Animal Behavior and Training Assistant

Mountain Humane • Hailey, ID

1d • $22 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Behavior & Training Assistant (ABTA), in conjunction with the Behavior & Training
Manager, is responsible for the mental well-being of all animals within the care of the shelter. The
main area of responsibility is the training and behavior modification for the in-house population, as
well as conducting dog training classes for the public. Other areas of responsibility include
developing and tracking an enrichment program for all shelter animals, act as support in training
staff and volunteers to run enrichment programs such as playgroups, assist with the implementation
and monitoring of programs intended to identify and prevent problem behavior in shelter animals,
and assist in the development and teaching of training classes for staff and volunteers.

Requirements

• Minimum of 1-year Animal training and/or behavior required
• Proven knowledge and practical experience in basic dog and cat training using humane, reward-based training methods
• Knowledgeable and experienced in defensive handling skills with fractious cats and large (120 lbs.) untrained, and potentially dangerous dogs
• Effective communication with patrons, volunteers and staff
• Computer literate in a Windows environment; proficient in Microsoft Office Applications and Google Suites.
• Ability to work independently, but also effectively with other departments
• Demonstrated track record with multitasking with positive results
• Exhibited flexibility and professionalism
• Must work well with the public, including children, persons of varied racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual preference, and with individuals who are differently-abled. Should exhibit a positive attitude, common sense, flexibility, and teamwork with ability to exercise independent judgment
• Maintain a neat and well-groomed personal appearance
• Wear supplied uniforms and closed toed shoes during all working hours
• Comply with all facility safety protocols
• Assist in maintaining overall facility cleaning standards
• Carry out other duties as assigned by supervisor
• May require driving of company vehicles. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record. Drivers information will be submitted to the carrier
• Regular use driving of company vehicles; employee’s must be at least the age of 18
• Occasional use driving of company vehicles; employees under the age of 18 must be preapproved by the carrier
• Work day includes walking, standing, sitting, bending, squatting, lifting (occasionally up to 50 lbs), answering telephones, and using a computer, work with a variety of cleaning agents, and work in an environment with daily changes in climate

Nice To Haves

• Prefer a current certification with any of these organizations: CCPDT, KPA, IAABC, or similar, and/or an undergraduate degree in the field of animal behavior or related sciences
• Minimum of 1-year Animal care experience preferred
• Minimum of 1-year Animal sheltering experience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with animal shelter software, Shelterluv, and volunteer software, Better Impact, preferred

Responsibilities

• Ensure that each shelter animal is behaviorally evaluated for disposition on an on-going basis, and ensure all findings are properly documented and communicated
• Conduct public dog training classes using reward-based training methods, that are in line with MH philosophies
• Help implement and document individual behavior modification and training programs for shelter animals to improve behavior and increase chances of adoption
• Provide enrichment components for individual animal plans
• Help identify and coordinate dog playgroups for the population alongside kennel staff and volunteers
• Work closely with volunteers to achieve maximum results from training and behavior modification plans
• Provide pre-adoption counseling for adopters of pets with training/behavioral needs
• Evaluate housing for all animals and make recommendations for improvements based on behavior needs of the animals to decrease stress and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing
• Update and maintain animal files and associated data in shelter software program
• Assist with administrative tasks such as monthly statistics and behavior tracking
• Collect behavioral histories of animals from their previous homes when necessary
• Conduct staff and volunteer handling and training classes (involving both cats and dogs)
• Help identify and coordinate potential foster opportunities for the population alongside the foster team

Benefits

• generous paid time off allotment for vacation and personal reasons
• 100% employer paid medical insurance for staff (with the option of upgrading the plan for a small contribution)
• access to a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% matching employer contribution
• access to reduced cost veterinary care and pet supplies (including dog/cat food) for all employee-owned pets
• a 40% discount at The Barkin’ thrift store in Hailey
• 20% off of a membership to the YMCA
• funding for professional development opportunities
• temporary financial assistance for commuting employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level