Open Positions
Canine Caretaker
Job Details:
Site: Turah, MT (10 minutes outside of Missoula)
Pay: $20/hour
Type: Part-time
Weekends & holidays (required)
Around 15 hours per week
Flexibility & ability to work additional hours as needed
Position Description:
Working Dogs for Conservation is seeking a responsible and independent person to assist with dog care and facility caretaker duties. We have a 44-acre property with a training facility, fenced in yards and a kennel, just 15 minutes from downtown Missoula. The Canine Caretaker is a non-exempt position. Canine Caretaker will be expected to be comfortable working with large, excitable dogs and following detailed instructions. The Canine Caretaker is an essential part of the team, responsible for meeting the biological and social needs of our dogs as well as maintaining supplies and infrastructure in order to support the care of the dogs.
Duties include:
Supervision and care for multiple working dogs, some in the house, some in kennels, and some long-term care of working dogs and other staff dogs during field-staff deployments. This includes feeding, exercising, basic health checks, preparation of food and equipment. More than half a dozen high-energy working dogs may be present at one time and the position requires deft management of a multi-dog household (supervised interaction, crates, dog-gates, rotating dogs through exercise yards).
Reinforcing trained skills such as basic manners, coming when called, etc. Additional training activities may be assigned, dependent on dog needs and skill of Canine Caretaker.
Keeping dog kennels clean and safe (including periodic checks), fence and other infrastructure checks
Assisting training and field staff as needed
General & frequent cleaning, organizing and supply upkeep of the facility such as, but not limited to: vacuuming, mopping, laundry, cleaning kennels, house upkeep and regular poop pick up
Errands and dog outings, as assigned
Other duties, as assigned
For health and general well-being, it is asked that each dog receive at least one walk per day. The Canine Caretaker will be required to leash walk dogs, long lines are acceptable and encouraged, for the safety of both the dog and wildlife on the property. The Canine Caretaker may allow dogs to swim in non-rushing water accesses on the property if they can do so safely while still maintaining hold and control of the leash. Leashes, harnesses, and training collars will all be provided at the facility for use. Vehicle and any necessary dog equipment (e.g. crates) will be provided for any off-campus assignments.
Cleaning will be conducted on a daily basis in the form of waste pick up in dog yards, washing of food bowls, and general upkeep of the dogs’ kennels/crate/rooms.The job will involve some heavy lifting and working outside.
Qualifications:
Reliable
Detail oriented
Calm and thoughtful approach to dogs
Able to work weekends and holidays
Prior dog experience appreciated
Self-starter and independent worker YET a strong team player
Able to follow detailed instructions
Able to troubleshoot and think independently
Demonstrate follow-through and evaluation of progress
Fast learner with ability to self-assess and correct
Strong sense of initiative and able to work creatively, but with input from a variety of sources
Interest in working closely with detection dogs
Comfortable with strong boundaries and a structured environment when caring for dogs, including using a travel crate, and providing constant supervision and behavior management
Professional mannerism
Culturally sensitive to people of other gender, race, religion, nationality
Flexibility with schedule
Able to maintain a positive attitude, have good sense of humor and patience
Eagerness to be part of a small staff of dedicated people
Driver’s license in good standing and clean driving record
Physical Demands:
Lifting 50lbs waist-high is required on an occasional basis
Physical ability to complete long shifts with rest times
Position requires stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and reaching on a regular basis though these motions are not consistent and repetitive
Position includes working with dogs and in natural environments and employee may receive insect bites, scratches, bruises, blisters, thorns, and minor cuts on a regular basis
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to be able to talk, hear, grasp, maneuver a leash, and throw a ball
Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, the ability to adjust focus, and peripheral vision
To Apply:
Please send a resume to: Application@WD4C.org with “Canine Caretaker” in the subject line. Applicants should feel free to omit pay history, names of schools, and to use their initials rather than full names if preferred. Please DO NOT request informational interviews or reach out through other channels. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position will remain open until filled.
WD4C is an equal opportunity employer. Equal employment opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at Working Dogs for Conservation, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, genetic information (including family medical history), political or philosophical beliefs, economic circumstances, geography, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and procedures relating to recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, layoff, discharge, training, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.
