An Animal Trainer trains animals to become familiar with human voices and contact, and to respond to commands. Trains dogs to assist people with disabilities. May train animals for a health, competition, or show. May train other animals such as horses, dolphins, and apes.
Reports to Training and Enrichment Manager under the direction of the Director of Animal Care and Placement. The Training and Enrichment Coordinator works closely with the Animal Care team, Volunteer Department, Programs Department, and the Medical team.
Position Summary:
The Training and Enrichment Coordinator is responsible for assisting the Training and Enrichment Manager in implementing BARCS' dog programs so that all dogs' needs are met daily. This candidate must be high-volume shelter minded and will be responsible for ensuring every eligible dog attends playgroups every day, assessing dog behavior concerns; developing and tracking dog behavior modification plans; communicating and documenting relevant data; educating and guiding staff, volunteers, and the public in safe dog handling techniques and basic training. They also work closely with the Pet Support team and Dog Foster team to provide assistance to owners considering surrendering their dogs for behavior reasons and providing support to dog fosters. A typical work week may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Responsibilities:
Implements the shelter's various dog programs to ensure each dog's daily needs are met. Ensures every eligible dog attends playgroups every day and that each dog receives enrichment in their kennel to maintain good physical and mental health. Assists with the implementation of behavior modification plans for dogs unable to attend playgroups and/or those needing additional training or mental stimulation. Works with staff and volunteers to carry out the plans appropriately. Documents, tracks, and communicates dogs' progress during their shelter stay, and works with the Manager to adjust plans as appropriate in order to support a positive outcome. Communicates regularly with appropriate staff about individual dog's behavior progress and general management of the shelter dog population. Helps with training staff and volunteers in safe dog handling and basic training (playgroups, dog walking/handling, meet and greets, socialization, proactive safety measures, how to respond to incidents, etc.). Assists with providing oversight of volunteers working with dogs to ensure proper handling and safety and progress with training plans. Determines volunteer staffing needs and identifies performance concerns and communicates these to the Volunteer Manager. Assists with dog meet and greets for adoption. Works closely with the Pet Support team to provide assistance to owners considering surrendering their dogs for minor behavior reasons in order to try to keep the pet in the home. Provides guidance to potential adopters in safe dog handling techniques as appropriate. Offers post-adoption support services for dogs with regard to behavior to keep pets in the home. Identifies dogs who are not doing well in a shelter environment and makes recommendations to the Dog Foster team for foster placement or the Rescue team for transfer to another organization. Follows all safety guidelines to ensure a safe work environment for staff and animals. Takes immediate action to address any safety concern or noncompliance of safety rules that could put an employee, volunteer, client, animal, or the organization at risk. Promotes objective and positive communication among departments in relationship to animal behavior and outcomes and provides input on capacity for care and animal disposition. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
Minimum of two years professional experience teaching dog obedience, offering pet behavior counseling or similar experience Experience in animal behavior, handling and care in the shelter environment preferred but not required Demonstrated ability to teach and speak effectively before groups of people and communicate effectively both orally and in writing to a diverse group of staff, volunteers, and public Ability to detect and recognize animal behavior that is potentially dangerous. Ability to work with animals, disinfectants, and cleaning supplies Ability to perform physical work; bending, lifting, walking and standing for up to 10 hours a day Ability to modify work schedule to meet BARCS operational needs.
Knowledge and Skills:
Excellent communication and customer service skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a variety of people Ability to work with a computer Ability to use social media to promote BARCS training & enrichment program and needs Knowledge of animal breeds, behavior, training, and handling Ability to safely handle animals, including those with health and behavioral challenges Ability to follow instructions and to communicate clearly to others Ability to prioritize tasks, stay organized, manage time and problem-solve Must be detail oriented and able to prioritize tasks and perform duties efficiently and effectively Committed to maintaining the BARCS high standard of animal care and mission
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an animal shelter that operates seven days a week, with exposure to conditions such as dust, wetness, odors, high noise levels, etc. Work requires physical exertion such as, but not limited to, standing most of the day, bending often to interact with animals, lifting animals of all shapes and sizes with an average weight of 50 pounds, lifting bags of litter and food, etc. There is exposure to animals of all kinds including domestic, wildlife, and farm animals. There is potential exposure to sharp objects, cleaning agents, animal waste, zoonotic diseases, dangerous or fractious animals, and potentially hazardous conditions including the risk of animal scratches and bites. There is also exposure to friendly, loving animals in need of your affection.
