Dog Handler

Job Description

Responsible, each day, for assisting in the care and management of dogs, transporting guests, and giving 20-30 minute presentations about dog mushing. In all tasks, position is responsible for adhering to the company’s policy regarding the treatment of its animals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Ensures guests experience the “E.X.C.U.R.S.I.O.N. of a lifetime” by being attentive to the needs and/or wants of the guests, answering any and all questions guests may have throughout the excursion, and notifying management of unhappy guests and/or obtaining guests’ information for management to contact them
Assists musher in the feeding, watering, scooping, and hooking up of the dogs
Monitors the safety of our guests and dogs at all times
Assists guests into getting and out of all vehicles
Immediately reports any dog health issues to the musher or management
Provides guests with quality, accurate information while giving 20-30 minute presentations to guests during the kennel talk portion of the tour
Performs chores before, during, and after tours to include but not limited to the following: scooping poop, cleaning bathrooms, emptying trash cans, filling pot holes, stocking the refreshment area, chopping wood, and washing carts & vans

ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBLITIES:
Responsible for preparing sled for guests and taking pictures of guests on the sled
Driving the wheeled sled
Others as directed by management

ALL POSITIONS IN COMPANY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING:
Adhering to all company policies
Striving to accomplish goals discussed with management during the monthly evaluations

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Must possess the desire to learn about dog mushing and dog care
Excellent communication skills that demonstrate a professional demeanor and the ability to interact with others with discretion and tact
Skilled in guest attentiveness as demonstrated by responsiveness to the needs and wants of our guests
Skilled in maintaining a positive attitude at all times even when handling difficult and/or stressful situations
Ability to memorize, recall, and present information and facts
Ability to make oral presentations that engage an audience
Ability to initiate interaction with guests
Ability to work well within diverse groups to achieve common goals
Ability to be detail-oriented and use good judgment when it comes to safety
Ability to work in a fast-paced work environment
Ability to assume and complete tasks without direction and with little supervision
Ability to physically handle strong dogs & break up dog fights when and as needed

QUALIFICATIONS:
Valid driver’s license or the ability to attain one
Ability to work irregular work schedules
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

All work is performed outside, so will be subject to possible adverse weather conditions and variations in temperature.
Will be subject to noise, to include but not limited to, constant dog barking
Will be subject to dust, odors, and contact with water and/or other liquids
Will be subject to hazardous conditions (working with different machinery, handling dogs, etc)

PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF THE JOB:
Must be able to lift and carry a 40lb bag for a distance of 200 feet
Position involves frequent (usually at least 2.5 hours a day but no more than 5.5 hours a day) standing, walking, handling objects, grasping items, & manipulating machinery and small items
Position involves occasional (usually no more than 2.5 hours a day) sitting, carrying, balancing, bending, stooping, and kneeling.
Note: The statements in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees. They are not to be understood as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required in this position. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment, and they are subject to change, with or without notice, at the discretion of the employer.