Animal Behavior and Training Assistant

Mountain Humane (in Hailey, Idaho) is on a mission to enrich the quality of life in our community
by saving animals and changing lives. We do this through innovative programs that inspire and have
impact beyond southern Idaho. The first “no-kill” shelter in the state of Idaho (in 1999), annually
we help more than 2,500 animals and touch the lives of more than 5,000 people through our
programs. We are proud to be a model for other animal welfare organizations and to be at the
forefront of best practices in non-profit management.

JOB SUMMARY:
The Animal Behavior & Training Assistant (ABTA), in conjunction with the Behavior & Training
Manager, is responsible for the mental well-being of all animals within the care of the shelter. The
main area of responsibility is the training and behavior modification for the in-house population, as
well as conducting dog training classes for the public. Other areas of responsibility include
developing and tracking an enrichment program for all shelter animals, act as support in training
staff and volunteers to run enrichment programs such as playgroups, assist with the implementation
and monitoring of programs intended to identify and prevent problem behavior in shelter animals,
and assist in the development and teaching of training classes for staff and volunteers.

Classification: Full time, Exempt
Reports to: Animal Behavior and Training Manager
Location: Hailey, Idaho

QUALIFICATIONS:
Prefer a current certification with any of these organizations: CCPDT, KPA, IAABC, or similar,
and/or an undergraduate degree in the field of animal behavior or related sciences

Minimum of 1-year Animal training and/or behavior required

Minimum of 1-year Animal care experience preferred

Minimum of 1-year Animal sheltering experience strongly preferred

Proven knowledge and practical experience in basic dog and cat training using humane,
reward-based training methods

Knowledgeable and experienced in defensive handling skills with fractious cats and large (120 lbs.)
untrained, and potentially dangerous dogs

Effective communication with patrons, volunteers and staff

Computer literate in a Windows environment; proficient in Microsoft Office Applications and
Google Suites. Familiarity with animal shelter software, Shelterluv, and volunteer software, Better
Impact, preferred

Ability to work independently, but also effectively with other departments

Demonstrated track record with multitasking with positive results

Exhibited flexibility and professionalism

Must work well with the public, including children, persons of varied racial, ethnic, cultural,
socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual preference, and with individuals who are differently-abled.
Should exhibit a positive attitude, common sense, flexibility, and teamwork with ability to exercise
independent judgment

POSITION DUTIES:

• Alongside the Behavior and Training Manager, ensure that each shelter animal is
  behaviorally evaluated for disposition on an on-going basis, and ensure all findings are
  properly documented and communicated


• Conduct public dog training classes using reward-based training methods, that are in line
  with MH philosophies


• Help implement and document individual behavior modification and training programs for
  shelter animals to improve behavior and increase chances of adoption


• Provide enrichment components for individual animal plans


• Help identify and coordinate dog playgroups for the population alongside kennel staff and
  volunteers


• Work closely with volunteers to achieve maximum results from training and behavior
  modification plans


• Provide pre-adoption counseling for adopters of pets with training/behavioral needs


• Evaluate housing for all animals and make recommendations for improvements based on
  behavior needs of the animals to decrease stress and improve their physical and emotional
  wellbeing


• Update and maintain animal files and associated data in shelter software program


• Assist with administrative tasks such as monthly statistics and behavior tracking


• Collect behavioral histories of animals from their previous homes when necessary


• Conduct staff and volunteer handling and training classes (involving both cats and dogs)


• Help identify and coordinate potential foster opportunities for the population alongside the foster team

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Maintain a neat and well-groomed personal appearance


• Wear supplied uniforms and closed toed shoes during all working hours


• Comply with all facility safety protocols


• Assist in maintaining overall facility cleaning standards


• Carry out other duties as assigned by supervisor

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Indoors and outdoors, including in shelter environment with dogs, cats, pocket pets
  


• Frequent interactions with children who may or may not be well-behaved, occasional
  contact with the public in an emotionally charged environment


• Animal handling required; while all adoptable animals have health and behavior screening,
  by nature of the industry, there may be occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly,
  vicious, and/or dangerous animals in addition to possible exposure to parasites and
  infectious diseases


• May require driving of company vehicles. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and good
  driving record. Drivers information will be submitted to the carrier
  
  
  
  • Regular use driving of company vehicles; employee’s must be at least the age of 18
    
  
  
  • Occasional use driving of company vehicles; employees under the age of 18 must be
    preapproved by the carrier
  
  
  
  


• Work day includes walking, standing, sitting, bending, squatting, lifting (occasionally up to
  50 lbs), answering telephones, and using a computer, work with a variety of cleaning agents,
  and work in an environment with daily changes in climate

HOURS, SALARY & BENEFITS:
Hours: Full Time, 40 hours/week, weekends, holiday shifts and overtime as needed

Salary: $22.00 to $25.00 per hour depending on experience, certifications, proficiency in job tasks, and
ability to teach public classes

Benefits: Mountain Humane offers a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time employees,
including: generous paid time off allotment for vacation and personal reasons, 100% employer paid
medical insurance for staff (with the option of upgrading the plan for a small contribution), access
to a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% matching employer contribution, access to reduced cost
veterinary care and pet supplies (including dog/cat food) for all employee-owned pets, a 40%
discount at The Barkin’ thrift store in Hailey, and 20% off of a membership to the YMCA.
Mountain Humane also provides funding for professional development opportunities and temporary
financial assistance for commuting employees.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work performed
by this position, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Nothing in
this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this
job at any time. Either employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time
with or without notice and with or without cause.

Mountain Humane is an equal opportunity employer.