Lead Training Specialist

Job Title: Lead Training Specialist

FLSA Status: Full-time, non-exempt

Reports to: Training & Behavior Modification Department (TBMD) Supervisor

Approval Date: April 16, 2025

Position Summary

The Training & Behavior Lead is responsible for supervisory and hands-on work with the Training & Behavior Modification Department (TBMD). Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, effective and appropriate training and handling for dogs in need of behavior modification, maintaining behavioral health of dogs while in a kennel/shelter environment, and participating as needed in public training (instructing group classes, providing private training and adoption follow up support).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs obedience and behavior modification training with individual dogs, including current LHS dogs both on and off the adoption floor and client-owned dogs.
• Manages, teaches, and oversees training staff running daily shelter playgroups and provide dog-to-dog assessments and recommendations.
• Supervise and assist with behavioral assessments of shelter animals for adoption suitability and proper placements. Provide retesting and training/behavior modification for failed or borderline assessments. Accurately documents all test results; writes and reviews Behavior Information Disclosures.
• Assures proper documentation is entered into PetPoint and is available for all dogs for adoption counselors to interpret when counseling prospective adopters.
• Assures proper documentation is maintained by Training Specialists for daily department communications.
• Handles dogs of questionable behavior to assure safety of shelter staff, volunteers, and clients.
• Provides behavioral counseling on-site for potential adopters to make successful placements.
• Participation in public training as needed, including instructing group classes, providing Adoption Follow-Up (AFU) and private training support for clients.
• Teach weekly staff/canine coach volunteer classes to ensure proper training and handling techniques, as needed.
• Supervises and reviews training specialists for daily duties supporting and providing for the behavioral health of all shelter and client-owned dogs.
• Coordinates scheduling for staff to ensure proper TBMD coverage, as needed.
• Keep informed of current behavior modification/training techniques and developments in the animal training and sheltering industry. 
• Participate in presentations at animal welfare conferences, training interns and off-site training of other shelters or organizations, as needed.
• Accurately documents entries in PetPoint, such as dog, cat, and child rating test items and memos.
• Familiarity with Training Team SOPs and behavior modification protocols.
• Supports training new hires while setting a good example for the team.
• Provides additional training and support for the rest of the team on safe handling techniques and behavior modification protocols.
• Assists with additional responsibilities in the absence of the Training Team Supervisor such as addressing clients, assisting staff, and troubleshooting.
• Trains Animal Welfare Team (AWT) Members, in cooperation with AWT Leads, on safe handling of dogs, child meets, dog meets, and other job knowledge.
• Is respectful, positive, and professional with staff, volunteers, and clients.
• Share ideas with Training Team Supervisor and/or Shelter Managers regarding recommended improvements in procedures/ welfare of animals/ special needs of animals/ shelter needs.
• Dependability: punctual and consistent in attendance for shifts and meetings.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience:

· Minimum of 2 years’ experience in animal welfare; animal shelter experience preferred.

· Prior training and behavioral experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Proven knowledge of the guidelines and practices in an animal welfare/shelter environment.

· Knowledge of local animal control laws and state humane laws and their application to the public.

· Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Excellent interpersonal communication and public speaking skills.

· Ability to use a PC and widely used software packages, e.g., Microsoft 365; ability to learn new software as necessary.

· Ability to meet deadlines; ability to set and accomplish work in order of priority; professionally maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure and changing conditions.

· Able to work a flexible schedule with regular weekend and evening activities.

· Must hold a valid Colorado driver’s license and have an insurable driving record.

Working Conditions:

· Office and animal shelter environment.

· Potential exposure to high noise levels and zoonotic diseases.

· Exposure to all weather conditions when working at outdoor events.

· Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

· Frequent use of computers and telephone.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22