Canine Behavior and Enrichment Team Member

KC Pet Project

Job Description

Position: Canine Behavior and Enrichment Team Member
Department: Canine Behavior and Enrichment
Reports to: Manager of Behavior and Enrichment
Category: Non-exempt; hourly
Salary: $15.00 - $17.00/hour
Supervises: Volunteers supporting the department

MUST HAVE DOG HANDLING AND TRAINING EXPERIENCE

Job Purpose:
The Behavior and Enrichment Team Member is responsible for facilitating enrichment to animals in the care of KC Pet Project to provide outlets for expression of natural behavior to reduce the impact of the stressful shelter environment, as well as provide behavior assessments and develop behavior modification plans for at-risk animals to increase adoptability. In addition to daily enrichment, this position is responsible for behavior counseling to adopters and community members, and leading group classes.

Daily Duties and Responsibilities:
Represent KC Pet Project in a professional, polite, and enthusiastic manner.
Participate in the daily playgroup enrichment program, the execution of enrichment and arousal management programs, dog walking program, and participate in, and lead as necessary, in training classes and/or public training programs.
Provide exceptional levels of care and handling, creating an enriching environment for shelter dogs. Participate in the daily evaluation of dogs for correct pathway placement, and ongoing evaluation of dogs with behavior concerns. Develop and implement enrichment/behavioral modification plans, as appropriate, and in alignment with KC Pet Project’s philosophies and provide ongoing evaluation of progress.
Handle and restrain dogs with handling sensitivities to assist medical and intake staff in proving medical treatment and appropriate vaccinations when needed.
Provide pre-adoption behavior counseling to potential adopters of dogs with behavior concerns (shy/fearful; jumpy/mouthy, resource guarding, etc.). Ensure adopters and community members receive behavior support, as requested, and as needed, to help keep pets in their homes with their families.
Train and provide on-going support to volunteers that are assisting with behavior and enrichment programs.
Process and maintain all paperwork, daily record keeping for dogs handled, and other essential processes with accuracy and attention to detail. Ensure staff participation in record keeping practices.
Consults with all canine departments to ensure proper care and handling of the dogs. Ensure adherence to KC Pet Project’s training philosophy and policies and procedures to promote safe handling practices.
Provide input and work in cooperation with multiple departments to address the needs of the animal.
Participate in decision making process for end-of-life consideration for dogs and assist with euthanasia to alleviate stress in behaviorally challenged dogs.
Maintain an organized work environment.
Must be able to engage politely and meaningfully with volunteers and to ensure a positive and welcoming environment. Willingness to teach and to mentor volunteers to ensure their success in meeting the department’s needs.
Adheres to all KCPP organizational and departmental policies and procedures, and to all local and state requirements, including but not limited to OSHA, Department of Agriculture, Animal Services Division, etc.
Maintain an organized work environment and adhere to and ensure compliance with all KC Pet Project organizational policies and procedures and safety guidelines and procedures.
Communicates regularly with their manager about departmental issues and actively contributes to problem solving.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Performance Factors and Necessary Skills:
Must be able to work in a high volume, fast paced, high stress environment.
Self-motivated, great attitude, team-oriented a must.
Working knowledge of dog handling and behavior, including pets with challenging temperaments and with severe health conditions.
Ability to handle pets safely and with kindness always, without exception.
Excellent time management ability; able to juggle multiple deadlines and contradictory projects.
Strong organizational and analytical skills; being able to make decisions in an environment of competing priorities that are in the best interest of the animal and the organization.
Be an example of punctuality and report to work on time.
Basic Computer Literacy (Microsoft Office, ability to learn PetPoint Database system, etc.)
Willingness to learn new things and be open to ideas. Has a willingness and enthusiasm for a continued state of learning in regard to animal behavior.
Capability to manage a changing population and conform to varying levels in intake, and community needs.
Working Conditions:
Most functions will be performed at the Kansas City Campus for Animal Care. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, high noise levels, extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Must be able to lift up to 50 lb., sustain long periods of standing, bending, stooping, reaching and animal handling and restraint for various activity levels of animals in an animal shelter-type setting. Must be able to effectively manage and navigate the emotional aspects of animal welfare

Qualifications/Educational Background:
High School or equivalent.
Training and experience which demonstrate successful dog handling skills, training, and behavior knowledge is required.
Certification from IAABC, CCPDT, KPA, or other relevant animal behavior certifying organization, degree in animal or 1+ years of experience in dog training/behavior fields is preferred but not required.
Exceptional customer service ability.
Possession of a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
Bilingual (English/Spanish) or multilingual is preferred but not required.

Schedule: 5 shifts weekly with at least one regularly scheduled weekend shift. Some holidays are required.

Please note: this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

This is a full time job