Certified Dog Trainer, Behavior Modification

Oregon Humane•Portland, OR

96d•$28 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Dog Trainer, Behavior Modification works under the guidance of the Canine Behavior Modification Manager to carry out behavior modification plans and protocols for dogs residing in the Behavior Modification Center at the Behavior & Rehabilitation Center. The role also provides pre- and post-adoption consultations and training for program graduates, and training and coaching for staff, volunteers, and students. The trainer may represent and promote the program through media broadcasts, public presentations, tours, and other activities. The position implements behavior modification, training, and enrichment for dogs in the program; supports adopters and prospective clients; and collaborates with Animal Care, Admissions, Customer Care, and Shelter Medicine teams. It maintains service records, helps manage people, dogs, and surroundings for safety, and keeps current on animal behavior and learning theory. The position has no supervisory responsibilities and reports directly to the Behavior Modification Program Manager - Canines. Work takes place in an office and medical center/animal shelter environment, with travel between and work at the Portland and Salem campuses potentially required. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required. The role involves animal contact, variable noise including uncontrolled barking, a demanding and active pace, multitasking, and possible contact with angry or emotional people. Physical demands include occasional lifting of objects up to 50 pounds, pushing or pulling carted items up to 100 pounds, and regularly managing an animal weighing up to 150 pounds on a leash. Prolonged standing, sitting, or stooping and occasional climbing and bending may occur; the role also requires the ability to respond and perform lifesaving techniques in an emergency.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Three years of animal shelter experience or equivalent.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer credential and ability to maintain professional certification as a condition of employment.
Two years of work experience as an instructor in dog training classes or providing private training.
Working knowledge of behavior modification, learning theory, marker training, body language, and enrichment techniques.
Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative and organization.
Openness to improved animal behavior training methods and willingness to continually expand knowledge.
Strong animal handling skills and knowledge of breeds, behavior, care, housing, common health problems, and disease symptoms.
Sound judgment and a professional demeanor when interacting with the public, partner agencies, donors, staff, and volunteers.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate informatively, respectfully, and professionally with a diverse population.
Ability to lift, move, restrain, guide, or manage an animal weighing up to 150 pounds on a leash regularly.
Ability to respond and perform lifesaving techniques in an emergency.
Ability to perform the physical activities described, including occasional lifting up to 50 pounds and pushing or pulling carted items up to 100 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of hands-on experience with dogs with complex behavioral needs.

Responsibilities

Implement behavior modification, training, and enrichment for dogs in the Behavior Modification program at the Behavior & Rehabilitation Center and other Oregon Humane locations.
Provide hands-on training and coaching to staff, volunteers, students, and the public in relation to the Behavior Modification program.
Provide pre- and post-adoption support, including phone consultations, showings, dog-to-dog introductions, training, and adoptions for interested clients.
Present training curriculum in an enthusiastic, engaging, and informative manner.
Help clients establish realistic training and behavior goals and address client non-compliance professionally.
Work collaboratively with Animal Care, Admissions, Customer Care, and Shelter Medicine teams.
Maintain accurate and complete records of training and behavior services provided.
Manage people, dogs, and the environment to support everyone’s safety.
Stay current on emerging trends in animal behavior and learning theory.
Recommend alternative options, such as transfer to a rescue, behavior foster, or euthanasia.
Maintain professionalism, mutual respect, and positive working relationships across Oregon Humane departments.
Assist with donor-related events, tours, and public relations situations as needed.
Communicate with and maintain productive relationships with stakeholders, including other departments and donors.
Represent and promote the program through media broadcasts, public presentations, tours, and other opportunities.
Contribute to organizational learning, accountability, use of data and insights, and feedback loops to assess progress and impact.