Behavior and Enrichment Coordinator

Canine Behavior Coordinator (Part Time)

Humane Society of Truckee Tahoe (HSTT)

Founded in 1994, HSTT has grown from a small, grassroots nonprofit into a leading animal-welfare organization in the Lake Tahoe region. Our mission is to save and improve the lives of pets through adoptions, community spay/neuter services, and humane education programs. For more information, please visit www.hstt.org

POSITION SUMMARY

The Canine Behavior Coordinator supports the behavioral health, welfare, and adoptability of dogs in HSTT’s care through exclusively science-based, positive-reinforcement training methods. This role focuses on behavior assessment, observations, enrichment, training plans, staff and volunteer support, and adopter education within a limited 10-15 hours per week scope

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Train, mentor, and support staff and volunteers in humane, positive reinforcement methods designed to improve shelter dog behavior, reduce stress, and increase adoptability through consistent daily handling and enrichment practices


• Learn HSTT’s behavior assessment protocol and conduct behavioral observations for dogs throughout their shelter stay


• Work with staff to develop and implement individualized behavior and enrichment plans


• Work with Foster Program Manager and foster families to manage stress and maintain the adoptability of the dogs in foster care


• Provide hands-on training sessions focused on stress reduction and adoptability


• Maintain accurate behavior documentation


• Train and coach staff and volunteers on canine body language and positive reinforcement


• Collaborate with animal caretakers, medical, and adoption teams


• Provide adopter counseling and behavior information as needed


• Assist with complex behavior cases and determining safe adoptability


• Provide adoption counseling, post-adoption support, and behavior information as needed


• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with dog behavior in a shelter or training environment


• Strong understanding of positive reinforcement training principles


• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma required


• CCPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC or other accredited professional dog training certification preferred, or 2 years equivalent experience training dogs under the supervision of a certified dog trainer and in accordance with the HSTT training philosophy required


• Fear Free Certification within 6 months of hire or promotion date


• One year working or volunteering directly with animals, ideally of different species, sizes, and temperaments, under the supervision of a behavior professional in accordance with HSTT’s philosophies


• One year working in animal welfare or a related field preferred

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

HSTT supports exclusively science-based, positive-reinforcement training methods and prohibits the use of aversive or coercive training methods.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (MUST BE ABLE TO)

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds routinely


• Must be able to perform strenuous manual labor and move quickly in an agile manner when dealing with animals and in cases of emergency


• Must be able to work with physically strong dogs


• Must be able to bend, stoop, hike, walk, kneel, and lift comfortably


• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen


• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone


• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard

As a valued member of the HSTT family, you’ll receive a benefits package that may include:

• Paid sick leave


• Office snacks and wellness opportunities


• Veterinary care for personal pets, provided within the scope of services offered in our clinic


• Grief counseling and support

COMPENSATION: Hourly, $28-$34/hour depending on experience

POSITION: Part-Time (approximately 10-15 hours per week, with opportunity to expand)

LOCATION: Truckee Animal Shelter

REPORTS TO: Operations Director