Animal Training & Enrichment Coordinator

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

Job Description

About the job
Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, located in Playa Vista, is a unique community space featuring pet adoptions, a humane education program, and a leadership institute for animal science and welfare advancement. Annenberg PetSpace focuses on the mutually beneficial and dynamic bond between people and their pets, as well as the origins and community impact of that relationship.

Position Summary:

The Animal Training Enrichment Coordinator works in collaboration with the training & enrichment team to improve the lives of all PetSpace animals through training, enrichment, and behavior modification
The Training & Enrichment Coordinator will also help with documentation of training procedures and action plans

Essential Position Functions:

The list that follows is not intended to be comprehensive; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of the position. Incumbents may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks

-Conduct public training classes in accordance with behavior training philosophy of PetSpace
Provide oversight of Training staff
-Maintain flexibility in scheduling availability to meet agency and program needs, including weekend availability (public training classes, special events, adoption support, training of on-site animals, public programming, etc.)
-Participate in the implementation of in-house animal training programs with emphasis on positive reinforcement training methods
-Evaluate animals and help with development and implementation of behavior plans
-Under the direction of the Animal Operations Manager, train staff and volunteers on animal behavior and appropriate animal handling practices
-Under the direction of the Animal Operations Manager, train staff and volunteers on the implementation of training programs to enrich the animal’s environment, to prevent problem behaviors, and to improve their adoptability
-May collaborate with Animal Operations Manager on development of resources, training materials, and SOPs
-Manage groups of dogs with various behavior dynamics to provide enrichment, assess compatibility, and assess behavior and training needs according to play styles during dog on dog meet and greets and playgroups
-Provide comprehensive and specific information to potential adopters about each animal’s behavior and training needs
-Provide community outreach on animal training through pre- and post- adoption services, public workshops, information materials and participation in special events
-Assist in post-adoption support to improve the retention of animals in homes by offering support and recommendations over the phone, via email, and in-person
-Under the direction of the Animal Operations Manager, delegate animal training plans and methods to animal care staff in a clear, concise, and constructive manner
-Communicate in an effective and professional manner with the public and PetSpace staff members
-Train animals while interacting with the public and assist members of the public in having safe, educational, and friendly animal interactions during those training sessions.
-Participate in public programming (i.e. Humane Education programming, etc.)
-Accurately and reliably enter notes in the organization’s electronic record keeping system; keep training records and working files as assigned
-Represent PetSpace in professional and courteous manner at all times
-Perform related duties as required

Requirements
Experience:
-3-5 years working as a Professional Animal Trainer; animal shelter or rescue experience preferred
-Valid driver's license and exemplary driving record

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
-Animal handling skills including the ability to read animal body language
-Dog playgroup experience preferred
-Ability to effectively train on a variety of animal behavior topics using industry best practices. -----Understanding of canine ethology, including developmental influences, normal social structures of dogs in different contexts and communicative signals (predatory behavior, play behavior, etc.) preferred
Must have a solid background in learning theory and animal behavior and understand the theory and application of operant conditioning and classical conditioning and be experienced in their use
Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and selected shelter software/database
Effective written and oral communication skills with ability to compose routine correspondence
Must have strong social skills and enjoy working with people as much as animals
Must possess the ability to work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions
Possess poise, professionalism, diplomacy, teamwork and the ability to interact with people from all walks of life
Contribute positively to the culture of respect for all individuals and animals and possess the ability to adapt to change
Commitment to, and passion for, the mission of PetSpace

Physical Demands:
Must be able to stand, walk, sit, talk and hear, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, grasp grip, put fingers together firmly and reach above and below shoulder level and lift, push or pull 20 pounds for situations of restraining or moving animals and lifting food and animal care supplies, repetitively use hands to operate computers
flex the neck upward and downward; twist the neck and the waist.
May be required to clean and care for animals.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Work Conditions:
Standard office environment with exposure to environmental conditions that include working near and caring for animals

Benefits:
100% paid medical insurance, dental and vision for employee + family
We also offer a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% company contribution after 1 year of employment
Vacation & sick days
Company paid holidays
Gym membership
Mileage reimbursement
Professional development allowance
Pet adoption discount

Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation, PetSpace, is a company that respects the uniqueness of each employee and offers everyone the means to find their place and thrive. We promote initiatives aimed at supporting professional equality for everyone. We strive to go above and beyond purely symbolic measures by building a culture focused on meaningful strategies aimed at creating an inclusive workforce.

Upon notice, the company engages with applicants and employees requesting reasonable accommodations. Please notify Human Resources to explore further.

This is a full time job