Senior Manager, Service Dog Programs | Accepting Applications

OVERVIEW

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 Senior Manager, you’ll embody PADS’ core values, including a commitment to compassion, transparency, and the ethical treatment of dogs.  

ABOUT OUR TRAINING PHILOSOPHY  

PADS’ training philosophy is relationship–centered, and based on current, evidence-based training methods and follows a Least Invasive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach. We follow the 5 Domains Model of Animal Welfare, encompassing Nutrition, Environment, Health, Behaviour and Mental State, to ensure the well-being of the animals in our care. 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Senior Manager, Service Dog Programs works under the supervision of the Director, Programs to oversee the operations of the Service Dog Program and develop strategies for departmental efficiencies and growth.  

The Senior Manager, Service Dog Programs is responsible for ensuring staff are supported such that quality dogs are efficiently produced and matched with clients. This position develops dog training protocols and supervises apprentices as they move through the stages of apprenticeship and into Instructorship. They ensure qualified dogs are placed with clients and clients are supported throughout the placement. The Senior Manager, Service Dog Programs reviews dog Release Requests and determines suitability for service work as well as monitors the welfare of the dogs in the Service Dog Program. They are also responsible for keeping accurate records in Salesforce to maintain ADI compliance and facilitate access to information across departments.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

HR and Staffing Duties

• Maintain adequate staffing and supervision for organized departmental operations. Hire and train as necessary. 
• Ensure all training staff have access to the knowledge, skills and supplies needed to successfully train dogs 
• Facilitate establishing priorities and setting employee’s personal performance and development goals  
• Motivate and offer productive feedback to employees. Maintain regular Performance review cycle and recommend salary adjustments. 
• Supervise, train and evaluate employees in the apprentice/instructor training program and Kennel Coordinator. Ensure staff learn and follow PADS training curriculum and procedures and safety standards while working with service dogs and other campus animals. Work cooperatively and support team members. 
• Ensure that apprentice instructors receive proper instruction in PADS approved and standardized training techniques to meet the requirements for advancement through apprenticeship to full Instructorship. 
• Oversee field trip plans for training staff

Canine Training and Management Duties

• Through daily direct observation, ensure that dogs in training make adequate progress and meet organizational standards for appropriate assistance dogs. 
• Supervise the care and welfare of dogs in Service Dog Program, including ensuring sitting arrangements are made when necessary 
• Review and adjudicate Release Requests for dogs in Service Dog Program and provide instruction on written release documentation and adoption recommendations 
• Ensure accurate Salesforce records for all dogs in Service Dog Program 
• Allocate dogs to Trainers to ensure balanced strings. Manage string sizes as necessary 
• Facilitate Client-Dog matching. Coordinate selection of candidates invited to Team Training based on evaluations of temperament and skill level of dogs in training

Administrative/Other Duties

• Develop and maintain a semester system to ensure efficient flow of quality dogs through Service Dog Program 
• Oversee, develop, and monitor policies and procedures to ensure adherence to ADI standards, accreditation, and apprenticeship programs 
• Document and standardize PADS apprenticeship program 
• Develop annual team operational plan & budget aligned with PADS strategic plan and resources 
• Schedule and staff Team Training courses on a regular cycle that meets organizational needs 
• Collaborate with Puppy Program to align training methodology and terminology 
• Develop learning resources and policies for the department 
• Coordinate with Sr Manager, Puppy Program to ensure presenters are scheduled for Programs Training Thursdays 
• Work with other departments to improve implemented systems, streamline workflow, and build organizational growth strategies 
• Coordinate and lead regular training staff meetings 
• Represent PADS professionally at events and conferences 
• Maintain positive relationships with individuals, community groups, government representatives, volunteers, and organizations 
• Adhere to safety policies and report incidents promptly 
• Ensure adequate maintenance of training equipment. 

Other duties to ensure the overall health and success of the organization. 

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Demonstrated leadership and experience managing staff 
• Experience with Salesforce is considered an asset  
• Organized, professional, a good communicator (verbal and written), a lifelong learner, and receptive to changing processes for organizational growth. 
• Effective time management and able to balance competing priorities. 
• Creative approach to problem solving and strategy 
• Solid record of having engaged in positive, productive working relationships. High level of earned trust, appropriate confidentiality and sound judgment in conduct and interactions 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Certified Instructor by an ADI member organization, or equivalent combination of education and experience 
• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant area of study preferred 
• Management courses considered an asset 
• Clear and receptive verbal and written communication style while conversing with PADS staff, volunteers, and the public at large 
• Understanding of dog behaviour and husbandry 
• Valid BC Driver’s License, at a minimum level of Class 5 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule when and if required 
• Ability to give thoughtful and productive feedback while supporting staff 
• Understanding of resource management in creating departmental strategy 
• Ability to travel between PADS locations and to ADI events 

WORKING CONDITIONS & COMPENSATION

Physical Effort

• This job position involves some physical tasks 

Physical Environment

• This is a hybrid position that requires the ability to work at the PADS campus and work remotely.  
• This position shares work space and equipment with other employees and volunteers at PADS’ facilities and other training locations.  
• There is interaction and physical contact, with puppies and dogs in training for certification–as assistance dogs. There is contact with certified dogs and clients. 

Sensory Attention

• Use of laptops and screens is required 
• There are frequent interactions and physical contact with dogs in various stages of training and placement  

Location: Burnaby, BC or Calgary, AB. Travel to all PADS locations is required. 
Employment Type: Full-time 
Work Arrangement:  Based at our Calgary 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: $80,000-$85,000 annually as a starting salary based on a 37.5-hour work week. A benefits package is available after the 3-month probation period.

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. 

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.