Dog Daycare Counselor

About Us:At The Bark Yard, we offer an upscale, enrichment-based dog daycare, boarding, grooming, and training experience. Our focus is on creating a fun, safe, and stimulating environment where dogs thrive through positive reinforcement and individualized care. We are committed to fear-free and force-free methods, and our team members are passionate about ongoing learning to ensure the best outcomes for every dog. We value a collaborative and fast-paced work environment where every team member plays a key role in the success of our service.

Position Overview:As a Daycare Counselor, you will be an essential part of our close-knit, collaborative team. Your role will involve overseeing playgroups, providing enrichment, and supporting the overall well-being of the dogs in our care. You will also interact with clients, contribute to maintaining a clean and safe environment, and participate in continuous learning and development. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a family-style atmosphere, is adaptable, and is excited to contribute to the growth of our organization.

Core Responsibilities:

• Supervise Playgroups:
• Oversee and monitor dog daycare playgroups, ensuring dogs are safe, engaged, and interacting appropriately.
• Provide Enrichment:
• Lead and facilitate individual and group enrichment activities to stimulate dogs mentally, physically, and emotionally. This may include structured play, training exercises, and puzzle games.
• Develop Relationships:
• Build strong relationships with each dog to understand their behaviors, preferences, and personalities. Use this insight to integrate them into appropriate playgroups and provide tailored enrichment.
• Training & Skill Development:
• Participate in ongoing training to learn about dog behavior, enrichment strategies, and positive reinforcement techniques.
• Assist with Playgroup Leadership:
• As an counselor, help guide dogs through structured playgroups under the supervision of senior staff.
• Maintain Safety:
• Ensure the play environment is secure and free of hazards, addressing any behavioral or safety concerns as they arise.
• Reception & Client Interaction:
• Assist with reception duties, including checking dogs in and out, answering phones, and addressing client questions or concerns.
• Cleaning & Maintenance:
• Perform regular cleaning of dog kennels, common areas, and other spaces. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment for both dogs and staff.
• Provide Walks & Meals:
• Assist with feeding dogs and taking them on walks to meet their physical needs.
• Team Collaboration:
• Work closely with co-workers, fostering a positive and collaborative environment to ensure the smooth operation of the facility.
• Maintain a cheerful, problem-solving attitude, and avoid complaining, negativity, and moodiness on the job.
• Other Duties: Take on additional tasks as needed to ensure smooth operations, such as supporting team members and managing daily responsibilities.

Skills and Experience:

• Experience Working with Dogs: Previous experience working with dogs is required, preferably in a daycare, boarding, or training environment. Confidence in handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments, including dogs over 100 pounds, is essential. *If you don't have professional experience, see our Enrichment Specialist or Kennel Crew jobs!
• Coachability: Willingness to learn, receive feedback, and apply new skills and techniques.
• Multi-tasking Ability: Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a busy, fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to think critically and solve problems as they arise, ensuring the well-being of the dogs and smooth operations.
• Strong Communication Skills: Clear verbal and written communication for interacting with team members, clients, and documenting dog behavior.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Comfort with a flexible schedule and adaptability to changing conditions or tasks.
• Positive & Friendly Demeanor: Maintaining a warm, positive, approachable, and professional attitude with both dogs and clients.
• Customer Service: Experience in customer service is valued, particularly when interacting with clients and addressing their concerns or needs.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to assess situations and make thoughtful decisions quickly to ensure the safety and comfort of the dogs in your care.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with fellow staff members in a supportive, dynamic environment.
• Personal Accountability: Responsible for your actions, punctuality, and the care you provide to the dogs.
• Listening Skills: Strong listening skills to understand both client needs and dog behavior.

Work Environment:

• Outdoor Exposure: This role requires working outdoors for extended periods of time, regardless of weather conditions (rain, snow, heat, etc.). Candidates must be comfortable and equipped to work in all types of weather.
• Physically Demanding: The job involves being on your feet for extended periods of time, walking dogs, cleaning, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds. You will also need to stoop or bend down to clean cabins and other areas.
• High-Activity: The work environment is stimulating and fast-paced, with frequent dog interactions, moving between playgroups, and staying engaged with dogs throughout the day.
• Noise Level: You must be able to tolerate loud barking and a lively atmosphere, as the dogs will often vocalize, especially in group settings.
• Leash Handling: You will be handling dogs on leashes, some of which may pull or be reactive, requiring confidence and control while walking or managing them.
• Flexible Schedule: The schedule may vary depending on operational needs, including weekends, holidays, and occasional evening shifts.

Preferred Certifications & Training:

• Positive Reinforcement Mindset: Understanding and commitment to using positive reinforcement techniques to guide dog behavior and enhance enrichment, or open to learning fear and force free handling.
• Animal Handling: Training or certification in animal handling, particularly in managing dogs of various sizes, temperaments, and energy levels.
• Dog Grooming: Experience or training in basic dog grooming practices is a plus.
• Dog Body Language: Familiarity with dog body language and behavioral signals to assess and manage interactions appropriately.
• Dog Behavior: Knowledge or certification in dog behavior, socialization, or behavior modification techniques is highly valued.

Company Culture:

At The Bark Yard, we pride ourselves on a collaborative, fast-paced, and family-style environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. We believe in the power of teamwork, and our staff members work closely together to create a supportive and fun atmosphere. We are growth-minded and encourage everyone to take initiative and continue their professional development. Whether it's learning new dog care techniques, enhancing customer service skills, or pursuing certifications in animal behavior, we value ongoing education and development.

Schedule:

• Shifts range from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, 7 days a week.
• Typical shifts are 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM or 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evening shifts is required.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Training Pay: Starting at $18/hour with relevant experience.
• 401(k): Eligibility for 401(k)
• Health Insurance: Health insurance for full-time employees.
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Staff Meals: Complimentary meals during shifts.

Potential Spot Bonuses: Performance-based spot bonuses to reward exceptional work.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Shift:

• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Afternoon shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Morning shift
• Split shift

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus opportunities
• Performance bonus

Work Days:

• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

• professional dog: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• South Portland, ME 04106 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• South Portland, ME 04106: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20