Assistant Kennel Manager

K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work, we are doing, we are in need of an Assistant Kennel Manager to join our amazing team!

Roles and Responsibilities 

The Assistant Kennel Manager is responsible for managing daily operations and functions of the kennel and K9 Caretaker team in accordance with the standards and procedures established by K9s For Warriors. 

 

Essential Functions and Duties 

• Hire, train, schedule, approve timecards, conduct performance reviews, and supervise all employees on the Kennel team with the support of the Kennel Manager
• Ensure all procedures, policies, and protocols, including operation of the quarantine kennels, are current with best practices and updates are distributed to appropriate staff
• Ensure accuracy and compliance with safety procedures for all aspects of the kennels, with special emphasis on animal handling and cleanliness
• Schedule, delegate, participate, and oversee completion of kennel tasks, including but not limited to daily deep cleaning, food preparation, etc.
• Be available to kennel staff after hours to provide direction and guidance for any issues or emergency situations within the kennels
• Observe, assess, and ensure all canine behavior and health concerns are handled according to K9s For Warriors policies and procedures
• Always handle canines humanely and safely, and ensure all staff and volunteers do the same
• Maintain accurate daily kennel records including but not limited to bathing lists, kennel cards, and updating the Master Kennel Locator
• Monitor medical and behavioral condition of dogs, notate concerns on the kennel cards and notify the kennel leadership team of medical or behavioral changes
• Assist with maintaining buildings and equipment, including but not limited to interior and exterior of buildings, grounds, kennel areas, yard maintenance/equipment, and report maintenance concerns
• Assist with maintaining, monitoring, ordering, and tracking inventory of all kennel supplies, and assist with dissemination of incoming products and ordering
• Lead daily department meetings regarding kennel operations
• 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 
• Provide a positive example regarding work ethic, attitude, professional ethics, knowledge of policies/procedures, interpersonal interactions, and mutual respect
• Provide exceptional, courteous, and compassionate customer service to the public, volunteers, and other staff members at all times
• Work collaboratively, and with a positive attitude, with all K9s For Warriors department teams for the care, benefit, promotion, and ultimate outcome for animals in our care

 

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks as assigned by Kennel Manager or management

Maintain good communication with kennel staff and management   
Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• 1-2 years supervisory experience required
• Kennel, rescue, or shelter experience preferred
• Valid driver’s license is required and meet standards to be added to company driving policy
• Ability to work independently with little to no supervision 
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and rotating schedule to ensure the needs of the facility are adequately met

Physical Demands

Ability to exert a moderate to extensive amount of physical effort, including stooping, crouching, twisting, turning, walking stairs, climbing, and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds individually.  Exposure to unpleasant odors or sounds.  Exposure to chemicals, loud noises, and inclement weather.   

 

Competencies  

• Initiative
• Integrity 
• Attention to Detail
• Conflict Management 
• Coaching 
• Planning and Organizing 
• Communication