Kennel Maintenance Technician (Santa Paula)

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is seeking a detail-oriented individual with strong organizational and communication skills to join our team as a Kennel Maintenance Technician. This essential role ensures the cleanliness, safety and sanitization of the kennel environment, directly supporting the highest standards of care and well-being for our canines. SDF’s mission is to strengthen emergency response in America by training rescued and recruited dogs and first responders to assist in the aftermath of disasters. If you are: • Eager to meticulously care for our kennel facilities; • Willing to work weekends and holidays as assigned; • Enjoy labor-intensive hard work; • Want to join a dynamic team making a large impact on human and animal kind, and; • Able to work independently, as well as with a team of dedicated professionals, this may be the fit for you! Please review the fine print below and instructions for next steps to apply. This is a full-time, onsite position based in Santa Paula, CA. ROLE OVERVIEW Kennel Maintenance Technicians play a vital role in ensuring the cleanliness, safety, and overall presentation of our Canine Pavilion facility. Under the supervision of the Kennel Manager, they are responsible for the cleaning, maintenance, and sanitation of dog kennels and adjacent areas, as well as support operations with general maintenance responsibilities. While this position does not involve direct dog handling, the role is essential to maintaining a healthy and secure environment for both dogs and staff. The primary areas of responsibility include: • Daily cleaning and sanitization of kennel runs, • Cleaning and maintenance of play yards, food prep area, and other surrounding walkways and areas of the facility; • Disposal of animal waste and cleaning materials; • Operating and maintaining cleaning equipment, including pressure washers, sprayers and scrubbers; • Preparing dog meals, frozen Kongs, and cutting treats, for administration by our Canine Operations team; • Contributing to operational needs and the overall upkeep of the facility, including laundry duties, washing dishes, general surface cleaning, minor repairs, reporting of maintenance issues, and washing/detailing vehicles; • Working collaboratively with volunteers to complete necessary tasks; • Supporting the Canine Operations team by assisting with additional tasks such as data collection, accurate record keeping, and other ancillary duties. • Follow all sanitization and safety protocols to ensure a safe and healthy environment for staff and dogs. PHYSICAL DEMANDS SDF’s Kennel Maintenance Technician position requires a high level of physical and mental fitness in a labor intensive, primarily outdoor working environment. Physical exertion is required, including but not limited to the following: • The ability to lift heavy objects (up to 50 lbs.); • The ability to walk on wet, slippery surfaces; • The ability to perform labor intensive work, primarily outdoors, in all types of weather conditions. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS • Passion for working with people and comfortable working in close proximity to dogs • Takes pride in maintaining a clean and organized environment, and committed to upholding high standards of sanitization and safety • Ability to manage multiple priorities, pay attention to details and demonstrate flexibility • Highly collaborative individual • A cooperative, team-oriented attitude and demonstrated ability to be a team player • Open mindedness and willingness to learn • Flexibility and willingness to work weekends and holidays as assigned • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) • Exemplary customer service skills • Basic technical skills • A high level of physical fitness APPLICANTS  If you feel you would be a good fit for this fast-moving, dynamic team environment, we would love to hear from you! Please send your cover letter and resume electronically to be considered. We are seeking full-time employees with a flexible schedule and available to work weekends. We value diversity, equity and inclusion, and we look forward to reviewing applications from all who are qualified to apply. Please visit our website for additional information about SDF at www.searchdogfoundation.org. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster. Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests. The Search Dog Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer looking to build a diverse team. Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, political beliefs, military service or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.