Certified Professional Trainer

Salary :

$22 - 22 hourly

Company : Animal Welfare League Of Arlington Virginia, Inc

Job Type : Full Time

Arlington, Va

Number of Applicants

000+

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Job Description - Certified Professional Trainer

Summary: The Certified Professional Trainer supports the League’s mission by focusing on animal behavior, enrichment, and developing group training classes for the public. The Trainer provides hands-on and virtual assistance to AWLA pets, alumni, volunteers (including foster parents) and community members, creates educational content, conducts behavior assessments, and ensures animal well-being. This role collaborates with other departments, promotes Fear Free handling techniques, and helps oversee playgroups, while also improving training and enrichment programs for shelter animals, staff, and volunteers.

Compensation: $22.00 per hour

Responsibilities include the following however other duties may be assigned:

Provide support for training, enrichment, and behavior needs for AWLA pets, alumni, and community members through virtual consultations, email, phone, and in-person meetings. Manage follow-ups through operational protocols often working closely with all shelter operations departments
Create and organize educational materials, articles, and online content related to training and behavior for both internal and external use.
Model Fear Free handling techniques and collaborate with the Animal Care Manager to ensure animals’ behavioral needs are met.
Monitor and conduct behavior assessments and address concerns within 48 hours. Identify animals in need of behavior modification using the least invasive methods.
Enter and update information in shelter software to track outcomes and maintain accurate records of behavior, stages, and holds.
Maintain a clean, safe environment for both animals and the public.
Oversee and participate in animal playgroups and enrichment.
Develop protocols and supportive resources for staff and volunteers, ensuring proper handling of animals in line with League policies.
Create and implement daily enrichment plans for animals, coordinating with animal care technicians to ensure enrichment items are provided for all species.
Participate in educational events for staff, volunteers, and the community, including kid’s camp and community care clinics.
Assist in decisions regarding the humane euthanasia of behaviorally compromised animals, when necessary.
Assist and cross-train in other departments as needed.
Stay current on best practices through ongoing learning and training; obtain approved training certification within one year if not already certified.
Collaborate with teams across the operations department to ensure seamless coordination and support for animal care, training, and behavior initiatives.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None. However, this position requires collaboration with other staff members, volunteers, and the community to create and update animal enrichment plans and assist with decision-making. Engage with, train, and support volunteers, providing instruction that emphasizes objective reporting, retention, and safety.

Qualifications:

Education / Licenses / Certifications

Minimum of High school diploma or equivalent.
Approved certification (e.g., CPDT, CBC, IAABC, KAPA) or ability to earn an approved training certification within 1 year s of employment.

Experience

Hands-on experience with animals in a shelter, clinic, or comparable environment.

Languages

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.

Key Skills

Ability and willingness to learn animal care and adoption procedures for all species, following League protocols.
Comfortable working with and around animals in alignment with League procedures.
Demonstrated ability to engage, inspire, and instruct people, with excellent customer service skills.
Capable of working both independently and as part of a team in a hands-on environment.
Calm and composed under pressure, especially in stressful, sensitive, or emergency situations.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and follow-through skills.
Adaptable to shifting priorities, evolving needs, and urgent situations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
Ability to maintain discretion with confidential information.
Understanding of humane euthanasia and willingness to participate in discussions.
Deep commitment to the mission and goals of the organization.

Requirements

Flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings, weekends, non-standard hours, and overtime as needed.
Ability to pass NSOPW background clearance.
Passion and Commitment: A deep passion for the organization's mission and dedication to its goals.

Typical Physical & Mental Demands: Working with animals involves frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and extended periods of walking or standing. You will need strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to operate common equipment like computers, telephones, photocopiers, and other systems/tools used in daily tasks.

Be prepared for exposure to injured or deceased animals, disinfection chemicals and fluctuating indoor and outdoor temperatures. You may assist in restraining animal, including those that are distressed or aggressive and face potentially hazardous situations like bites or scratches.

Physical strength and dexterity are essential for managing animals on a leash, often while performing other tasks such as opening doors. You should be able to lift and move heavy objects or animals (up to 50 lbs) and engage in active, physical work throughout the day.

Clear hearing and vision are necessary for effective communications with the public, volunteers, staff and animals. Flexibility and adaptability are also crucial to managing frequent interruptions and changes in routine. Comfort around a wide variety of animals - including dogs, cats, small companion animals, reptiles, amphibians, and wildlife—is key.

Additionally, this role requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience to handle both the rewarding and challenging aspects of working with animals. Candidates must maintain composure, show compassion and stay focused in a dynamic environment.

Vaccination requirement: Upon hire, employees will be required to receive rabies prophylaxis and tetanus vaccinations.

Benefits: We offer comprehensive medical benefits, including dental and vision insurance. Employees accrue vacation and sick time separately, with 12 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays each year. After two years of employment, employees are eligible for a 7% retirement contribution from the organization. This position also qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Additionally, we offer a salary bonus for proficiency in Arabic, Mandarin, Sign Language, Spanish, or Vietnamese. Employees also receive free pet adoptions, free pet vaccines, and other pet-related benefits.

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Certified Professional Trainer

Job Description - Certified Professional Trainer

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