Job Opportunities at Project POOCH
Kennel Coordinator
Basic Overview:
Status: 60% time; 24 hours/week (10am–6pm on Th, F, SA or M, Tu, We (full schedule in job description; click link below)
Timeline: Posted May 1, 2026; open until filled
Reports to: Executive Director
Mission
Project POOCH is a nonprofit organization that pairs incarcerated youth at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility with shelter dogs. The young men at Maclaren are between 14 and 24, and most of the young men in our program are between 17 and 23. Our mission is to provide life-changing opportunities to incarcerated youth and shelter dogs through a positive and encouraging program that teaches respect, patience, and compassion for all life.
Position Summary
The Kennel Coordinator (KC) is part of the team that includes the Project POOCH Lead Trainer, Executive Director, and the OYA kennel staff, and is responsible for working with this team to create a seamless experience for the youth and dogs in our program. Your days will include working directly with the young men (average age 21) to help them learn how to operate a kennel and develop positive relationships with dogs and their co-workers. You will work alongside our Lead Trainer and follow their direction regarding each dog’s unique training plan.
Our kennel can house up to 9 dogs and accommodates both Project POOCH and boarded/daycare dogs. The Kennel Coordinator operates within standard operating procedures informed by the Association for Shelter Veterinarians' guidelines for shelter operations. Our kennel is in operation from 7am–6pm daily. The day includes cleaning, walks, training, play, and education for the youth participants.
The kennel can feel chaotic at times. Depending on the dog census, they may be quite vocal, and there may be up to 6 young men to teach and mentor at a time. The Kennel Coordinator must be confident, self-assured, and ready to command the respect of young men in the program while maintaining clear, healthy boundaries.
The Kennel Coordinator works within the secure perimeter at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility and interacts daily with adjudicated youth. The duration of your workday occurs inside the fence.
