Animal Training Associate

San Diego Humane Society•Escondido, CA

1d•$23 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

San Diego Humane Society is hiring a Full-Time Animal Training Associates for our Escondido Behavior & Training team! At San Diego Humane Society, we’re united by our mission to Inspire Compassion. Our Behavior Programs change the lives of thousands of animals who need behavior intervention in order to become adoptable – or to stay with the families who love them. In this role, you’ll be responsible for participating in the implementation of behavior and training programs to improve the outcomes of animals who display fear, anxiety and stress while in the shelter environment. We are seeking candidates who enjoy hands-on work with animals and are committed to our Behavior Program goals: Increase quality of life by meeting the essential needs of each animal, regardless of ultimate pathway, by using the Five Freedoms and Five Domains framework. Increase adoptability and live outcomes by providing behavioral intervention to animals in need and facilitating transitions into new environments. Decrease public safety risks through a comprehensive evaluation process and community education. Increase community resources by creating and distributing credible information and tools to solve behavior challenges. Decrease shelter intake by providing staff, volunteers and the community with ongoing support and resources. This role delivers service at the gold standard level in alignment with the SDHS Way, to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them by leading with compassion, finding creative solutions, providing personalized care and building connections. If you’re passionate about making an impact in the animal welfare movement, we’d love to talk to you.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required, or completion of sufficient coursework to successfully perform the required duties of the position
Must have a minimum of one (1) year paid experience working with animals in a kennel, shelter or similar environment
Must be able to handle the physical and emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of euthanasia
Must have a valid driver’s license and be approved by SDHS insurance carrier to drive a company or personal vehicle for work purposes

Nice To Haves

At least one (1) year of professional dog or pet training experience highly preferred
CPDT certification or equivalent highly preferred (CPDT-KA, KPA, IAABC, Nose Works certification, Dog Trainer Academy, ABC, etc.)

Responsibilities

Participate in the implementation of in-house shelter animal training programs using positive reinforcement training methods.
Includes the participation in evaluation of animals, preparation of written training plans, progress reports, and hands-on work with animals in the program.
Accurately and reliably enter notes in the organization’s electronic record keeping system; keep training records and working files as assigned.
Collaborate with the behavior assessment team and staff from other departments to complete hands-on assessments for animals in care.
Assist staff and volunteers in various departments in the implementation of behavior programs to enrich the animal’s environment, to prevent problem behaviors, and to improve their adoptability.
Provide community support on animal behavior through pre- and post- adoption services.
Work with the foster department to provide consultations and follow-up for animals enrolled in the behavior foster program.
Contribute to a work environment that fosters pride in being part of a winning team that promotes personal growth.