Description

STARTING PAY: $18.50/HR. DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE AND CREDENTIALS

POSITION SUMMARY

The Canine Behavior Evaluator Main Shelter is responsible for behaviorally testing all canines and entering test data in a timely manner. An important aspect of the job is to provide honest, objective behavioral information when evaluating an animals mental welfare and to help determine if the animal is an adoption candidate. Other responsibilities include monitoring and creating strategies for maintaining graduates of Wayside Waifs Canine Behavior Center, and also ensuring our more challenging canine population have current directives and are monitored for signs of stress or regression. The Canine Behavior Evaluator Main Shelter will help educate volunteers, fellow staff members, potential adopters, and the public by promoting positive reinforcement and displaying proper dog handling techniques.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Work within a team to ensure a thorough behavior assessment is completed on all canines 5 months and older entering the shelter.

• Distinguishing between floor ready canines and canines who may require a decompression period or behavior modification.
• Ensuring each dog has proper signage, walking equipment, and walking directives when needed.

2. Make recommendations to staff and volunteers regarding canine behavior issues when necessary.

3. Support the Admissions department with canines that pose a safety concern at intake. Assistance to Admissions will include entering owner surrender summaries.

4. Check in with strays prior to clearance for interaction by Canine Care Technicians, and monitor behavior of dogs on decompression periods.

5. Assist in training sessions, play groups, and/or extra enrichment for any stressed population.

6. Communicate daily updates of dogs cleared behaviorally to appropriate departments to ensure the best flow through the shelter.

7. Provide support for adoptions and foster departments through behavior consults, meet and greet assistance, and further training/management recommendations for designated dogs.

8. Maintain open communication with Canine Behavior Evaluators - CBC about graduates of the CBC, and collaborate on behavior maintenance plans and best practices.

9. Support the "Ask a Trainer" feature by responding to behavior related inquiries as needed.

10. Assist, shadow or teach Public and Volunteer training classes as assigned.

11. Provide follow-up support for dogs previously enrolled in the Waifs with Wisdom program.

12. Perform other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ KEY COMPETENCIES

• Thorough understanding of canine behavior and body language, especially in a shelter environment
• Ability to use safe and humane dog handling techniques for both fearful and high arousal dogs
• Ability to work within a team setting as well as independently, and provide and accept feedback in the moment
• Strong customer service
• Ability to work with and train volunteers
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast paced environment
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Strong public speaking skills
• Ability to work in an emotionally charged environment, and have challenging conversations effectively and appropriately

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education

• High School diploma or GED; Degree preferred
• CPDT- KA preferred
• Dog handling experience required: shelter handling preferred

Physical

• Ability to lift 50lbs.
• Significant amount of standing and squatting during a typical day, exposure to fumes, animal smells, and airborne particles
• Noise level is moderate to high
• Exposure to animal waste
• Potential to be scratched or bitten

Qualifications

Salary : $19