Job Description

Can Do Canines transforms people’s lives by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. The dogs are provided to the client at no charge. The organization is supported primarily by donations from individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations.

The Can Do Canines Whelping and Growth (WAG) Center is the heart of our breeding program, providing a serene environment where future service dogs take their first steps toward changing lives.

As a Nursery Attendant, your hands-on care and constant monitoring ensure every puppy is safe, healthy, and socialized from day one. By managing the vital needs of both mothers and newborns, you provide the essential foundation these dogs need to eventually become life-transforming partners.

Overview

Job Title: Canine Nursery Attendant

Job Summary: Provide care to mothers and puppies in the puppy center in New Germany, MN.

Classification: Hourly/Non-Exempt

Salary: $16-19/hour, depending on experience

Hours Required: Part time, 20-30 hours per week. Shifts will mainly be a few weekday evening hours 5-10pm shift, 1 weekend shift, and overnight hours as needed.

Relationships

Reports to: Breeding Program Coordinator

Positions Supervised: Frequent supervision of volunteers

Frequent Interactions With: Director of Training and Canine Nursery Attendants

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for sanitation and cleaning of the puppy center.*
• Manage individual whelps, labor and delivery, as assigned.*
• Ensure the safety and well-being of dogs, including but not limited to: reporting all health issues immediately to the Breeding Program Coordinator, maintaining safe living conditions for all puppies and dogs, and providing canine enrichment.*
• Thoroughly complete nursery dog records.*
• Train and supervise volunteers.*
• Assist with entry and exit procedures for dogs and puppies.
• Transport dogs/puppies, or coordinate the transport of dogs/puppies, to appointments as needed.
• Assist with all other necessary daily operation tasks as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

*Denotes essential functions of this position

Required Qualifications

Experience:

• Must possess knowledge of canine behavior and husbandry skills.
• Must be comfortable working in a quarantined, biosecure facility.
• Must have strong attention to detail and strong communication skills. The ability to work independently and proactively is required.
• Must be flexible to changes in daily routines and schedules including the ability to work overnight or early morning shifts when needed.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Experience whelping litters of puppies and/or experience in the veterinary field.

Expected Working Conditions

1. Exposure to dog and cat dander - Daily

2. Exposure to dog and cat feces - Daily

3. Work directly with dogs - Daily

4. Exposure to cleaning chemicals - Daily

5. Use cleaning tools: mops, brooms, floor “Zamboni”, floor buffer, vacuum cleaner, etc. - Daily

6. Work outdoors - Daily

7. Work in public environment, sometimes in retail - Never

8. Work in prison environment - Never

9. Work in office environment - Frequently

10. Perform work using a computer - Frequently

11. Heavy lifting, up to 30 pounds - Frequently

12. Heavy lifting, 30 pounds or more - Regularly

13. Stoop, crawl, kneel, rise from a prone or kneeling position - Daily

14. Sit for long periods of time - Frequently

15. Stand for long periods of time - Frequently

16. Work in small or cramped spaces - Frequently

17. Perform work using a telephone - Regularly

18. Work with clients - Never

19. Work with parties external to the organization - Rarely

20. Work with volunteers - Daily

21. Drive organizational vehicles - Frequently

22. Handle checks, cash, credit card transactions - Never

23. Public Speaking - Never

Working Conditions Guidelines

Daily = Daily

Frequently = Weekly

Regularly = Monthly

Occasionally = Quarterly to Bi-Annually

Rarely = Annually

Never = Never

Can Do Canines is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, disability, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Can Do Canines is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals in all aspects of employment, including the application process. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact hr@candocanines.org.

Pay: $16.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Experience:

• Dog handling: 1 year (Required)
• Veterinary or whelping: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Night Shift (Required)
• Overnight Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Part time, Work at office, Immediate start, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Weekend work, Day shift, Afternoon shift, Early shift, Weekday work

Similar Jobs