Join Us in Turning Rescued Dogs into Life-Saving Heroes
Who We Are:
Founded in 1996, the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to strengthening disaster response in America—and beyond—by rescuing and training dogs to serve in search and rescue operations. We provide professionally trained canines and ongoing support at no cost to fire departments and task forces, ensuring communities have access to dependable, highly skilled canine teams when disaster strikes.
Today, over 90 SDF-trained Canine Disaster Search Teams are deployed across the U.S. and Baja California. For dogs who do not complete search and rescue training, we remain committed to their success by placing them in alternative careers or sport homes where they can thrive. Once rescued, these dogs are never in need of rescue again—our mission is to guide each one toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.
At SDF, our culture is built on:
- Teamwork: We support one another and collaborate across departments to achieve shared goals.
- Innovation: We continuously refine our methods to improve outcomes for dogs and communities.
- Compassion: We meet every dog and person with empathy, patience, and respect.
- Integrity: We hold ourselves to high standards and follow through on our commitments.
- Grit: Our work is not for the faint of heart. It is fast‑paced, physically demanding, emotionally intense, and deeply rewarding.
This is more than a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. If you are:
- A skilled working dog professional,
- A nonprofit changemaker who values purpose over self,
- Driven, compassionate, and eager to make a difference,
As we expand our impact, we are seeking a passionate and experienced Canine Trainer to join our dedicated team at the National Training Center in Santa Paula, California.
So, if you are talented, driven, compassionate, motivated to make a difference, and eager to join a team of like-minded individuals, we want to talk to you!
What You’ll Do:
This is a highly hands-on role designed for experienced working dog professionals who are passionate about foundational development and operational readiness.
At the heart of our training philosophy is the belief that strong, dependable partnerships with high-drive dogs are built on play, trust, and mutual respect. We emphasize joyful, authentic interactions that foster true collaboration—resulting in reliable performance not only in disaster search but across all facets of human-canine interaction. This approach deepens the connection between dog and handler and supports a healthy, sustainable path to shared success.
Core Responsibilities
- Develop and reinforce essential behaviors including:
- Crate manners
- Leash walking
- Emotional regulation
- Play and engagement
- Build and refine occupational foundations such as:
- Motivation and drive
- Agility and confidence
- Specialized on- and off-leash behaviors critical for working dog performance
- Execute individualized training plans with precision, adapting criteria based on close behavioral observation.
- Maintain clear, detailed documentation of training progress and behavioral trends.
- Take full ownership of your dogs’ development, ensuring consistency, accountability, and high standards in every session.
- Collaborate with a mission-driven team dedicated to producing reliable, resilient canine partners.
- Contribute to a positive, evidence-informed training culture that values:
- Joyful, authentic handler-dog interaction
- Operational dependability
- Continuous learning and professional growth
- Align daily work with the life-saving mission of preparing dogs for real-world deployment in search and rescue.
Who You Are:
We’re seeking a skilled canine professional who is motivated by purpose and eager to be part of a life-saving mission to join our team.
Key Responsibilities & Qualifications
- At least 6 years of professional experience working with dogs, ideally high-drive dogs.
- Deep understanding of canine communication and behavior shaping through play and toy reward mechanics.
- Ability to work compassionately and effectively with dogs of varying health and temperament backgrounds.
- Strong growth mindset: curious, coachable, receptive to feedback, and committed to continuous improvement.
- Thrive in an outdoor, all-weather, fast-paced environment.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and accountable in daily operations.
Physical & Demonstrative Requirements
- Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds and handling large, energetic dogs.
- Comfortable navigating unstable surfaces (e.g., concrete, wood rubble piles).
- Willing to act as a mock “victim” during training scenarios, including hiding in props to support canine search and alert training.
Work Environment & Culture
- Based at SDF’s National Training Center in Santa Paula, CA.
- Work rhythm follows the needs of the dogs and training plans.
- Training occurs in all conditions, with a focus on safety, thoughtful progression, and high standards.
- Team culture values:
- Initiative and proactive problem-solving.
- Clear communication and collaboration.
- The discipline of foundational work repeated with excellence.
- A shared commitment to the mission of saving lives through the power of rescue
Where You’ll Work
This full-time, onsite role is based at SDF’s National Training Center in Santa Paula, California.
Compensation & Benefits
SDF offers competitive, experience‑based hourly compensation. For this role, the expected California pay range is $24–$45 per hour (Trainer I–IV, commensurate with experience and demonstrated skill). Full‑time employees are eligible for our benefits package, which includes employer‑supported medical coverage with multiple plan options, a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution match, flexible spending account, paid time off and paid holidays, long‑term disability and life insurance, an employee assistance program, and access to additional programs and discounts. Specific eligibility timelines and details are provided during onboarding and in plan documents.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to change lives through the power of the human‑canine bond, we’d love to hear from you. Please email your cover letter and resume tobe considered. No phone calls, please.
Equal Opportunity
The Search Dog Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Learn More
Explore our mission and programs at https://www.searchdogfoundation.org.
