Training and Enrichment Specialist

at  The Animal Foundation

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position assists in developing, coordinating, and implementing training and enrichment plans for shelter animals; participates in daily training and enrichment activities; and observes, collects, records, and communicates animal behavior and information to increase adaptability to the shelter environment, provide mental well-being, and support appropriate positive placements for the animals in our care.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma/GED
• Two (2) years of full-time equivalent animal welfare or shelter enrichment experience
• Equivalent combination of formal education and appropriate related experience may be considered.

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Some positions may require the incumbent to be at least 21 years of age, and possess and maintain a valid Class C Nevada Driver License. For these positions, incumbents under age 25 must possess and maintain a clean driving record, and be licensed for at least three years prior. Those over age 25 must possess and maintain a safe driving record that will allow for acceptable insurance risk to the Foundation.
• CPDT-KA preferred (ability to receive within 3 years of hire).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of:

• General knowledge of companion animal care, welfare, behavior, breeds, and species.
• Humane euthanasia and its principles and practices.
• Principles and practices of guest service.
• Standard office administrative practices and procedures, including record-keeping systems and the operation of office equipment, computers, and associated software.
• Effective soft skills or interpersonal skills for dealing with Team Members, volunteers, and the public, in person, in writing, and over the telephone.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Skill in:

• Demonstrating concern for the welfare of people and animals and treating all of them with respect.
• Interpersonal sensitivity and cultural competency/awareness for working with diverse populations while providing non-judgmental and compassionate guest services.
• Dealing tactfully and effectively with Team Members, volunteers, and the general public.
• Use of business software and associated computer hardware.
• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.
• Working without close supervision in standard work situations.
• Adhering to all established guidelines, protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities.
• Gathering, compiling, and maintaining accurate information and records; preparing accurate reports and summaries.
• Preparing clear and concise correspondence, instructions, and other written materials.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in enhancing and maintaining a culture of health and overall wellness for the animals in our care across the organization.

• Contributes to the development, coordination, and implementation of training and enrichment plans and programs for shelter animals, as needed.

• Participates in daily training and enrichment activities, including canine playgroups, as well as appropriate training and/or enrichment for all species of animals in our care.
• Maintains a high volume of animal participation in training and enrichment activities every day.
• Provides guidance and support on the proper care, housing, handling, and enrichment of shelter animals to internal departments, as developed by the management team, when directed.
• Assists other departments in handling animals who are showing signs of stress in the shelter environment.
• Supports the Organization to actively and continuously train, schedule, engage, supervise, and retain volunteers to ensure proper volunteer integration into the Training and Enrichment Team and provide the support/resources volunteers need to feel prepared and empowered in their roles.
• Objectively observes animal behavior in a timely manner to best support their physical and mental health in the shelter and assist in successful and appropriate animal placements.
• Records and maintains detailed information for every animal in the animal database.
• Participates in reviewing animal observations, information, and history and contributes to discussions and decisions about appropriate animal placement, including adoptions, transfer, and potentially euthanasia, if necessary.
• Performs administrative/clerical duties in a timely fashion as needed, including but not limited to: completing required documentation; provides information and assistance to internal departments and external guests, including communicating in person, by telephone, and through email; etc. as required.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Organization’s service to its guests by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team.
• Provides responsive, meaningful, and compassionate service to all guests as outlined in the organization’s Guest Service Charter.
• Applies the principles of The Animal Foundation’s Core Values toward the goal of bettering self, the organization, and others.
• Other duties as assigned.

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK EXPECTED OF THIS POSITION. THIS DESCRIPTION IS NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LISTING OR DESCRIPTION OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES, AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF INCUMBENTS IN THE JOB.

I have read and understand the above to be a general description of the duties, physical demands and occupational exposures of the position for which I am being hired