Reports to Puppy Raising Manager
OVERALL SUMMARY
The Community Field Representative (CFR) provides direct support, supervision, and guidance for puppy raising activities undertaken by youth and adult volunteers and recruits new raisers and Leaders to assist with raising Guide Dog puppies within a designated territory. The CFR works out of his or her home, visits raisers to evaluate puppies’ progress, mediates problems that arise, and actively recruits new program participants.
The CFR is also actively involved in fundraising events throughout their territories with individual clubs or with Development staff. The CFR coordinates public presentations and special events within their territories; assists in identifying and developing partnerships with local community programs that are of benefit to GDB, our constituents and the community (through education and public relations). The Field Representative will also assist in the placement and monitoring of dogs with blind youth and into homes which will further our mission and the communities where they reside.
POSITION FUNCTIONS
Puppy Raising
- Supervise volunteer staff of approximately 400 people, ensuring their understanding of and compliance with Puppy Raising Program guidelines. Relay information from other departments such as the Vet Clinic, Training, and Graduate Services. Provide ongoing volunteer recognition. Identify and recruit potential new leaders and raisers.
- Visit raisers/pups on a regular basis. Evaluate canine behavior and temperament as needed; identify and address training or behavioral challenges quickly. Boards program dogs for further evaluation when necessary. Document problems and develop a follow-up program for problem resolution.
- Conduct periodic hands-on training workshops for raisers and leaders to improve their understanding of our socialization and training standards. Implement newly approved training and behavioral protocols by educating leaders and raisers in their use.
- Coordinate veterinary care of territory puppies between raisers, leaders, local and staff veterinarians to ensure continuity and quality of care. Evaluate and manage veterinary and other crises with raisers. Provide conflict mediation and support, as necessary.
- Document raiser and puppy progress for all dogs in territory. Prepare written requests for career change, neuter, and on-campus evaluations. Prepare and submit regularly written reports on all dogs returning to formal training, monthly staff activities, expenses, and field vehicle maintenance.
Canine Community Programs (CCP)
- Participate in field events, project meetings, and other related community events to develop interest in puppy raising and the mission of Guide Dogs for the Blind. Introduce puppy raising and Guide Dogs for the Blind to local community organizations with complementary missions to ours.
- In cooperation with CCP, Development and Marketing departments, coordinate the attendance of raisers and Leaders at community relations and fundraising events.
- Evaluate potential outside dogs for their suitability as a GDB program dog, and report findings.
- Periodically do interviews and home visits with Community Placement applicants, including blind youth or adults, others with disabilities, and organizations serving those populations. As needed, provide instruction to them.
- Adhere to our organization's safety policies and procedures and encourages others to do the same. Promptly report incidents and accidents according to campus procedures.
- Participate in Guide Dogs special events and undertake other duties as needed.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- At least 5 years' experience in dog obedience or handling, knowledge of behavioral modification techniques, and the corresponding ability to read and evaluate raisers and leaders in order to give them appropriate guidance.
- Self-starter who will identify and develop programs within their community. Able to identify and recruit local individuals and resources to assist with these programs.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to handle conflict when working with families and leaders. Ability to lead others and work independently.
- Willingness to undertake road trips or air travel up to 75% of the time, and to accommodate a schedule that includes weekends, nights, and early morning meetings.
- At least two years' supervisory experience or experience leading classes and instructing others desirable.
- Able to communicate effectively via voicemail and email; to perform basic word processing, spreadsheet, and database tasks.
- Valid driver's license and a driving record that does not require risk coverage.
- Ability to withstand repetitive bouts of bending and stooping, kneeling and squatting.
- Must safely handle a variety of large breed dogs, weighing up to 90 pounds, with varying strength and manageability. Ability to safely lift up to 40 pounds. Employees are required to seek assistance when lifting dogs or objects weighing more than 40 pounds.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
POSITION SPECIFICATIONS
This full-time, exempt position works from home and covers a regional territory designed to include around 120 puppies.
This position requires the use of the employee's personal vehicle for work use, which is reimbursed per GDB policy.
Apply now! To apply by e-mail, forward a cover letter and resume to icareer@guidedogs.com. Please write "Community Field Representative - Washington" in the subject line of your e-mail.
