School for Dogs Trainer (Part-Time) chez Richmond SPCA

Description

Reports to Coordinator of School for Dogs

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it. ? 

School for Dogs is a reward-based dog training program offered by the Richmond SPCA. Our School for Dogs trainers deliver individualized training sessions to beloved canine companions that focus on manners, socialization, agility and more! 

Essential Functions

• Build and maintain positive relationships with School for Dogs students (dogs) and their people (our clients)
• Perform daily training and enrichment sessions with School for Dogs students using reward-based methods
• Share daily updates via email with School for Dogs clients to include information on training sessions and opportunities to continue training at home
• Create individualized training videos to assist with continuing training education at home
• Schedule and lead personalized private lessons with clients and their dogs
• Work both independently and in collaboration with School for Dogs teammates to help clients set achievable training goals for their dogs
• Assist with managing and maintaining the inventory of training treats used by trainers 
• Complete daily housekeeping tasks to include laundry, sweeping, washing dishes, mopping, etc. in the School for Dogs training area
• Keep updated on current management and training protocols, following positive reinforcement techniques, through webinars and seminars
• Attend and participate in required trainings and meetings
• Other job-related duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills and Expectations

• Alignment with the Richmond SPCA’s mission to achieve and sustaining a no-kill community – including promoting pet adoption and spaying/neutering – and to utilizing reward-based, positive reinforcement (R+) training methods
• Effective, professional, and empathetic communication (written and verbal) with the public, volunteers, and all Richmond SPCA employees
• Attitude that contributes to a welcoming, accessible, compassionate, and respectful atmosphere
• Ability to multi-task, take and follow directions, and adapt to and productively accommodate changing demands – all with excellent attention to detail
• An understanding of canine behavior and body language
• Previous dog training experience is a plus, but not required, as hands-on coaching and education is provided for new trainers
• Basic computer skills (experience using Microsoft 365 a plus)
• Punctuality and reliability are essential, as well as good time management and prioritization skills
• Work independently with little supervision at times
• Maintain confidentiality as requested

Work Environment

• Supportive, collaborative team environment that encourages and celebrates creativity and resourcefulness
• Rapid pace with limited exposure to potential hazards including animal waste, cat litter, various chemicals, and disinfectants
• High levels of noise at times
• Potential for animal bites and scratches and zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to people)

Requirements

• Have daytime availability as early as 7 a.m. and as late as 6 p.m.
• Have reliable transportation including during inclement weather
• Be 18 years of age or older

Physical Job Requirements

• Able to safely interact with dogs of all sizes, including those who have challenging behaviors
• Able to safely walk dogs of all sizes indoors and outdoors, including during inclement weather
• Able to bend, kneel, stoop, use stairs, and use your arms in a repetitive manner
• Able to be on your feet for 5 to 6 hours
• Able to routinely lift up to 25 pounds
• Have physical strength to perform cleaning duties effectively and efficiently

Richmond SPCA employees are eligible to become clients of our low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital and have access to an Employee Assistance Program. Employees who average 15+ hours per week are eligible for voluntary (employee-paid) benefits including accident insurance, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance. Employees who average 20+ hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave. 

Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and paid personal leave.

The Richmond SPCA is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.