Dog Boarding Manager-In-Training

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance

Pay: $18.00-$20.00 per hour

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Union Dale, PA

Schedule: 10-hour shifts, weekends, holidays

Eva's Play Pups provides a safe, enriching, and active environment for dogs in our care. Our managers are expected to lead from within the operation: handling dogs, supporting staff, making sound decisions, maintaining standards, and helping the team succeed through demanding and fast-moving days.

The Manager-in-Training position is a developmental role designed for someone who demonstrates strong leadership potential and is interested in progressing into Assistant Manager and, ultimately, Manager responsibilities.

This is not a position where someone is expected to arrive already knowing every aspect of our operation. It is a role where the individual must demonstrate the ability to learn, lead, make decisions, accept feedback, manage stress, and develop credibility with both staff and dogs.

Progression is based on demonstrated competency and successful completion of the MIT training process.

During the MIT program, you will work alongside experienced managers and gradually take on increasing responsibility for daily operations.

• Safely managing dog play groups and recognizing canine body language and behavioral concerns
• Leading by example while remaining actively involved in daily physical work
• Creating and communicating the daily operational plan
• Delegating responsibilities based on team needs and employee capability
• Following up on delegated work and correcting incomplete or below-standard performance
• Keeping the overall operation on track while balancing competing priorities
• Making timely decisions within your authority and knowing when additional guidance is needed
• Giving employees clear, respectful, and actionable feedback
• Addressing performance concerns in the moment rather than allowing problems to continue
• Remaining calm and effective during conflict, emergencies, staffing challenges, and changes in plan
• Communicating respectfully and proactively with fellow managers
• Raising concerns directly when you disagree with a decision and supporting the agreed-upon plan once direction has been established
• Taking ownership of decisions, outcomes, and areas for improvement
• Supporting employee morale without lowering operational expectations
• Applying company policies, procedures, safety expectations, and escalation protocols consistently

• Participating in daily dog care, play groups, hikes, feeding, medication, cleaning, and kennel operations
• Reviewing behavioral and medical notes before assigning or managing dog groups
• Helping create safe and manageable play groups
• Monitoring dogs for health, behavioral, or safety concerns and escalating concerns appropriately
• Assigning daily responsibilities to staff
• Monitoring workflow, pace, and completion of assigned tasks
• Coaching employees and correcting deficiencies as they occur
• Supporting new-hire training
• Communicating operational updates between shifts and management teams
• Coordinating with office staff, drivers, media staff, HR, and other departments
• Assisting with photos and videos of dogs as needed
• Supporting medication, feeding, weight, and wellness procedures
• Completing required operational reports and documentation
• Participating in manager meetings and leadership training
• Taking on additional responsibilities as readiness develops

We are looking for someone who can become a credible, dependable leader in a hands-on environment.

• Reliability and consistent attendance
• The ability to stay productive and composed during stressful or unpredictable situations
• Confidence without arrogance
• Willingness to make decisions and accept responsibility for the outcome
• Strong follow-through
• Comfort giving clear direction to others
• The ability to receive feedback without becoming defensive or disengaged
• Good judgment about when to act independently and when to ask for help
• The ability to disagree professionally and work within a leadership team
• Strong observation and problem-solving skills
• Respectful communication
• A willingness to hold others accountable
• Positive influence on team morale
• Commitment to animal safety and employee safety
• The ability to balance empathy with the operational needs of the business