Senior Manager, Instruction and Training

The Seeing Eye Inc • Full-time • Morristown, New Jersey, United States • $110k - $125k / year • 4h ago

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

This position manages an assigned team of instructors who are training their dogs to a qualified level. This position works with admissions, research applicants and retraining files, and coordinates a class of students best suited to the available group of qualified dogs. This position manages their assigned instructor team as the team teaches a class of students to be safe and effective handlers with their new guides.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assesses dogs’ progress in training through daily observation and administration of blindfold tests to determine suitability for guide work and to disqualify those dogs that do not meet our training standards
Supervises and assists their team of instructors with the evaluation of their students and subsequent matching with dogs to ensure that the best partnership is made
Responds to graduate inquiries to assist them in troubleshooting work-related behavioral and health issues to support safe and healthy partnerships
Mentors and assists instructors with dog training and student instruction to broaden their handling and teaching skills
Provides periodic performance evaluations for the assigned team of instructors to provide ongoing feedback for improved performance
Works with holdover dogs to maintain their level of qualified guide work
Discusses graduate eligibility from home training for the purpose of selecting the appropriate match
Travels by air and ground transport throughout North America for the purpose of supporting graduates to achieve continued success with their dogs and assessing applicants in their home communities to determine suitability for training with a Seeing Eye dog
Conducts traffic sessions #3 and #4 and assesses each dog’s response to traffic checks
Participates in emergency after-hours phone coverage to provide round-the-clock support for our graduates (this may include up to 50% of the month)
Performs other duties as required by the Director of Training to further the mission of The Seeing Eye

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree from a College or University or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Must have completed The Seeing Eye’s 3-year apprenticeship program or an equivalent program at another qualified dog guide school plus 10 years of experience as a qualified instructor

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed
Ability to supervise a team of instructors while serving as a contributing member of the management team
Must be able to articulate lessons clearly and enjoy teaching
Ability to offer guidance and suggestions in a way that is well-received by instructors of all experience and ability levels
Must be able to qualify for a passport
Must maintain a professional appearance
Must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and the ability to drive safely in all weather conditions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be comfortable working with dogs/ being in their general vicinity
Ability to work in a space where animal dandruff is present
Maintain awareness of surroundings (i.e., leashes, toys, crates)
Ability to perform a combination of sedentary and active work, with significant time spent walking (8-12 miles daily)
Must be capable of walking at all pace ranges of TSE dogs, graduates and applicants on hills as well as level terrain. Pace can vary from 2 mph to 4 mph (sometimes faster). Pace must be sustained for long distances.
Must be capable of handling or providing a pull. Pull ranges from light to hard (less than 2.5 lbs. to 10 lbs.). Pull is provided by the instructor and maintained for the equivalent of several long city blocks while walking at the pace level described above.
Frequent handling and interaction with dogs of various sizes, temperaments, and energy levels
Ability to manage and control dogs on leash independently, including those that may pull or require firm physical handling
Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and rapid movement while training dogs and supporting student mobility instruction
Ability to lift, carry, and transport materials and equipment (generally 40-50 pounds)
Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
Ability to maintain situational awareness in complex, real-world environments (e.g., traffic patterns, pedestrian activity, obstacles and public settings)
Ability to provide hands-on instructional support, including walking alongside students, and demonstrating techniques in real-time