Dog Training Specialist - Blonhaven Hunt Club

Description

STEP INTO THE BIG LEAGUES 

Geronimo Hospitality Group ain't your normal work environment. We are a collection of award winning boutique hotels, restaurants and clubs with cool people who believe THE STATUS QUO SUCKS and we do everything we can to live by that motto. At Geronimo Hospitality Group, we don’t raise the bar. We are the bar. We create destinations, not pit stops, and we’re looking for people who are ready to join a team that pushes boundaries and values hard work every day. 

BLONHAVEN HUNT CLUB

Experience the thrill of the hunt at Blonhaven Hunt Club. Set on 200+ scenic acres in Spring Valley, our premier upland hunting destination offers nine private fields, unforgettable outdoor adventures, and an authentic sporting experience like no other.

PERKS OF THE JOB 

We believe in rewarding effort and skill. Our team enjoys Employee Discounts, Paid Time Off, Training & Development Opportunities, 401K, Medical Benefits, 24/7 Online Care, Pet Insurance, and more. We demand a competitive spirit and offer you the chance to build your own future in return. 

YOUR ROLE IN CREATING GERONIMOMENTS 

In this role, you’ll be a key part of our team, ensuring that every guest leaves with a lasting impression. Your voice matters here—use it to build the future, make an impact, and continuously improve the guest experience. 

As the Dog Training Specialist, you are responsible for designing individual and group training opportunities for upland hunting dogs, building a consistent customer pipeline, coordinating marketing and programming with Club leadership, and supporting general hunt club operations as needed. The goal is to establish a safe, financially sustainable service that strengthens membership value and creates additional revenue for Blonhaven. 

WHAT YOUR DAY WILL LOOK LIKE 

Canine Training Program Development and Delivery

• Develop and implement the canine training program in collaboration with the General Manager, including service offerings, training standards, scheduling, capacity, equipment needs, and proposed pricing for approval.
• Provide professional, humane, individualized dog training that supports each client's goals, the dog's experience, temperament, and readiness, and safe participation in upland hunting activities.
• Create and deliver private lessons, group classes, puppy or foundation programs, preseason field-readiness sessions, and specialized hunting dog clinics as approved by Club leadership.
• Assess dogs and handlers at enrollment, establish realistic training objectives, document progress, provide practical owner coaching, and communicate clear next steps after sessions.
• Coordinate training fields, birds, equipment, booking availability, and training logistics with hunt operations to ensure the program does not interfere with scheduled hunts or member experience.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and professional environment for dogs, handlers, members, and guests. 
• Monitor animal health and behavior and promptly report concerns or incidents.
• Maintain current knowledge of upland dog training, canine welfare, humane handling practices, and relevant Club safety and field procedures.

Revenue, Membership and Business Development

• Meet or exceed assigned monthly and seasonal canine program revenue, lesson sales, enrollment, client retention, and merchandise goals established with the General Manager.
• Build and maintain a qualified sales pipeline through member engagement, prospecting, referrals, demonstrations, consultations, follow-up, and Club-approved community outreach.
• Convert inquiries and introductory evaluations into paid training services; recommend appropriate lessons, packages, renewals, and related Club offerings based on client needs.
• Take ownership of the training calendar, class utilization, timely follow-up, and rebooking; begin renewal discussions before packages expire and proactively reconnect with inactive clients.
• Support membership retention by building lasting relationships with members and their dogs, identifying unmet needs, promoting participation, and escalating at-risk membership concerns to Club leadership.
• Accurately track lessons, package usage, attendance, revenue, leads, renewals, and sales activity in approved Club systems. All sales and payments must follow authorized Club processes.
• Review monthly performance with the General Manager, communicate progress against budget and program goals, and recommend actions to improve enrollment, retention, pricing, productivity, and profitability.

Events, Marketing and Merchandise Sales

• Plan and execute a seasonal calendar of canine events, such as training demonstrations, member clinics, bird dog workshops, preseason preparation days, and other revenue-generating experiences approved by leadership.
• Develop event concepts, schedules, budgets, participant targets, field requirements, and follow-up plans in collaboration with hunt operations and other Club departments.
• Work with the marketing team to promote canine services and events through approved member communications, campaigns, educational content, demonstrations, and outreach to prospective participants.
• Proactively identify training-related merchandise opportunities, recommend product assortment, and help increase sales of appropriate equipment, training aids, dog accessories, and field supplies.
• Maintain attractive and accurate retail displays, product knowledge, inventory counts, and reorder recommendations; follow approved purchasing, pricing, discount, and point-of-sale procedures.
• Cross-promote training programs, Club events, hunting opportunities, and merchandise in ways that improve the overall member and guest experience.

Member Service, Club Operations and Safety

• Greet members, hunters, training clients, and guests warmly; provide clear information on scheduling, services, Club guidelines, and safe participation.
• Assist Outside Services and hunt operations when training schedules allow, including member check-in, field setup and breakdown, staging equipment, bird care or placement, event support, and general property upkeep as assigned.
• Safely operate approved ATVs, utility vehicles, and Club equipment only when trained and authorized; report needed repairs, hazards, damaged equipment, and property concerns promptly.
• Follow Club policies for field safety, firearms proximity, dog handling, wildlife interaction, humane care, and incident reporting.
• Provide hunt support only when qualified and authorized.
• Participate in team meetings, seasonal preparation, special projects, continuing education, and other duties as assigned by the General Manager.

Business Development and Performance Expectations

• Maintain a current prospect and client pipeline showing inquiries, consultations, booked training, package renewals, and follow-up commitments.
• Provide a regular program update covering training revenue versus goal, active clients, lesson and event participation, retention or rebooking, merchandise sales, and planned growth activities.
• Proactively develop new offerings or promotional ideas for leadership approval and adjust the activity plan when revenue or participation is below expectations.
• Protect the member relationship by providing timely communication, handling concerns professionally, and partnering with Club leadership on resolutions.

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Requirements

WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED 

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent; demonstrated practical canine training expertise required.

Experience and Training

• Hands-on experience training dogs and instructing owners, including safe animal handling and behavior assessment.
• Experience with hunting dogs, bird dogs, or field work strongly preferred.
• Sales and Hospitality: Ability to build client relationships, promote and sell services, manage follow-up, retain clients, and provide exceptional member service.

Technology and Administration

• Ability to use Microsoft Office and Club scheduling, inventory, point-of-sale, and reporting systems; maintain accurate records and basic revenue tracking.

Licenses and Safety

•  Valid driver's license and ability to meet Club safety requirements for assigned duties. 
• Ability to work safely around dogs, game birds, hunting fields, and equipment

YOU’LL STAND OUT IF YOU BRING 

•  Experience developing or operating a paid sporting dog training program, training business, or hunt club canine offering.
• Experience training retrievers, pointing breeds, flushing breeds, or other dogs used in upland hunting environments.
• Experience organizing clinics, demonstrations, member events, partnerships, or specialty programs that generate revenue.
• Familiarity with game bird handling, hunt club procedures, merchandise sales, inventory management, and ATV or UTV operation.
• Recognized canine training education, field trial or hunt test experience, or other relevant professional development.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENT 

• U.S. Work Authorization 

JOIN A TEAM THAT MAKES AN IMPRESSION 

At Geronimo Hospitality Group, we are cool people who work hard. Every shift, every day, we push the boundaries and strive to be the best. If you’re ready to own your work and create exceptional experiences, we want you on our team! Geronimo Hospitality Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.