Dog Musher

Job Description

Responsible for the direct care and management of 18-36 dogs. Provides safe and informative dog sled rides and presents numerous 20 to 30 minute presentations on dog sledding to guests on a daily basis. In all tasks, position is responsible for adhering to the company’s policy regarding the treatment of its animals.

MAIN JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
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
Monitors the safety of our guests and dogs at all times
Immediately reports any dog health issues to management
Provides general dog care to include, but not limited to, the following: feeding, watering, and brushing dogs, as well as, scooping poop
Performs chores before, during, and after tours to include, but not limited to, the following: cleaning bathrooms, emptying trash cans, filling potholes, stocking the refreshment area, chopping wood, and washing carts & vans
Safely provides our guests with a one-mile sled ride while presenting them with quality, accurate information about self, dog team, and dog mushing
Assists guests into getting into and out of all vehicles
Presents guests with quality, accurate information while giving 20-30 minute presentations to guests during the kennel talk portion of the tour
Responsible for preparing sled for guests, taking pictures of guests on the sled, and later introducing guests to the team
Safely hooks up the dogs while taking care to pair dogs that won’t fight or breed
At the end of the day, responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: unhooking dogs, returning dogs to their houses, hanging up all the harnesses and gang-lines, and rinsing off the equipment
Inspects dog houses & tethers and replaces any damaged equipment

ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 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 knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to safely run a team of 16 dogs
Possess a working knowledge of sled dog information
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
Prior winter experience working in a mushing kennel
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.