Shelter Animal Trainer
$70,720–$76,960 year
On-siteWalnut Creek, California, United States
Job Summary
Create and implement behavior modification plans for shelter dogs and cats, including those with anxiety, fear, or aggressive behaviors. Conduct behavior assessments and develop adoption showing, take-home, and in-shelter management plans. Assist in the euthanasia process and enrich animal experiences through humane medical handling and enrichment programs. Provide one-on-one training and coaching to volunteers and team members while maintaining accurate records in management systems. Manage daily interactions with up to eight shelter guests and perform cleaning and animal care duties. Maintain confidentiality, comply with safety regulations, and promote a culture of positivity and teamwork.
Required Qualifications
- Experience using positive reinforcement as primary method of animal behavior modification and solid understanding of learning theory
- Experience in animal training in a shelter setting
- Comfort in coaching groups and one-on-one team members and volunteers
- Previous experience working with a variety of dogs and cats
- Experience in conducting one on one training and behavior modification sessions
- Experience using equipment, such as collars, harness, basket muzzle, catch nets, squeeze cages, rabies poles, etc.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- A self-starter, facilitator, and organizer
- Develop and write treatment plans for shelter animals that can help staff and volunteers keep each interaction consistent and safe
- Experience working independently, as well as contributing effectively as part of a team
- Demonstrated ability to meet goals and objectives
- Good analytical skills and ability to identify and assess issues/opportunities
- Affection for animals, concern for their welfare and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace
- Ability to communicate with the public, volunteers and co-workers in a pleasant, courteous, and tactful manner
- Demonstrate maturity, good judgment and professional manner, and personal appearance
- Comfortable and skilled in working with diverse staff, volunteers, and community
- Ability to work with, evaluate, coach, and supervise volunteers effectively and respectfully while holding individuals accountable for their results
- Knowledge of dog and cat breeds, behavior, and current general care and training practices
- All Joybound employees working on our main campus must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination and booster
- Pre-employment background check screening is required
- High School Diploma required
- Dog Behavior and Training course of study (e.g., Marin Humane Society Canine Behavior Academy, Academy for Dog Trainers, Karen Pryor Academy, Bergin University) in process or completed or comparable dog training/experience
- CPDT-KA or CBCC-KA
- Fear Free Shelter certification or ability to achieve within 90 days of hire
- Tetanus and rabies inoculations are required or must be waived
- One weekend day coverage is required
- Push, pull, and lift objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distances and to humanely restrain animals when necessary
- Walk dogs weighing up to 150 pounds in a variety of weather conditions
- Kneel, bend, stoop, squat, reach above and below shoulder level, grasp and turn objects, stand and/or walk frequently and repetitively throughout each shift
- Flex the neck upward and downward; twist the neck and the waist
- Dexterity to handle animals and small objects
- Assess medical and behavior changes in animals using a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, visually and auditory
- Be on your feet for long periods of time
- Sit for 15 – 20-minute time intervals throughout the day to use the computer
Desired Qualifications
- BA or AA degree in Animal Sciences, Psychology, or Sociology preferred, but not required
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