Field Representative | Burnaby

OVERVIEW

The Field Representative is a client‑facing role responsible for lifetime Client-Dog team support: delivering client instruction, conducting team assessments (public access, obedience, and task performance), and ensuring ongoing compliance with Assistance Dogs International (ADI) Standards. The position is pivotal in maintaining team safety, dog welfare, and public confidence through consistent education, follow‑up, and documentation. This role covers all of PADS’s current service areas of BC, AB, YT, MB, and SK. 

The role operates with high autonomy across PADS’ service areas and uses trauma‑informed, person‑centred approaches in all client interactions. 

ABOUT US

At PADS, we foster a constructive, cooperative, and welcoming team setting.  Our commitment is to cultivate an empowering environment for our team. We value a sustainable work-life balance and believe that work should be fun! We approach challenges with a growth mindset, striving for improvement and innovation. As a Volunteer Coordinator, you’ll embody PADS’ core values, including a commitment to compassion, transparency, and the ethical treatment of dogs.  

ABOUT THE POSITION

Client Instruction, Skill Development & Team Re‑Certification  

• Conduct formal assessments (probationary and annual) of Client–Dog teams, including public access, obedience, task performance, and safe handling in real‑world settings. 
• Deliver tailored instruction to adult learners: handling mechanics, cueing/criteria, reinforcement strategies, task generalization, environmental proofing, and problem‑solving. 
• Develop collaborative action plans that address gaps in Client-Dog team performance, access readiness, and handler confidence; schedule follow‑ups to verify improvement. 
• Coach in natural environments (home, workplace, community) to ensure transfer of learning and safe public practice. 
• Apply humane, ethical handling consistent with ADI standards; recognize and respond to dog stress, fatigue, or welfare concerns, escalating to Service Dog Programs or Medical as needed. 

Documentation, Reporting & Data Quality  

• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely records of assessments, client education, action plans, and follow‑up, ensuring audit‑ready documentation. 
• Record outcomes in approved databases/CRMs; track trends and flag emerging risks to Client Care and Service Dog Programs. 
• Protect confidentiality and obtain informed consent for evaluations, data collection, and promotional materials; handle personally identifiable information in line with policy. 

Standards, Compliance & Accreditation Support  

• Operate in alignment with ADI Standards and competency expectations for instructors/field representatives/trainers; apply risk management principles for Client-Dog team and public safety during all outings and assessments. 
• Prepare documentation to support ADI re‑accreditation; contribute to internal quality assurance and continuous improvement. 
• Identify compliance gaps (process, documentation, training) and propose practical, ethical solutions. 

Stakeholder Collaboration & Public Education  

• Coordinate care with internal teams to deliver cohesive, planned and/or unplanned support 
• Engage external stakeholders to facilitate appropriate access, accommodations, and safe team function. 
• Provide public education and advocacy on appropriate interactions, access rights, and the responsibilities of service‑dog partnerships; act as a professional ambassador for PADS and the assistance‑dog industry. 

 Outreach & Community Events  

• Support outreach, dog training demonstrations, and events that build awareness of PADS’ programs and services; assist with planning, client participation, and on‑site representation. 
• Contribute to community engagement and organizational visibility. 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

The Field Representative demonstrates the competencies required of an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) Instructor / Field Representative / Trainer, integrating professional dog handling expertise, client education skills, ethical practice, and quality assurance responsibilities in support of safe, effective, and sustainable Client–Dog partnerships. 

Client Instruction & Adult Education 

• Demonstrated competence in educating and coaching adult learners, using clear, respectful, and adaptable teaching methods that reflect diverse learning styles, disabilities, communication needs, and lived experiences. 
• Ability to provide structured, goal‑oriented instruction in Assistance Dog handling, cueing, reinforcement strategies, task execution, and public access behaviour. 
• Applies person‑centred and trauma‑informed approaches, supporting client autonomy, confidence, and informed decision‑making throughout training, assessment, and follow‑up. 
• Skilled in delivering education in real‑world environments (home, workplace, and community) to support generalization, safety, and long‑term team success. 

Dog Handling, Assessment & Welfare 

• Proven competence in canine behaviour, learning theory, and applied training principles, including assessment of obedience, task performance, and public access readiness. 
• Ability to observe, interpret, and respond appropriately to canine body language, stress indicators, fatigue, and behavioural or health‑related concerns. 
• Demonstrates commitment to humane, ethical handling and the promotion of Assistance Dog welfare in accordance with ADI standards and organizational policies. 
• Understands foundational principles of canine anatomy, physiology, nutrition, care, and safety as they relate to working Assistance Dogs. 

Team Assessment, Risk Management & Public Safety 

• Competence in conducting formal Client–Dog team assessments, including probationary and annual re‑certification evaluations, in varied public and community settings. 
• Applies risk assessment and mitigation strategies to protect clients, dogs, staff, and the public during assessments, training sessions, and public access evaluations. 
• Identifies emerging risks to team safety or function and escalates concerns appropriately within the interdisciplinary team. 

Professional Practice, Ethics & Collaboration 

• Demonstrates a high standard of professional conduct, integrity, and accountability, maintaining appropriate boundaries and sound judgement in all client and stakeholder interactions. 
• Upholds confidentiality, informed consent, and ethical decision‑making in accordance with organizational policy and ADI expectations. 
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative, respectful working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders, contributing to coordinated, client‑centred service delivery. 
• Acts as a professional ambassador for PADS and the assistance dog industry, modelling respectful language, inclusive practice, and public education. 

Documentation, Data Management & Quality Assurance 

• Demonstrated competence in creating, maintaining, and reviewing accurate, timely, and detailed records related to client instruction, assessments, outcomes, and follow‑up. 
• Ability to manage documentation in a manner that is audit‑ready and supportive of ADI accreditation and re‑accreditation requirements. 
• Uses data and observations to track client progress, identify trends, and contribute to continuous quality improvement. 

Technical Skills & Work Requirements 

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable learning new software systems, including CRM/client management platforms. 
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and time‑management skills, with the ability to work independently and autonomously across a large geographic region. 
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence (or equivalent) and willingness to travel regularly to client homes, workplaces, and community locations across Western Canada. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to meet operational and client needs. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school graduation (or equivalent) is required. 
• Minimum four (4) years of demonstrated experience in canine behaviour, learning theory, assessment, handling, care, and safety, preferably within an assistance dog, service dog, or comparable applied training environment. 
• Demonstrated experience working directly with individuals with disabilities, with an understanding of inclusive, respectful, and adaptive support practices. 
• Working knowledge of adult education principles and experience supporting adult learners in skill acquisition and behaviour change. 
• Experience in the non‑profit sector and/or familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM systems is considered an asset. 

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are not a comprehensive list. It is reasonable for the employee to expect that additional tasks may be assigned from time to time. In addition, the scope of the duties and responsibilities listed here may change as necessitated by PADS changing needs. 

WORKING CONDITIONS & COMPENSATION

Physical Environment & Sensory Attention

• Frequent interactions and physical contact with dogs 
• Use of computer monitors
• Interactions with the public

Location: Burnaby, BC
Employment Type: Full-time 
Work Arrangement: Based at our Burnaby Campus in a standard office setting, hybrid work a possibility.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7.5 hours per day, with the requirement of working one evening per week, and occasional additional evenings and weekends. 

Compensation: $55,000-$65,000 annually as a starting salary based on a 37.5-hour work week. A benefits package is available after the 3-month probation period.  

BE YOU. WITH US.  

We serve communities that are greater and stronger because of their diversity. What makes YOU different is worth both celebrating and cultivating.   

PADS is committed to equality across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience. We invite you to bring your whole self to our team, helping us to change lives, one dog — and person — at a time.   

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE A GOOD FIT?

If you are a dedicated individual with a passion for helping others and a desire to grow your skills in a supportive environment, we encourage you to apply!  Submit your CV and cover letter by clicking the button below.  

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants are invited to make required accommodations known in advance.      

We thank all applicants for their interest and will contact only those applicants selected for further consideration. Please note that submissions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and therefore early submission is encouraged. The position is available immediately.