Canine Nursery Attendant – P/T Job Description

Overview

Become part of the Can Do Canines pack! Can Do Canines transforms 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.

Job Summary: Provide care to mothers and puppies in our puppy center in New Germany, MN
Salary: $16-19/hour, depending on experience
Hours Required: Non-exempt, hourly, 20-30 hours per week. Shifts will mainly be a few weekday evening hours (5-10 p.m. shift), 1 weekend shift, and overnight hours as needed.
Deadline: Open until filled

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 Coordinator, maintaining safe living conditions for all puppies and dogs, and providing canine enrichment.*
• Thoroughly complete nursery paperwork and 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

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

How to Apply

Please email your COVER LETTER (required) and RESUME to [email protected].
In the subject line list: Your last name, your first name, Canine Nursery Attendant

Phone calls and video resumes will not be accepted.

Expected Working Conditions for This Position Frequency

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