Canine Behavior Assistant Manager

Wayside Waifs Inc•Grandview, MO

1d•$22

About The Position

Canine Behavior in the shelter environment is one of the most exciting and challenging areas of growth in animal welfare. The Canine Behavior Center (CBC) Assistant Manager is responsible for supporting the Canine Behavior Center Manager and the behavior team in all department operations including behavior modification and enrichment for all program dogs, data collection and progress reporting, and supporting the continued growth of the department as defined in Wayside Waifs Strategic Plan. An important aspect of the job is to provide honest, objective behavioral information to inform responsible pathway planning for dogs in the program. Responsibilities include the development, implementation, and monitoring of behavior modification protocols to ensure that all dogs receive daily behavior modification and enrichment to create the best possible outcomes. The CBC Assistant Manager will help educate volunteers, fellow staff members, potential adopters, and the public by promoting positive reinforcement and displaying safe and ethical dog handling techniques.

Requirements

Thorough understanding of canine behavior and body language, especially in a shelter environment
Use safe and humane dog handling techniques for both fearful and high arousal dogs including restraint
Ability to work within a team setting as well as independently, and provide and accept feedback in the moment
Ability to train volunteers and mentor other behavior professionals in line with Wayside Waifs protocols and philosophies
Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work with other departments to accomplish organizational and departmental goals
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Ability to effectively speak in front of small groups
Ability to work in an emotionally charged environment, and have challenging conversations professionally, effectively and compassionately
Ability to delegate tasks and monitor results
High School diploma or GED
CPDT- KA, KPA, VSA or equivalent required, or the ability to obtain within a year
Professional dog handling experience required; handling in animal shelter setting preferred
Ability to lift 50lbs
Significant amount of standing and squatting during a typical day, exposure to fumes, animal smells, and airborne particles
Noise level is moderate to high
Exposure to animal waste
Potential to be scratched or bitten

Responsibilities

Foster a cooperative team environment and strong work ethic by setting an example of professionalism, patience and respect while maintaining the highest levels of safety, growth and effectiveness.
Help manage a team of passionate professionals committed to best practices in behavior modification in the shelter environment.
Direct and monitor the daily flow of training sessions to ensure tasks are balanced and completed.
Assist in the scheduling of pictures and videos for CBC dogs. Communicate with foster, marketing and adoptions departments about available CBC dogs.
Under the direction of the CBC Manager, monitor and update on-boarding protocols and oversee the onboarding of new staff and continuing growth of existing team members.
Monitor and track the flow of behavior program dogs to ensure that dogs are moving through the program efficiently.. This includes resiliency and fast track testing.
Work with the CBC Manager to create and implement a follow-up program for adopted graduates.
Assist in the oversight of CBC staff and work with the Manager to support the growth of the free work and enrichment programs.
Create customized behavior and training packets to go home with adopters for dogs that may require continued training or have specific needs.
Work with the CBC and Foster Managers to deliver behavior support for behavior fosters.
Other duties as assigned.