Dog Training Instructor

POSITION: Dog Training Instructor (DTI)

Part-Time, Non-Exempt, At-will

Approximately 90 - 120 hours per program, 3-4 programs yearly, other activities

Hourly Wage: Commensurate with experience

SUMMARY:

We're seeking an experienced dog training instructor to help empower youth from under-resourced communities and enrich the lives of homeless dogs. The Dog Training Instructor must be willing to use only rewards based, force-free training, handling, and behavior modification techniques in their capacity as an employee of K9 Youth Alliance.

In our Positive Youth Development Series (PYDS) program model, the Dog Training Instructor trains youth to train their dog partners. In our Positive Enrichment Series (PES), the Dog Training Instructor teaches adult volunteers to handle and train shelter dogs.

COMPETENCIES

• Responsible, punctual, works well with & without supervision 
• Knowledge & experience with canine behavior, shelter best practices & handling dogs of all sizes & behavior profiles
• Strong, professional interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to remain calm & professional in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to receive & act on constructive feedback
• Willingness to ask for direction & clarification
• Proactively, professionally contribute to conversations 

REPORTS

The Dog Training Instructor is an important member of the program team that includes the Program Director (PD), Educational Facilitator (EF), Lead Program Assistant (LPA), Program Assistant (PA) and several volunteers. 

The DTI reports directly to the Program Director. The LPA and the PA report to the DTI for specific activities as designated. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program

• Proactively participate in staff meetings
• Collaborate with the PD to conduct temperament testing & selection of a predetermined number of dogs 
• Ensure dog crates in the transport van are installed safely & securely
• Ensure dogs are properly fitted with equipment
• Participate in pre-program activities at youth partner facility
• Determine daily volunteer-dog match-ups
• Provide daily dog training instruction to groups of up to 8 teams
• Coordinate & monitor the neighborhood walks
• Monitor & ensure the safety of the program at all times
• Monitor & communicate canine behavior/medical issues to the PD 
• Provide initial in-home consultation & follow up services to new adopters as needed

Other

• Participate in organizational events that include program dogs (e.g., mobile pet adoptions, tabling events)
• Event responsibilities may include selecting dogs for events, ensuring dog transportation is arranged, coordinating dog handlers, ensuring the safety and welfare of dogs is maintained during event
• Participate in curriculum planning and updating 
• Participate in meetings with program partners as needed

As the duties of the position evolve from program to program, the job description will be reviewed and subject to changes of operational necessity.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to lift 50 pounds 
• Able to handle dogs of all sizes on leash
• Able to be active, physically responsive & moving around for 3-4 hours/day

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Large City, County or other Animal Shelter
• PYDS programs generally held on location, outdoors & indoors
• May perform some responsibilities remotely

EXPERIENCE & ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY

• LA Animal Services or other shelter volunteer onboarding (upon hire if necessary)
• Youth partner volunteer onboarding (upon hire)
• 5-7 years professional dog training instruction & handling experience preferred 
• 2-3 years of consistent experience handling dogs of all sizes & temperaments in shelters preferred
• Minimum 15-20 hours of group dog training experience
• Experience with youth & youth development a plus
• Certification not required but strongly preferred: CPDT-KA or KSA, KPA, CDBC or equivalent 
• Must have a current CA driver’s license or approved ID
• Criminal background check upon conditional employment offer