CANINE BEHAVIOR AND TRAINING COORDINATOR

Position Summary: This position is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring all programs intended to identify, correct and prevent problem behavior in dogs and cats. This includes overseeing/running the public dog training classes, behavior enrichment programs, follow-ups on previously adopted dogs, behavior evaluations for new dogs, working specifically with any blue, black or double black dogs in our care daily and collaborating on behavioral euthanasia decisions.

Under the supervision of the Shelter Manager, the Canine Behavior and Training Coordinator performs a variety of tasks in the maintenance and operation of the animal shelter, including but not limited to routine clerical, secretarial and administrative work in answering phones, receiving the public, providing customer assistance, cashiering, data processing filing and typing.  This person is also responsible for cleaning all animal areas and general areas of the shelter, feeding and caring for the animals, and operating the crematorium.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and adapt work techniques and program enhancements to ensure the continued progress and growth of the behavior and training programs.
• Develop and direct monthly behavior and training workshops for staff, volunteers and the public to help them better understand animal behavior, enhance the human-animal bond and increase animal adoption success.
• Oversee adoptions to ensure that the animal is a good match for the individual, specifically in behavior case adoptions or if trainer approval is required.
• Design individual training programs for shelter animals to improve behavior and increase chance for adoption, specifically for Blue, Black or Double Black dogs.
• Cater enrichment needs towards each animal individually.
• Provide support in the absence of staff.
• Collaborate with transfer coordinator on potential incoming transfer animals to make sure they meet behavior expectations.
• Work with transfer coordinator to potentially transfer animals to other rescue organizations when the animals do not fit the RCHS adoption criteria.
• Work with foster coordinator to find foster care homes for behavior case dogs.
• Works with staff to enhance the behavior program, adoptions and transfers for shelter animals;

• Develop, implement and monitor programs that improve the standard of animal and people care and promote good public relations;
• Ensure quality of programs in accordance with RCHS’s policies, procedures, management philosophy and PACFA regulations.
• Ensure that dog training class registrations are current and available on Acuity.

• Develop training class curriculum to ensure consistency.
• Design and conduct canine behavior and training classes for adopters and other community pet owners.
• Provide referral information and advice on animal behavior issues, training methods and training equipment.
• Ensures that ordering of all animal training supplies is completed in a timely manner.
• Perform administrative tasks such as email, phone messages, data entry and other related tasks.
• Select and maintain animal training equipment.
• Report and document accidents. Ensure that incident reports are filed properly.
• Meet with shelter manager as needed to make sure goals throughout the organization are being met.
• Develops and adapts work techniques and methods to deliver high quality customer service and animal care.
• Assists in the cleaning, feeding and care of shelter animals.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Develop, implement and monitor programs that improve the standard of animal and people care and promote good public relations;
• Ensure quality of programs in accordance with RCHS’s policies, procedures, management philosophy and PACFA regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 2 years of working in the animal related field (preferably animal welfare) and/or a degree in an animal related field is preferred.
• CPDT certification preferred.
• Computer literate in Windows environment and Mac; proficient in Microsoft Office Applications. Familiarity with software preferred.
• Ability to work independently and effectively with other managers and staff members in order to accomplish daily tasks as well as strategic plans.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• A positive, outgoing compassionate individual with hands on ability, excellent proven organizational management and leadership skills, and dedication to ensuring best practices are followed.
• Commitment to the mission, goals and success of RCHS.
• Knowledge of basic animal health care and safe animal handling practices
• Effective communication with patrons, volunteers and staff.
• Animal training and behavior knowledge including theory of positive reinforcement, animal training techniques, and temperament testing; CPDT preferred.
• Ability to assess and evaluate new animal training methods and equipment. Demonstrated teaching knowledge to include basic teaching methods and curriculum development.
• Knowledge of cat and dog breed characteristics and behaviors. Skill in animal restraint and handling techniques.
• Ability to collaborate with outside organizations and trainers.
• Ability to interpret animal body language.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
• Excellent management and team building skills are required.
• Full time position with ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays is required.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to gain coverage through our motor vehicle insurance is required.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  In performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles and zoonotic diseases.  The environment is moderately loud, and the worker may be exposed to animal bites and/or scratches.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  An employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus while performing the duties of this job.  The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and taste or smell.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.  Duties, responsibilities or qualifications may change at any time, with or without notice.