What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Behavior Specialist position at Operation Paws for Homes?
Animal Behavior Specialist- Operation Paws for Homes
Mission: Creating a better world for companion animals and the community through rescue, rehabilitation, education, spay/neuter, and providing resources to under-served populations.
Summary: This role oversees the further development and expansion of Operation Paws for Homes’ behavior and training programs in support of our mission. This position is the primary behavior resource for our foster families and will oversee the development of training programs to assist in the transition and success of OPH rescue dogs in their foster and adoptive homes. This is a home-based role. An ideal candidate has an emphasis on positive reinforcement training.
Purpose: This role, under the leadership of the Director of Aniimal Welfare and working in partnership with OPH Training Team members, develops and implements training and behavior strategies to increase animal's adopt-ability and provide continued enrichment and quality of care while in the foster home or boarding facility. The Animal Behavior Specialist will collaborate with foster families and adopters to ensure that each animal is set up for success.
Required Skills & Experience:
- CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, ACDBC, CDBC, AABP-CDT. A training certification is required and other training certifications will be considered
- A minimum of 2 years of professional dog training experience with an understanding of training, behavior, and enrichment, preferably with experience with shelter or rescue animals.
- Experience in the following areas, which are common in rescue animals are required.
- Separation anxiety
- Crate anxiety
- Resource guarding
- Leash safety and manners
- Dog selectiveness
- Excessive barking
- General destructiveness
- Basic manners
- Potty training
- Marking
- Mouthiness
- Muzzle training
- Jumping
- Fear
- Reactivity
This is a primarily home-based, part-time, or contractor position.
Salary Range: $14 - $20 per hour (based on qualifications and experience).
An ideal candidate will be a self-motivated team player with excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as a passion for animal welfare. Candidates will have experience achieving results, working diplomatically with internal and external stakeholders in a hospitable fashion, and working within a growing and regionally diverse organization remotely.
Job Types: Part-time, Contract
Pay: $14.00 - $20.00 per hour
Job Types: Part-time, Contract
Pay: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Professional development assistance
Schedule:
- On call
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Professional Training: 2 years (Required)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Alexandria, VA 22305
Salary : $16 - $20