Dog Trainer

A position where you make a difference every day.
- Base annual salary in the range of $75,000 - $85,000 dependent on experience
- Opportunities for ongoing training and development, and networking.

Want to join a purpose-based organisation. See Differently with the Royal Society for the Blind is seeking a highly qualified Assistance Dog Trainer to join our expanding team. With so many opportunities in the pipeline, and a supportive, inclusive culture, you are sure to thoroughly enjoy this position and the value you will create for our clients now and into the future.

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**About See Differently with the Royal Society for the Blind**

We’ve been around for a long time - 138 years in fact. Over that time, we’ve seen and learnt a lot. That makes us the most experienced and knowledgeable provider of vision services in South Australia. But our range of services is also what makes us stand apart. We’re the largest provider in South Australia, offering people who are blind or have low vision support that ranges from assistance dogs to assistive technologies.

**The opportunity**

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See Differently is looking for a
**full-time Assistance Dog Trainer** to work as part of the See Differently Guide and Assistance Dog (GADs) Team. In the past few years our program has significantly expanded and this year we marked the 50th partnership we have delivered between an assistance dog and a veteran with PTSD.

The day to day is focused on the assessment and training of Dogs to reach full potential and meet See Differently’s GADS standards in accordance with quality and production targets. We’re looking for a real team player with excellent communication skills.

**Your duties will include**:

- Teaching dogs to obey commands and undertake specific tasks - verbal and nonverbal commands.
- Assessing and training Dogs to reach full potential so they meet See Differently’s GAD standards in accordance with quality and production targets.
- Analyse temperamental characteristics of dogs and external stock as required.
- Decide specific dog-training requirements according to identified needs of clients.
- Analyse training and behavioural problems and resolve.
- Select appropriate training environments.
- Supervise the selection of suitable dogs from the puppy education program to See Differently’s Guide & Assistance Dog programs.
- Train and place Facility dogs as required.
- Participate in Animal Assisted Therapy programs as required.
- Treat minor injuries and report serious conditions to Veterinarians
- Exercise, feed and water, and play with dogs according to their individual needs.

This is a permanent full-time role. Occasional country travel and weekend and out of hours work will be required (with plenty of notice).

**What we can offer you**

We have a successful and established Guide and Assistance Dogs team. We can also offer:

- A position where you make a difference every day
- Flexible work arrangements - talk to us about your preferences
- Attractive salary (in the range of $75,000 - $85,000 dependent on experience) with the added benefit of salary packaging to increase your take home pay. (All staff have access to up to $15,900 tax free, and a further $2500 tax free for meal and entertainment purchases.)
- Opportunities for ongoing training and development, and networking
- A supportive, collaborative team environment with the opportunity to participate in staff events
- The opportunity to get out and about in the community
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program
- Options to Purchase Additional Annual Leave

**Your skills and expertise**

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We’re looking for someone with the right skills and expertise to join the team. You’ll have:

- Relevant AQF certificate IV qualification and/or:

- A minimum of 3 years experience as a Dog Trainer
- Current driver’s licence.
- Current satisfactory DHS screening and National Police Clearance or willingness to obtain.
- Have a strong commitment to work within a small and innovative school, with the capacity to contribute to the attainment of excellence in all aspects of service delivery.
- Ability to plan and organise dog training programs.
- A sound knowledge of all aspects of dog training.
- Dog training theory - basic and advanced.
- Experience training a number and variety of dogs.
- Knowledge of dog psychology.
- Sound knowledge of State & Federal Dog law.
- Display initiative and flexibility required in the planning, organising and implementation of the training program to accommodate the needs of the dog and training staff on an individual and group basis.
- Ability to problem solve.
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to plan and organise workload and work activities.

The position description is available on

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**Please submit your resume and a cover letter of no more than 2 pages explaining why you’d be perfect for the role.