Behavior and Training Assistant

Behavior and Training Assistant Compassion Without Borders Santa Rosa, CA Job Details Part-time $20 - $22 an hour 23 hours ago Qualifications Teamwork Staff training Organizational skills Animal welfare Training & development Full Job Description Who We Are Compassion Without Borders is a grassroots 501c3 non-profit dedicated to providing brighter futures to animals in need on both sides of the border. Our programs include rescue, low-cost veterinary wellness and spay/neuter clinics, and humane education. We have operations both in California and Mexico. Behavior and Training Assistant - Muttopia Muttopia, Compassion Without Borders' shelter based in Santa Rosa CA, is looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic and positive person to join our Behavior & Training team as a Behavior and Training Assistant. If you are passionate about animal welfare, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in our community.

POSITION TYPE

Part-time, non-exempt

POSITION SALARY

$20.00 to $22 per hour, depending on experience.

Role Overview:

Reporting directly to the Operations Director, the Behavior & Training Assistant plays a key role in maintaining a safe, structured, and low-stress environment for the dogs at Muttopia. This position provides daily care, enrichment, exercise, and routine support (including bio-breaks), while reinforcing training goals through consistent interaction. The Behavior & Training Assistant works closely with the behavior team on evaluations and behavior modification plans, and also supports data tracking, volunteer mentorship, and occasional Animal Care Technician needs as part of a collaborative shelter operations team.

Responsibilities:

Daily Care, Exercise & Bio-Breaks:

Provide consistent hands-on care to shelter dogs, including exercise, enrichment, and routine bio-breaks. This foundational care ensures that each dog's basic physical and emotional needs are met and supports overall stability and wellbeing.

Behavior Evaluations:

Participate in behavior assessments for shelter dogs, recording observations and contributing to behavior level assignments in coordination with senior staff.

Behavior Modification:

Assist in the development and implementation of behavior modification plans for dogs with moderate challenges such as leash reactivity, anxiety, or basic aggression, working closely with the behavior team.

Volunteer & Staff Training:

Provide training and guidance to volunteers on dog handling, behavior management, and positive reinforcement techniques. Mentor junior team members under the direction of the behavior program lead. Dog-to-Dog Introductions (D2D): Support and, when appropriate, lead dog-to-dog introductions to assess compatibility for playgroups and co-housing arrangements, following established protocols.

Foster Dog Support:

Collaborate with the foster department to develop and implement behavior plans for dogs transitioning into foster care. Provide ongoing updates and support to foster families in coordination with the behavior team.

Ongoing Behavior Monitoring:

Monitor progress of dogs on behavior modification plans and contribute to adjustments as part of the behavior team's ongoing review process.

Data Tracking:

Maintain accurate behavior records using tools such as Salesforce, and document changes in behavior or progress for team review.

ACT Team Support:

Provide occasional hands-on support to the Animal Care Technician (ACT) team as needed, assisting with daily care tasks to ensure continuity of care for the dogs.

Qualifications:

Understanding of and commitment to meeting basic animal care needs, including exercise, enrichment, and routine bio-breaks Basic understanding of dog behavior and body language, with willingness to learn and grow skills in behavior modification techniques Ability to support assessment and implementation of behavior plans for moderate behavioral issues within a team structure Experience mentoring volunteers or junior staff Strong organizational skills, including familiarity with behavior tracking systems Ability to handle dogs safely and professionally in a variety of situations

Physical Demands and Work Environment :

The following physical demands and work environment conditions are representative of those essential to the role's performance.

• Ability to interact with and handle animals.
• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Effective verbal communication and listening skills.
• Lifting, moving, and carrying objects and animals up to 50 pounds.
• Varied physical actions such as bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, squatting, crawling, climbing, and balancing.
• Exposure to varying temperatures due to our indoor-outdoor shelter setup, necessitating appropriate seasonal clothing.
• Potential exposure to risks associated with animal handling, including bites and scratches.

Experience:

Prior experience working with dogs in a professional or high-volume setting (e.g., shelter, rescue, daycare, veterinary clinic) preferred Experience handling dogs with a variety of temperaments is a plus

OUR CORE VALUES

Act with

Compassion:

We are guided by a fierce compassion in everything we do: compassion for the animals and people we serve; each other; and the work we are called to do.

Create Equity:

We approach every interaction with deep respect for everyone involved.

Choose Hope:

We choose hope, to strengthen our resolve and give greater meaning to the work we do. Collaborate to

Do More:

We believe we can do so much more together than we can alone, so we collaborate with others to create as much good as possible. Sustainability is

Key :

We recognize and seek to minimize the impact of ourselves and our everyday workplace habits on the health and well-being of the planet.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Compassion Without Borders is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our organization does not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, disability, age, gender, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status regarding public assistance. We are mission-driven and strive to demonstrate our Core Values while seeking candidates who align with a compassionate response to animal welfare. If you're passionate about animal welfare, possess the skills and qualities we're seeking, and are ready to contribute to a dynamic team, we encourage you to apply for the Behavior and Training Assistant position at Muttopia. Your dedication and care will make a positive impact on the lives of the animals we serve.

Ability to commute/relocate:

Santa Rosa, CA 95407: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person

Schedule Needed:

Saturday and Sunday from 8:15am to 5:15pm, some Thursday mornings as needed

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person