Training - Certified Group Training Instructor - Casual

Toronto Humane Society; Toronto; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player in animal welfare is seeking a Certified Group Class Training Instructor to lead engaging canine training classes. This role involves teaching groups of clients and their dogs, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment, and maintaining detailed records. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for animal welfare, possess strong communication skills, and have experience in positive reinforcement training methods. This position offers flexible hours and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of animals and their owners. If you are dedicated to promoting humane treatment and education, this could be the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• Must pass the Certified Group Training Instructor Examination with a grade of 80% or more.
• Minimum 2+ years of canine care and enrichment experience required.

Responsibilities

• Teach group training classes and foster positive reinforcement learning.
• Maintain a safe learning environment and manage class attendance.

Skills

Positive Reinforcement Methodology

Canine Care and Enrichment

Learning Theory Understanding

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Patience

Education

Certified Group Training Instructor Examination

Tools

Microsoft Office (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Online Schedule Management Apps

Job description

Training - Certified Group Training Instructor - Casual

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 4:00 AM

Our Vision: To be a leader in animal welfare, working for a compassionate society where all animals are respected and valued.

Our Mission: To Improve the Lives of Animals.

Job Summary

The Certified Group Class Training Instructor, under the direction of the Senior Manager, Public Services, will be primarily responsible for teaching group canine training classes to public clients. Incumbents may also lead one-on-one training sessions for public clients seeking extra coaching in a one-on-one environment. Duties also include providing case notes and summaries to clients as well as internal record keeping.

The position will deal with members of the public and owned animals.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

• Teach group training classes of up to 6 clients and dogs per class
• Foster an environment of positive reinforcement learning for both dogs and handlers
• Maintain a safe learning environment at all times by monitoring dog body language and arousal levels
• Monitor student participation and manage environment as necessary through use of visual barriers and distance, or direct students with dogs experiencing high FAS or arousal to private training services
• Maintain class attendance lists and conduct student question and answer “office hour” events as required
• Assist with other training services as required
• Foster, promote, support and drive inclusion and influence others to promote, embrace and progress Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at THS.
• Maintain a professional appearance, demeanour, and attitude at all times
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality in all interactions
• Attend and participate in workshops, seminars, and in-service training to further education, skills, and training
• Be aware of and work within the regulations of all Toronto Humane Society policies and protocols
• Work in compliance with the provisions of the OHSA and its regulations including understanding and adhering to the requirements of the Health and Safety Manual and any other rules and regulations established by THS
• Other Duties as required in the day-to-day operation of the Society

Qualifications/Requirements

• Must pass the Toronto Humane Society’s Certified Group Training Instructor Examination with a grade of 80% or more
• Minimum 2+ years of canine care and enrichment experience
• Experience teaching or assisting dog training classes using positive reinforcement methodology an asset
• Experience creating and delivering group class curriculum an asset
• Intermediate level learning theory understanding and application competency
• Experience training others in positive reinforcement operant conditioning techniques
• Exhibit patience and a calm demeanor
• Demonstrated ability and comfort working with dogs that have all types of behavioural problems and temperaments
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with varying personalities and abilities
• Ability to work individually as well as part of a team
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (including Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Proficient using online schedule management and booking apps

Work Conditions

• Flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays (if required). Hours may change based on demand.
• Attendance and participation in training
• Operation of desktop computer and peripherals
• Ability to work outdoors with animals over extended periods
• Interaction with employees, management, and the public at large
• Working in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions
• Occasional overtime

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, odors, noise extremes, hazardous materials, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal attacks, animal bites, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers.

Candidate Potential

At Toronto Humane Society, we value diverse perspectives and recognize that a great candidate may not check every box. If you're passionate about animal welfare and believe you have the potential to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply, even if you may not meet every listed qualification. You just might be the right candidate for this or other roles. We are committed to providing a supportive environment for professional growth and development.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Toronto Humane Society is committed to building and sustaining a diverse and equitable workplace where people’s unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, respected, and welcome. We recognize that a diverse and empowered workforce helps us better serve our animals, clients, and community and contributes to Toronto Humane Society’s overall growth and success. Therefore, we strongly encourage qualified applications from underrepresented and equity-deserving groups within the animal welfare sector, including Indigenous, Black, racialized, immigrant, 2S/LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.

Accommodation Needs

Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the bona fide requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known when contacted.

Use of AI in Recruitment

To streamline our hiring process, we utilize an applicant tracking system (ATS) to manage and organize applications. While the ATS aids in efficiency, the core evaluation of candidates is carried out by our human resources team. This approach ensures a personalized review that allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the applicant's unique skills and potential.

Next Steps

We thank all applicants for their interest in Toronto Humane Society; however, due to the high number of applications we receive, only those selected will be contacted for an interview.