Animal Shelter, Behavior and Training Coordinator

Davis County Government; Fruit Heights (UT); On-site; USD 31,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage day one

Vacation 13 days

Sick leave 12 days

Personal days 3

Holidays 12

Parental leave 4 weeks

Pension retirement

Performance increases

401k match

Job summary

Animal Care of Davis County in Fruit Heights, Utah, seeks an Animal Behavior and Training Coordinator to lead enrichment, behavior modification, and training for shelter animals. This full-time role requires certification in animal behavior, three years of shelter experience, and strong communication to support staff, volunteers, and adopters.

Shifts are 8 hours with a weekend day, offering a competitive hourly pay range and a benefits package including health coverage, vacation, sick leave, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification in animal behavior or dog training is required.
• Three years of full-time experience as a professional animal trainer or shelter behavior specialist.

Responsibilities

• Implements in-house animal training programs using positive reinforcement methods.
• Evaluates animals and develops behavior plans.
• Trains staff and volunteers on animal behavior and training methods.
• Maintains training records and notes electronically.
• Provides pre- and post-adoption support for behavior and training.

Skills

Communication

Positive reinforcement

Animal handling

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Animal behavior training certification (IAABC/CCPDT/KPA)

Job description

Are you the type of person who loves animals and thrives in an environment requiring flexibility and resilience? Do you enjoy working closely with others, maintaining positive relationships and composure, even under difficult circumstances?

Animal Care of Davis County is currently hiring for a full-time Animal Behavior and Training Coordinator in Fruit Heights, Utah. This position is responsible for the enrichment, behavior modification, and training of animals and staff at the Davis County animal shelter. Implements behavior management plans for animals in our care, provides training and enrichment activities to enhance animals' adoptability and well-being, assists with adoptions by ensuring proper matches with potential adopters, and provides ongoing behavioral support and guidance to staff, volunteers, and adopters.

This position requires working 8 hr shifts, including a weekend day.

Pay Range And Benefits

$22.85 - $29.07/hr. Salary based on qualifications and experience.

In addition to competitive pay and our collaborative and service oriented culture, we offer the following benefits:

• Affordable Medical, dental, and vision coverage DAY ONE!
• 13 vacation days and 12 paid sick leave days
• 3 paid personal preference days and 12 paid holidays
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave after 6 months
• Full pension retirement
• Annual performance increases up to 2.5%
• 401k match of 2%
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Requirements

High school graduation (or equivalent) plus three (3) years of full-time employment as a professional animal trainer, shelter behavior specialist, or animal behavior consultant in an animal shelter environment; an acceptable combination of related education and experience may be considered.

Certification in animal behavior or dog training from a recognized, credible certifying body is required. Preferred credentials include:

• IAABC (e.g., CSB-D, CSB-C, CDBC, CCBC, or Accredited Shelter Trainer)
• CCPDT (e.g., CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, or CBCC-KA)
• KPA (KPA-CTP)

Preference given for prior government or public sector work experience

Our Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is passionate about animal welfare and has a solid understanding of animal behavior, training, and enrichment techniques. They are skilled in safely handling animals of various temperaments and can develop and implement behavior management plans tailored to individual animals. They are proactive in assessing behavior and creating training opportunities to improve adoptability. The ideal candidate excels in communication, working collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and adopters, while also maintaining composure under challenging circumstances. They demonstrate flexibility, accountability, and a strong commitment to supporting the overall well-being of shelter animals.

Day to Day Duties

• Implements in-house animal training programs using positive reinforcement training methods
• Evaluates animals and develops and implements behavior plans.
• Trains staff and volunteers about animal behavior and positive reinforcement training methods
• Enters and maintains notes electronically; maintains training records and working files as assigned.
• Offers pre- and post-adoption support services regarding behavior and training.
• Manages groups of dogs in playgroup with various behavior dynamics to assess behavior and training needs
• Educates potential adopters about animal behavior and training methods used at Animal Care of Davis County
• Provides community outreach on animal behavior through pre- and post-adoption services, public workshops, information materials, classes and participation in special events.
• Assists in the creation of educational handouts and resources for members of the community on humane training techniques as needed.
• Trains animals in front of the public and assists members of the public in having safe, educational, and entertaining animal interactions during those training sessions.

Salary: $22.85 - $29.07 per hour