Apprentice - Instruction & Training (Guide Dog Program) in Morristown, New Jersey at The Seeing Eye Inc
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Job Description
Help change lives—one team at a time.
The Seeing Eye—the world’s oldest organization devoted to breeding, raising, and training dogs to work as guides for people who are blind—is seeking an Apprentice to join our Instruction & Training team. In this hands-on, mission-driven role, you’ll support instructors and students during monthly classes, help develop dogs through each training cycle, and contribute to an organization that has been expanding independence since 1929.
Reporting to the Sr. Manager of Apprentice Training, you’ll perform essential, varied duties that keep our training program moving—supporting student instruction, assisting with dog care and development, and partnering closely with our Director of Canine Development to provide interaction and exposure for dogs not yet assigned to Training. You may also be called upon to support other areas of the organization as needed.
Career path: This role is designed as a stepping stone. Individuals hired as Apprentices are expected to progress into the Associate Instructor position as they develop the skills needed to take on greater responsibilities.
Learn more about the Instructor pathway
Before you apply, please review this short video that shares what it’s like to become a Seeing Eye Instructor: Becoming a Seeing Eye Instructor - Website Version.mp4
What you’ll do
- Support each student class by helping create real-world learning opportunities (leashed dogs, barriers, varied environments, etc.).
- Partner with the Director of Canine Development to provide interaction, exposure, and recordkeeping for dogs new to training—helping assess suitability for guide work and reduce kennel stress.
- Travel by air and ground throughout North America to pick up and deliver trained dogs.
- Support instructor teams during dog training (kennel support, basic care coordination, early traffic exposure driving, shuttling dogs, and hosting puppy raiser visits to maximize instructor training time).
- Coordinate with the Class Manager and Class Instructors to transport students to/from the Training Center for in-town work, medical appointments, and essential purchases.
- Photograph dogs and students prior to graduation to support graduate/canine records and provide photos for puppy raisers and class materials.
- Work up to two overnight shifts per class (including delivering a lecture on canine massage) to support students and instructors.
- Organize and restock supplies in the Main Building and Training Center; coordinate washing and refueling of training/class vehicles for incoming classes and rotating instructor teams.
- Transport students to the airport as needed, including under challenging circumstances, providing support through departure.
- Assess situations and write timely, accurate reports.
What you’ll bring
- Comfort interacting professionally with people who are blind or visually impaired
- Strong knowledge of dogs, dog care, and canine behavior
- Self-motivated and able to work independently while supporting a team
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; able to drive safely in all weather conditions and operate all types of company vehicles
- Ability to qualify for a passport
- Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
- College degree preferred (or equivalent professional experience considered)
- Ability to work overtime as needed, including night duty
Get to know The Seeing Eye (optional but recommended)
We recommend that candidates attend a Public Education Program at our facility in Morristown, New Jersey. Sessions are held two Thursdays and one Saturday per month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This program offers a historical look at The Seeing Eye and includes a presentation by one of our Instructors on training Seeing Eye dogs. Details are available at www.seeingeye.org under the “About Us” tab. Reservations are required.
Ready to apply? Please submit your cover letter and resume for consideration.