Animal Trainer & Behaviorist

• JOB OVERVIEW: **The purpose of this position as the Animal Behavior and Enrichment Trainer to be responsible for implementing, practicing, and reviewing the canine and feline behavior programs of the shelter. This includes evaluations, training, enrichment, and basic animal husbandry. The work is performed under the supervision of the Division Assistant Director - Humane Services.

Responsibilities

• Works as a team member to assist Division Assistant Director and other staff to ensure smooth day to day operations.
• Ensures all dogs are evaluated for behavior concerns and adoptability.
• Prepares daily enrichment plans for the shelter animals.
• Performs behavior evaluations on bite case and dangerous dogs.
• Monitors behavioral conditions of animals and shares information with management team.
• Monitoring animals for emotional well-being and behavioral issues.
• Maintains knowledge of techniques in animal training.
• Recommends animals for euthanasia by using our policies and procedures.
• Creates and presents educational programs on animal training and behavior for staff, fosters, and volunteers.
• Must be able to communicate with members of the public by helping to explain behavior issues or concerns in adoptable animals.
• Provides updates to other parties about the progress and condition of the animals.
• Uses positive reinforcement to elicit desired animal behavior.
• Assists and leads dog interactions with owned pets and facility pets.
• Implements, follows and executes programs for dogs and cats in need of behavior modification.
• Provides compassionate, behavior counseling for dog and cats fosters.
• Constructs personality profiles for adoptable dogs and cats including suggested parameters for an ideal home.
• Consults on owner surrendered animals.
• Supervises and leads dog group play.
• Assists with pre-adoption and/or foster counseling to promote successful placement.
• Provides weekly training plans for adoptable dogs in the shelter.
• Assists the Animal Control unit in understanding bite inhibition and the severity of bites.
• Monitors and records progress of adoptable animals in Pet Adoption Center.
• Participates in adoption events to educate the public on dog behavior as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Can telecommute on occasion.

Requirements

• EDUCATION:
• • High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• CERTIFICATIONS:
• • Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or equivalent. Certified with an interest in staying up to date on up-and-coming research and philosophies regarding canine behavior.
• Must be a fear free trainer certified.
• JOB EXPERIENCE:
• • A minimum of three years of canine behavior/training experience within animal welfare, sheltering or rescue.
• KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• • An ability to identify and evaluate animal breeds, characteristics, behavior and temperament is helpful.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Must be able to tolerate loud noise and strong odors.
• Must have a high level of professionalism and have a clear and compassionate communication style with other staff members and the public.