Animal Trainer - Full Time

PASADENA HUMANE is a non-profit animal welfare organization looking for passionate professionals to join our team.

JOIN US & Make a Difference!

THE MISSION

To lead the way toward a compassionate and caring community for all animals.

OUR VALUES

LEARNING: We commit to best practice and professional development through continuous education.

INTEGRITY: We value honest and transparent communication and decision making using evidence based practices.

COLLABORATION: We value teamwork in our organization and partnerships with our community to deliver exceptional service.

KINDNESS: We show compassion, care, respect and empathy to all animals and humans without prejudice or discrimination.

JOB TITLE: Animal Trainer

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FT/PT: Part Time

SUMMARY

The Animal Trainer, under the supervision of the Animal Training Manager, will be responsible for preparing, assisting with, and leading animal training events. Animal training program events may include but are not limited to: offsite community events, staff and volunteer training, training workshops, virtual/online classes & presentations, weekly in-person classes, post-adoption & pet guardian behavior support for private consultations and special promotion events. The Animal Trainer will use their knowledge of learning theory, evidence-based training methods, and people coaching skills to teach pet guardians how to care for their dogs, cats, or other pet species safely and humanely and in line with Pasadena Humane’s mission and philosophies

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

• Instruct and assist with cat & dog training classes ranging from basic to advanced skill levels.
• Assess body language & behavior of dogs, cats, and small pets to determine appropriateness for group class participation.
• Use the humane hierarchy as a guide to create and apply behavior plans for cats, dogs, and other small pets.
• Conduct in-person pet consultations on campus and at special events.
• Host private consultations for dogs, cats, & critters online and by phone
• Assist with registration of class participants including answering questions about multi-species’ vaccine schedule and identification of common symptoms.
• Provide creative multi-species behavior solutions for private clients, class participants, and provide post-adoption support to adopters.
• Continually create innovative, LIFE (least inhibitive, functionally effective) based, up-to-date curriculums for use in training classes & staff education.
• Ensure a positive, educational approach to customer service with a goal of educating the public and keeping animals in homes as appropriate. Promote positive relations with the general public, volunteers and staff while promoting the Pasadena Humane programs, policies and philosophies. Address customer complaints.
• Set up and breakdown of classrooms, including sanitizing & organizing.
• Maintain department equipment in good working condition. Report any items for repair and/or replacement as needed to appropriate supervisory staff.
• Participate in special projects including off-site events, writing, or creating collateral for functions as requested.
• Maintain a positive and collaborative relationship with volunteers and shelter staff across all departments.
• Train class volunteers and create training protocols.
• Uphold Pasadena Humane’s mission and contribute to building a culture of philanthropy.
• Ensure a safe working environment and actively participate in Pasadena Humane’s safety programs.
• Work as a team member with other departmental managers.
• Perform all other functions and special details as assigned by the Animal Training Manager, Director of Humane Education & Outreach, Chief Program Officer, and President/CEO
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum high school graduate (or GED/proficiency certificate).
• At least 18 years of age
• Any of the following animal training certifications are highly desirable (CPDT-KA/KSA, CBCC-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC-ADT, IAABC-CDBC, IAABC-CCBC).
• Proven experience observing body language and handling animals using Low-Stress/Fear Free methods
• Previous experience assisting or teaching group classes highly preferred
• Effective at coaching and teaching people and at using their animal behavior and learning theory knowledge
• Ability to assess and determine if an animal is appropriate for group classes is required
• Adept at listening to clients’ and volunteers’ needs and be able to apply their teaching skills to people as well as animals
• Knowledge of and ability to safely use training equipment including long-line leashes in a skilled manner is required. Candidate must be able to work within the confines of established curriculum and protocols as well as offer creative ideas to grow the Animal Training Department
• Must be prepared to handle or work with animals weighing up to 100lbs and exhibiting a variety of behaviors, including those with challenges.
• Strong sense of professional judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be able to model Pasadena Humane’s Core Values of Learning, Integrity Collaboration and Kindness.
  • Must interact positively with supervisor, management, coworkers, volunteers, and the public to promote a team effort and maintain a positive and professional approach.
  • Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Must provide positive, proactive customer service
  • Must have a positive attitude and a sense of humor

WORK SCHEDULE

Must come to work regularly and on time. Must be available for early and/or late hours. Must be able to work early hours according to the needs of the department schedule, including weekends and holidays.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Fast-paced environment. Employees are exposed to numerous animals (living and deceased), including those with uncertain dispositions. They are required to act in a safe and responsible manner.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and/or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Pasadena Humane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy not to engage in discrimination against any individual, or harassment of any person seeking employment with our organization on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic information or status as a covered veteran including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, merit increase, salary, training and development, demotion, and separation. This policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws. Federal law requires proof of citizenship or "alien right-to-work" status. Pasadena Humane maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing.