Part Time Behaviour Trainer (Canine)

Lost Dogs Careers; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 32,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Unique work environment

Career development with studies 지원

Employee Assistance Program

Onsite counselling

Discounts at Vet Hospital

Supportive team

Job summary

The Lost Dogs' Home in Melbourne offers a part-time position as a Behaviour Trainer in our busy shelter. You will conduct behavioural assessments of shelter dogs, document observations and contribute to welfare and rehoming decisions.

Join a force-free, reward-based training environment and work with a multidisciplinary team to support dogs and staff. Three days per fortnight, Thursdays and alternate Wednesdays, with a supportive work culture.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in animal behaviour and/or training.
• Previous shelter dog behavioural assessment experience is highly desirable.
• Professional dog behaviour trainer experience is desirable.
• Experience in animal shelters or kennels is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct behavioural assessments of shelter dogs under supervision.
• Observe, interpret and document canine behaviour to inform welfare decisions.
• Review behavioural histories to support assessments.
• Produce clear, objective assessment reports and recommendations.
• Collaborate with shelter teams to support outcomes for dogs.
• Assist with reward-based behaviour modification and rehabilitation as required.
• Provide behavioural guidance to staff and volunteers.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment.
• Undertake administrative and general animal husbandry duties as required.

Skills

Canine behaviour assessment

Force-free training methods

Team collaboration

Education

Cert IV behaviour and training (desirable)

Relevant animal behaviour qualification (desirable)

Job description

Behaviour Trainer - North Melbourne

Part-time - 22.5 hours per fortnight (Every Thursday and alternate Wednesday)

About us

The Lost Dogs' Home (LDH) is proud to be Australia's largest animal shelter, helping thousands of lost and abandoned animals each year. We are a not-for-profit organisation that has been serving the community for over 100 years. We are dedicated to providing compassionate veterinary care to all animals who find their way to us.

The role

We have an exciting and unique opportunity for an experienced Behaviour Trainer to join our Behaviour Department on a permanent part-time basis, working three days per fortnight (every Thursday and alternate Wednesday).

The Behaviour Department plays an important role in assessing the behaviour and welfare of animals in our care, supporting informed decision-making regarding their management, rehabilitation and rehoming pathways. This position offers a unique opportunity for someone with a strong interest in canine behaviour assessment who is looking to further develop and refine their assessment skills in a busy shelter environment.

The primary focus of this position will be conducting behavioural assessments of shelter dogs, interpreting behavioural observations and histories, and contributing to practical, evidence-informed decisions about their ongoing care and suitability for rehoming.

Due to the part-time nature of the role, the successful applicant will primarily focus on behavioural assessments rather than managing an ongoing behaviour modification caseload, although opportunities to assist with training and rehabilitation programs may arise.

We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate sound professional judgement, a pragmatic approach to animal behaviour and welfare, and a high degree of social and emotional maturity. The successful applicant will be comfortable navigating complex situations, recognising the limitations of behavioural assessments, and working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve realistic and welfare-focused outcomes.

The Lost Dogs' Home is committed to force-free, reward-based animal training and handling methods.

Your responsibilities will be

• Conducting behavioural assessments of shelter dogs under the direction of the Animal Behaviour Team Leader.
• Observing, interpreting and documenting canine behaviour to inform decisions regarding animal welfare, management and rehoming suitability.
• Reviewing available behavioural histories and other relevant information to support comprehensive behavioural assessments.
• Producing clear, accurate and objective behavioural assessment reports and recommendations.
• Collaborating with Behaviour, Veterinary and other shelter teams to support appropriate and practical outcomes for dogs in our care.
• Assisting with reward-based behaviour modification and rehabilitation programs as required.
• Providing behavioural advice and guidance to shelter staff and volunteers.
• Supporting colleagues and contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Undertaking administrative and general animal husbandry duties as required.

You will have

• Relevant qualification in animal behaviour and/or training, or working towards a relevant qualification (Cert IV behaviour and training students are encouraged to apply) (highly desirable)
• Previous experience conducting canine behavioural assessments in a shelter, rescue or similar environment (highly desirable)
• Professional experience as a Dog Behaviour Trainer or in a related animal behaviour role (highly desirable)
• Experience working in an animal shelter, kennel or other animal care environment (highly desirable)
• Confidence with handling dogs of varying temperaments
• A commitment to force-free, reward-based training methods
• Passion for animal behaviour and welfare
• Willingness to work as part of a wider team and also autonomously
• High degree of emotional maturity
• Sound professional judgement, critical thinking skills and the ability to make considered recommendations based on available evidence.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment

What we can offer you

• Unique work environment, supporting a great cause
• A rewarding job opportunity to help change the lives of shelter animals
• Career development opportunities and financial assistance with approved studies
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and onsite counselling service
• Generous discounts at The Lost Dogs' Home Vet Hospital our primary care veterinary clinic
• Friendly, passionate and supportive team who will help develop your skills in animal welfare

The successful applicant will be required to complete satisfactory background screening checks.

The Lost Dogs’ Home is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.

Only candidates with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.