Animal Enrichment Coordinator

Patty Baker Humane Society Naples • Naples, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Wellness & Enrichment Coordinator at Patty Baker Humane Society Naples is responsible for helping shelter animals become their best, most adoptable selves. This role involves leading the Open Paws program, running daily dog playgroups, creating enrichment curriculum, and training staff and volunteers. The goal is to help every dog and cat in their care develop the skills and confidence needed to find a loving home. The position is ideal for someone who finds fulfillment in observing animal progress and well-being.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year experience in animal care, training, or enrichment (shelter, veterinary clinic, kennel, rescue, or professional training environment).
• Understanding of positive reinforcement training principles and fear-free handling techniques.
• Ability to train and coach others effectively; comfortable presenting to groups.
• Self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and able to balance program development with hands-on execution.
• Working knowledge of basic computer systems and software; ability to learn shelter management software (ShelterLuv).
• Ability to complete tasks easily and repeatedly like walking dogs, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Must be physically able to walk and control large dogs.
• Ability to work in inclement weather.
• Reliable transportation is a must.

Nice To Haves

• 2+ years experience in animal training, enrichment, or shelter animal care.
• Professional dog training certification (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, or similar).
• Experience leading dog playgroups in a shelter or daycare environment.
• Familiarity with Open Paw or similar shelter enrichment programs.
• Fear Free Shelter certification or Low Stress Handling certification.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Responsibilities

• Lead the Open Paws program day-to-day, ensuring every animal receives enrichment and skill-building.
• Lead daily dog playgroups, pairing dogs by compatible play styles, energy levels, and size; managing group dynamics and intervening appropriately.
• Execute the four-level training progression for dogs: classical conditioning, leash and kennel manners, basic obedience commands, and real-world skills; tracking and logging progress for each animal.
• Implement cat enrichment protocols including stranger socialization, carrier training, trick training, and interactive play sessions.
• Train Animal Care team members and volunteers on Open Paws protocols and playgroup support roles.
• Document daily observations about each animal’s personality, well-being, play style, social preferences, and training progress.
• Help build and deliver training programs for the public and support humane education initiatives.
• Assist in the development and delivery of public training classes including puppy socialization, basic obedience courses, and other curriculum consistent with the Open Paws approach.
• Provide class instruction, demonstrating positive reinforcement training techniques and providing hands-on guidance to participants.
• Help create curriculum for training classes, and assist in the creation of promotional and online materials.
• Support the PBHSN’s Humane Education program with school visits, shelter tours, youth programming, and corporate volunteer events.
• Capture content (photos/videos) of animals during playgroups, enrichment sessions, and training activities for adoption promotion.
• Provide behavioral and personality information to the Pet Services team and potential adopters to support successful adoption matching.
• Participate in daily rounds and pathway planning discussions.
• Support PBHSN events, outreach activities, and fundraising initiatives.
• Assist with animal handling during medical procedures and transport.
• Support disease management protocols as directed.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• $25,000 life insurance policy at no cost
• Optional enrollment in supplemental insurance plans (disability, accident, etc.)
• Optional enrollment in 403(b) retirement plan
• Matching contributions to 403(b) after one year of service
• Discounts on veterinary services
• Discounts on pet food

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED