Animal Behavioral Trainer (Pet Resource Center)

Duties and Responsibilities

Note: The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform one or more of the activities described below.

• Assist with evaluating the behavior of animals after intake to determine suitability for adoption, rescue or foster care. Works with team leads to implement plans for behavior improvement/training. Provides support to "Dogs Playing for Life" play groups for all qualified dogs in the shelter through direct participation and/or the training and oversight of other staff or volunteers providing the programs.
• Oversee volunteers with enrichment activities in coordination with veterinarians and team leads.
• Reports symptoms of common animal diseases and any changes in the overall physical or mental condition of the pets in PRC’s care to the Veterinary and sections team leads.  Documents all pertinent information in the computer shelter software program and data base.
• Assist with handling and restraining a large variety of animals; including animals that have negative behavioral characteristics or have shown aggression.   Coordinates staff and volunteer training.   Provides instruction to adopters to assist in behavior and training plans.
• Evaluates and provides remediation for animals to increase their potential for adoption; grooms animals.
• Assists in developing animal enrichment and training programs to improve the standard of animals offered for adoption. Maintains current knowledge of developments in behavioral programs and enrichment practices for shelters and recommends changes/improvements to PRC programs as needed.
• Assists in training staff in appropriate and humane animal obedience and handling; including but not limited to handling with and without animal control equipment, techniques for improving behavior or mitigating poor animal behavior shown in shelter conditions and reviewing the skills/abilities of staff.
• Provides recommendations for review and approval for pet enrichment programs that are suitable for the shelter environment.  Assists Team Leads with approved programs.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of programs; tracks associated activities.  Assists with/in community projects activities/programs, as needed.
• Supports the Shelter, Intake, Retention Team and Volunteer Services members with citizens and their animals which have behavior concerns requiring follow up care.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Job Specifications

• Must be able to apply sound principles of animal behavior modification, playgroup management, and enrichment to a wide variety of circumstances with pets that have varying degrees of behavioral issues or challenges.
• Must be able to follow and give directions in writing and verbally to a wide range of employees, pet owners, and volunteers.
• Assists with the development and implementation of approved enrichment plans for both cats and dogs in the shelter environment.
• Must be a self-starter that can work with minimal supervision.
• Must be willing and able to take control and leadership of all enrichment programs, and to provide necessary behavioral modification leadership as needed.
• Must be able to complete the CPDT-KA Certification within 12 months of hire date.
• Prefer candidates with accreditation as an animal trainer or behaviorist.
• Prefer experience in public or private animal shelters that take in stray pets with unknown origin/histories.
• Ability to maintain files and records and prepare reports and correspondence.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to organize and to multi-task.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work in a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions including extreme heat. Must be able to work with and around toxic chemicals which may emit strong odors or require PPE. Must be able to work with potentially dangerous and/or aggressive animals in assessment and/or behavioral modification.
• Must be able to safely control animals up to 100 pounds without assistance. Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods of time. Must be able to bend, push, pull, lift, kneel, squat, crawl and/or reach/stretch. 

Work Category

• Heavy Work - Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; AND
• One year of experience directly related to the assigned program; AND

OR

• An equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a high school diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above. (For education and experience only, does not include legally required Licenses or Certifications.; AND
• Obtain Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) Certification within 12 months of hire.