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.
What You’ll Learn and Be Expected to Demonstrate
During the MIT program, you will work alongside experienced managers and gradually take on increasing responsibility for daily operations.
You will be expected to develop proficiency in:
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
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
As your training progresses, responsibilities may include:
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
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone who can become a credible, dependable leader in a hands-on environment.
Strong candidates typically demonstrate:
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
Physical and Operational Requirements
This is an active, hands-on position in a dog-care environment.
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:
Walking and standing for extended periods
Working outdoors in varying weather conditions
Hiking for significant portions of the workday
Handling dogs of varying sizes and strength
Responding quickly when safety concerns arise
Climbing, Bending, Twisting, Squatting
Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds
Performing cleaning, feeding, kennel, and property-related tasks
Preferred Experience
1–2 years of leadership, supervisory, or team-lead experience
Experience working in a fast-paced operational environment
Experience giving feedback or directing the work of others
Customer service experience
Dog handling, kennel, veterinary, training, shelter, or animal-care experience
Dog-handling experience is helpful but not required if the candidate demonstrates strong learning ability, sound judgment, and the physical capability to perform the role.
MIT Progression
Advancement is not based solely on time in the position.
Manager-in-Training employees are evaluated on demonstrated readiness in areas including:
Dog handling and operational credibility
Reliability and work consistency
Time management and prioritization
Delegation and follow-up
Staff accountability
Confidence and decisiveness
Communication
Leadership alignment
Emotional regulation
Responsibility and ownership
Judgment and understanding of the role
Successful completion of the MIT program may result in advancement to Assistant Manager based on demonstrated readiness and organizational need.