Canine Trainer – [Your Name]” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

 

Equal Opportunity

The Search Dog Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is seeking a detail-oriented individual with strong organizational and communication skills to join our team as a Kennel Maintenance Technician. This essential role ensures the cleanliness, safety and sanitization of the kennel environment, directly supporting the highest standards of care and well-being for our canines.

SDF’s mission is to strengthen emergency response in America by training rescued and recruited dogs and first responders to assist in the aftermath of disasters. If you are:

• Eager to meticulously care for our kennel facilities;
• Willing to work weekends and holidays as assigned;
• Enjoy labor-intensive hard work;
• Want to join a dynamic team making a large impact on human and animal kind, and;
• Able to work independently, as well as with a team of dedicated professionals, this may be the fit for you!

Please review the fine print below and instructions for next steps to apply. This is a full-time, onsite position based in Santa Paula, CA.

 

ROLE OVERVIEW

Kennel Maintenance Technicians play a vital role in ensuring the cleanliness, safety, and overall presentation of our Canine Pavilion facility. Under the supervision of the Kennel Manager, they are responsible for the cleaning, maintenance, and sanitation of dog kennels and adjacent areas, as well as support operations with general maintenance responsibilities. While this position does not involve direct dog handling, the role is essential to maintaining a healthy and secure environment for both dogs and staff. The primary areas of responsibility include:

• Daily cleaning and sanitization of kennel runs,
• Cleaning and maintenance of play yards, food prep area, and other surrounding walkways and areas of the facility;
• Disposal of animal waste and cleaning materials;
• Operating and maintaining cleaning equipment, including pressure washers, sprayers and scrubbers;
• Preparing dog meals, frozen Kongs, and cutting treats, for administration by our Canine Operations team;
• Contributing to operational needs and the overall upkeep of the facility, including laundry duties, washing dishes, general surface cleaning, minor repairs, reporting of maintenance issues, and washing/detailing vehicles;
• Working collaboratively with volunteers to complete necessary tasks;
• Supporting the Canine Operations team by assisting with additional tasks such as data collection, accurate record keeping, and other ancillary duties.
• Follow all sanitization and safety protocols to ensure a safe and healthy environment for staff and dogs.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

SDF’s Kennel Maintenance Technician position requires a high level of physical and mental fitness in a labor-intensive, primarily outdoor working environment. Physical exertion is required, including but not limited to the following:

• The ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.)
• The ability to walk on wet, slippery surfaces
• The ability to perform labor intensive work, primarily outdoors, in all types of weather conditions

 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Passion for working with people and comfortable working in close proximity to dogs
• Takes pride in maintaining a clean and organized environment, and committed to upholding high standards of sanitization and safety
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, pay attention to details and demonstrate flexibility
• Highly collaborative individual
• A cooperative, team-oriented attitude and demonstrated ability to be a team player
• Open mindedness and willingness to learn
• Flexibility and willingness to work weekends and holidays as assigned
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Exemplary customer service skills
• Basic technical skills
• A high level of physical fitness

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 SDF’s Canine Kennel Manager at [email protected] to be considered. We are seeking full-time employees with a flexible schedule and available to work weekends. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we look forward to reviewing applications from all who are qualified to apply.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.

Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

The Search Dog Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer looking to build a diverse team. Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, political beliefs, military service or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

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.