Lead Dog Trainer

Description

The Lead Dog Trainer provides education to public training clients about dog behavior, care, and positive reinforcement training through group training classes, private training sessions, helpline calls, and other educational opportunities. The East Bay SPCA Behavior & Training department is a flagship shelter behavior program that works to keep animals in homes and to foster the human-animal bond by providing high-quality behavior assistance and educational resources both externally to the community and internally to shelter staff and volunteers. The department oversees administration of public-facing group classes, seminars, webinars, handouts, a behavior helpline, and private consultations. These offerings improve animal welfare for thousands of animals across the East Bay and include free resources and scholarship opportunities for pet owners who otherwise would be unable to access high quality behavior assistance. 

Under the direction of the Behavior & Training Manager, the Lead Dog Trainer offers a variety of services to pet owners in our community seeking behavior and training support. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: teach and administer weekly public dog training classes and seminars; provide behavior consultations, create training plans, and conduct regular private training sessions; provide training and support for part-time dog trainers; collaborate with the Behavior & Training Specialist to develop curricula; develop educational content such as handouts and webinars to meet community needs; provide information and counseling through our behavior help line; support and coordinate with training volunteers; provide excellent customer service.  

East Bay SPCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to the welfare of dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs by enriching the human-animal bond through respected and accessible expertise. EBSPCA is one of the nation’s oldest humane organizations, in operation since 1874, and receives no funding from any national organizations. You can find more information about EBSPCA on our website at www.eastbayspca.org. 

Category: Full time; Non-exempt 

Location: Oakland 

Reports to: Behavior & Training Manager 

Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Life insurance, 10 paid holidays, Paid Time Off, 401k retirement plan with 3% contribution, discounted veterinary care, and more 

Qualifications

Qualifications 

• CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CTC, CCBC, CDBC or equivalent credentials required. 

• Successful completion of a force-free, science-based behavior and training program preferred (e.g. The Academy for Dog Trainers, Karen Pryor Academy, Dog Training Internship Academy, Academy of Dog Behavior).  

• Proven experience teaching public dog training classes; minimum of 1 year preferred. 

• Previous training experience in a shelter environment is highly desirable.  

• Experience in the use of positive reinforcement methods, including appropriate use of humane training products is required.  

• Requires well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people of varying background and cultures by adapting style and tactics to fit the audience.  

• Must be comfortable speaking with members of the public, in front of groups, over the telephone, and communicating via email.  

• Individual must be flexible, work well under pressure, be an active problem-solver, and possess a positive attitude.  

• Competent animal handler. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.  

• Background check and drug screening required. 

• Must have reliable transportation to work locations.   

Working Conditions 

• Work is performed in an animal shelter environment at Oakland and Dublin facilities with exposure to seasonal outdoor conditions. 

• Must be competent handling dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages. 

• Weekend and evening work required. 

• Animal contacts and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur.  

• Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations. 

• Animal waste contact, smells and visual exposure are prevalent 

• Ability to lift a minimum of 35 lbs. alone and >35 lbs. with assistance, if necessary. 

• Frequent walking, bending and stooping in kennel areas 

Salary : $24 - $28