Animal Behavior and Training Assistant

Overview

Mountain Humane (in Hailey, Idaho) is on a mission to enrich the quality of life in our community by saving animals and changing lives. We do this through innovative programs that inspire and have impact beyond southern Idaho. The first “no-kill” shelter in the state of Idaho (in 1999), annually, we help more than 4,500 animals and touch the lives of more than 7,000 people through our programs.

We are proud to be a model for other animal welfare organizations and to be at the forefront of best-practices in nonprofit management.

The Animal Behavior & Training Specialist (ABTS), 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 conducting dog training classes for the public. Other areas of responsibility include developing, tracking, and running an enrichment program for all shelter animals, assisting with the implementation and monitoring of programs intended to identify and prevent problem behavior in shelter animals, and assisting in the development and teaching of training classes for staff and volunteers.

Classification:
Full time, Non-Exempt

Reports to:

Animal Behavior and Training Manager
Collaborates with:
Kennel and Shelter Ops Leadership Teams

Location:

Hailey, Idaho

• 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. An up-to-date certification is required during employment with Mountain Humane.
• Minimum of 3-years Animal training and/or behavior experience required.
• Minimum of 1-year Animal care experience required.
• Minimum of 1-year Animal sheltering experience strongly preferred.
• 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. Familiarity with animal shelter software, Shelterluv, and volunteer software, Better Impact, preferred.
• 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 the ability to exercise independent judgment.

• Alongside the Behavior and Training Manager, ensure that each shelter animal is behaviorally evaluated for disposition on an ongoing basis, and ensure all findings are properly documented and communicated
• Conduct public dog training classes, private training sessions, and behavior consultations using reward-based training methods that are in line with MH philosophies
• Alongside the Behavior & Training Manager, review and update (as necessary) class curricula to ensure they align with best practices.
• Implement, perform, and document individual behavior modification and training programs for shelter animals to improve behavior and increase chances of adoption
• Provide and perform enrichment components for individual animal plans
• 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 the behavioral 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

• 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

• Indoors and outdoors, including in shelter environment with dogs, cats, pocket pets; frequent interactions with children who may or may not be well-behaved, occasional contact with the public in an…