Location: Perth, Western Australia (Australia)
Job Type: Full time
Deadline: May 14, 2026
Job Description
Phone: +61 8 6222 4905
Email: susan.king@guidedogswa.com.au
Turn potential into purpose—train the dogs that change lives.
As a Guide Dog Trainer with Guide Dogs WA, you'll be at the heart of our mission: ensuring a consistent supply of exceptional Guide Dogs trained to the highest standards of welfare, safety and performance.
This is an active, hands‐on role where no two days are the same—expect plenty of walking, bending and responding to the unique developmental needs of young dogs as they grow into trusted partners for people with vision impairment.
Just as vital as your technical expertise is your ability to connect with people. You'll work closely with our passionate volunteers, bringing empathy, compassion and genuine care to every interaction, and helping foster the supportive community that underpins our success.
A little about us:
EverAbility Group have a long and proud history of providing services for people with disability across Western Australia and Tasmania. We are a purpose‐driven organisation championing independence, inclusion and empowerment for people with low or no vision, disability and developmental needs across Western Australia and Tasmania.
EverAbility Group's nearly 200 staff and over 500 volunteers support a growing group of diverse services which includes:
* VisAbility – our specialised service supporting people with low or no vision.
* Guide Dogs WA and Guide Dogs Tasmania – our iconic service raising and training life changing assistance dogs.
* Kites Children's Therapy – our early intervention support, advice and solutions service transforming the lives of children and their families living with disability or developmental challenges.
Key responsibilities include:
This role is physical with frequent walking, bending, and dealing with the needs of a young dog. Duties include:
* Assess dogs for suitability to continue with Guide Dog training.
* Test dogs' responses to environmental stimuli and monitor social behaviour which includes personal home assessments.
* Review individual characteristics of dogs to determine appropriate training methodology and design an efficient and measurable training plan to ensure supply within desired time and quality.
* Highlight all health issues and promptly refer for review, assisting with the management and implementation of veterinary treatment plans.
* Apply training standards for Guide Dog training as per IGDF and organisational standards.
* Collaborate closely with the Puppy Development team, providing technical support as required.
* Effectively liaise with volunteers to build positive relationships and assist with recruitment and training.
* Maintain accurate and current documentation including formal temperament assessments for dogs under responsibility.
* Participate as required in Fundraising and Public Relations events.
* Act as an ambassador for Guide dogs, promoting good public image and supporting EverAbility's strategic direction.
Essential Skills and Attributes:
* Guide Dog Trainer qualifications from a recognised IGDF organisation.
* Demonstrated experience in dog handling, effective leadership and control over dogs.
* Ability to relate to dogs of all ages and at various levels of training.
* Skills in problem analysis and the ability to recognise changes in dog behaviour.
* Ability to maintain good voice control.
* Demonstrated ability to undertake a methodical approach to your work through to completion, while maintaining flexibility and adaptability to varying workloads.
* High level of initiative, while still being able to work under direction.
* Superior planning and organising skills.
* Ability to work well within a team, as well as independently.
* A high level of interpersonal skills and an ability to show empathy when interacting with volunteers.
* Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in use of Microsoft Office programs.
Desirable:
* Previous experience in a teaching role.
* Up‐to‐date knowledge of Guide Dog Mobility theory and practices, and knowledge of community resources relevant to people with vision impairment.
* Effective public presentation skills.
* Broad base of experience in one or more IGDF accredited organisations.
Required Compliance Documents:
* National Police Clearance
* NDIS Worker Screening Check
* Guide Dog Trainer Qualifications from a recognised IGDF organisation
* Valid Driver's Licence
Benefits:
* Up to 3 days additional paid leave during year‐end holiday season!
* Salary packaging, an opportunity to increase your take‐home pay!
* 17.5% annual leave loading, where applicable
* Free parking and easy public transport access
* Stay active with free on‐site gym facilities.
* Thrive in a culture that values flexibility and supports work–life balance
* Ongoing professional development and training
* Employee Assistance Program
How to Apply
How to apply?
Apply now and be part of something life changing.
Apply at Jobs At Guide Dogs WA and let's chat about what life at EverAbility Group could look like for you.
Applications close at 4:00 PM on Thursday, 14 May 2026. (We may interview early, so please apply as soon as you can.)
For further information contact Susan King Program Manager‐Dog Services at susan.king@guidedogswa.com.au or Emily Gomboc, Team Leader at emily.gomboc@guidedogswa.com.au
We encourage people with disability and of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background to apply. Everyone is welcome, as we are an inclusive and diverse workplace.
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