Manager Canine Wellness Operations - Santa Rosa, CA

Why join our team?

As a Canine Companions employee, you’ll enjoy knowing that every day you make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.  You’ll give independence and give a dog a job! 

Canine Companions' dedication to our mission is only equaled to our dedication to our employees.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefit program including employer-paid medical, dental and vision for staff
• 14 paid holidays, including an Inclusion Holiday
• 17 paid days off during your first year (Paid time off, PTO), including hours to serve your community
• Employer matched 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program/Wellness Programs
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee dedicated to ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by setting actionable goals and evaluating progress

 

“I am so thankful and proud to work for an organization that not only cares about the people it serves, but also for the people it hires to provide the services.” 

-Senior Fundraising Team Member  

About the Position

This position is responsible for kennel operations including husbandry, dog handling, socialization, enrichment and standardized procedures.  Collaboration and support to kennel supervisors and training managers on staff onboarding, metrics and retention. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned as needed:

• Implement cooperative care/low stress handling; including training process and delivery to kennel and other appropriate program staff.
• Work with veterinary staff to implement health standards for dogs in kennels, including preventative care, care of dogs with illness, injury or post-surgery, protocols for disease outbreaks and threats from natural disasters/weather.
• Create and oversee timeline for completions of required health clearances in all regions for dogs in professional training. 
• Create and implement enrichment and socialization standards.
• Communicate and train kennel staff on disinfection and cleaning standards ensuring that each region is compliant.
• Develop dog handling training for onboarding of new kennel staff.
• Develop standards of onboarding for new kennel staff that is consistent nationally and meets unique regional variations.
• Visit each region to identify operational challenges or specific needs to provide solutions and best practices.
• Collaborates with training manager to hire new kennel supervisors; lead the onboarding process as it pertains to kennel operations.
• Establish appropriate meetings with kennel supervisors to discuss operational programs, initiatives, challenges.
• Provide performance feedback to training managers on interactions with kennel supervisors.
• Build training programs for kennel staff that will result in career development and opportunities for growth.
• Build and implement recognition program for kennel staff.
• Liaison between veterinary staff and training managers to ensure communication of new programs and changes to protocol are disseminated for optimal collaboration.
• Participate in the operational budget process for each region as it relates to kennel and veterinary expenses.
• Develop operational metrics dashboard, track, and report out.
• Responsible for kennel operations manual; development, implementation, changes; train each region on content.
• Collaborate with regional volunteer coordinators to design and implement volunteer programs to support kennel operations.

 

EXPECTATIONS:

To be successful in this position:

MUST HAVES:

• Ability to perform several tasks concurrently, time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to influence and work cross functionally with positive results.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to organize and maintain detailed records; complete necessary paperwork and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with dog training and behavior, and animal health.
• Disability awareness and sensitivity.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.

NICE TO HAVES:

• Proficiency in canine handling, training, behavior and/or dog health care experience typically gained by 3-5 years of experience in a veterinary, kennel or training position.
• Program/protocol development and project management experience preferred.
• RVT certification a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• General office working conditions apply.  The employee will work indoors and outdoors performing development management, training and administrative duties.  

 
SCHEDULE: Full Time. Frequent weekend and/or evening work is required. Travel is required. (Estimate 20% travel.)

 

PAY: $67,000 - $70,000 per year

 

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process.

 

The base salary range above represents the low and high of the range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of total compensation package for employees.

 

Pursuant to local Fair Chance Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.