Part-time Behaviour Trainer - 22.8 hours per week

About us:

At The Lost Dogs’ Home, we are a foundation in Victoria's animal welfare landscape, celebrated for our compassionate care of around 18,000 lost and abandoned dogs and cats every year. Beyond caring for animals, we are dedicated to providing diverse animal welfare and community programs, all aimed at giving animals the best chance of a happy and healthy life. Our mission is upheld by passionate individuals who embody a profound affinity for animals, community, and advocacy.

About the role:

The Behaviour Trainer will design, deliver, and administer force-free, reward-based training for both group sessions and individual private clients. This part-time role involves consulting with clients about dog and cat behaviour issues, developing training plans, writing client reports, and providing client coaching. The Behaviour Trainer will also offer behaviour and training advice to clients of The Lost Dogs' Home, including adopters, foster carers, and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Design and facilitate force-free, reward-based group training classes, including puppy preschool, kitten kindergarten, and adult classes.
• Conduct private consultations, providing best practice behaviour and training advice for dogs and cats.
• Develop and run behaviour training webinars, seminars, and practical sessions for the public, foster carers, and LDH staff and volunteers.
• Engage in proactive research to ensure the latest animal training techniques are reflected in program design.
• Manage behaviour training administrative tasks, including booking management and client communication.
• Create tailored training plans and written reports for clients.
• Assist the Shelter Behaviour Team with behaviour assessments and modifications for shelter animals as needed.
• Provide excellent customer service and behaviour support to clients via email or phone.
• Offer post-adoption support and follow-up for clients who have adopted dogs and cats from The Lost Dogs' Home.
• Respond to client inquiries and provide behavioural advice to internal stakeholders.

About you:

You are an experienced and passionate animal Behaviour Trainer, dedicated to enhancing the well-being of both dogs and cats through force-free, positive reinforcement-based training methods. With a solid foundation in both canine and feline behaviour, backed by relevant qualifications or active pursuit of them, you are confident in handling animals of varying temperaments. Your previous experience in a shelter environment has equipped you with the skills to manage a diverse caseload, assess behavioural needs, and implement effective treatment plans for both dogs and cats.

In addition to your technical expertise, you excel in engaging with the public, providing clear, compassionate guidance to pet owners and members of the community. You understand the importance of effective communication and customer service in building trust and positive relationships, making you an invaluable resource for both the animals and the people you work with.

As a strong advocate for animal welfare, you demonstrate emotional maturity and a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of working with animals in need. You thrive in collaborative environments, where you can support your colleagues, educate the public, and always strive for positive outcomes. Your ability to work both autonomously and as part of a wider team makes you an ideal candidate for this role.

Key competencies:

• Hold a qualification in animal behaviour and/or training, or actively pursuing one.
• Equipped with a valid driver’s license.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of both dog and cat behaviour, with hands-on experience in force-free, reward-based group classes.
• Confidently deliver effective training and behaviour advice to clients, tailored to their specific needs.
• Excel in both verbal and written communication, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and empathetically.
• Exhibit strong problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills, essential for adapting to various behavioural challenges.
• Bring a background in customer service, with the capability to thrive in a challenging environment.
• Possess valuable experience from working in a shelter environment.
• Deeply committed to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
• Driven by a genuine passion for animal behaviour and welfare.
• Comfortable working both autonomously and as part of a collaborative team.
• Possess a high degree of emotional maturity, crucial for handling the emotional demands of working with animals and the public.

About our culture:

At The Lost Dogs’ Home, we cultivate an inclusive work environment that celebrates diversity. Our team enjoys a vibrant culture that fosters meaningful connections, both professionally and socially. Led by our dedicated social committee, we organise a wide range of engaging activities such as Paint and Sip Nights, Bowling, Trivia, and regular after-work gatherings. These events create opportunities for our team to relax, bond, and forge lasting friendships. We take pride in our diverse team where every individual is encouraged to be their authentic self, regardless of their role within the organisation.

What we can offer:

• A purposeful animal welfare career,
• Fantastic career development and opportunities,
• Discounts at our general practice clinic, Frank Samways Veterinary Clinic,
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program,
• Access to the Foster Care Program,
• A unique and friendly working environment (surrounded by animals!),
• Rewarding work with animals in need of a forever home.

If you have the skills, experience and enthusiasm to be successful in this role, please click on the “Apply” button, ensuring you have attached your cover letter and current resume in Word or PDF format. If you have any further questions or queries regarding the role, please email recruitment@dogshome.com.
 

 The successful applicant will be required to satisfactorily complete background screening checks.
  
The Lost Dogs’ Home is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Only candidates with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.