Find your home with us

Part Time Behaviour Trainer (Parental leave backfill)

• 10 Months Maximum Term contract until January 2027
• 3 days per week, 45.6 hours per fortnight

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.

The role:

We have an exciting and unique opportunity for an experienced Animal Behaviour Trainer to join our Behaviour Department on a part-time basis. You will play an important part in facilitating our behaviour program, working with our shelter animals in need of extra care. Our Behaviour Trainers practice and teach force-free, positive reinforcement-based training methods, and you will be responsible for practicing this method of behaviour training.

The Behaviour Department is responsible for overseeing canine behavioural assessments and designing a treatment plan for dogs in their care. The Behaviour Department also works closely with other departments to assist with behavioural issues and oversee environmental enrichment programs throughout the Home. 

Your responsibilities:

• Performing behaviour assessments of shelter dogs under the direction of the Animal Behaviour Team Leader
• Implementing behaviour modification treatment plans and managing own case load
• Supporting shelter staff and fellow team members in achieving positive outcomes
• Providing excellent customer service to all internal and external clients of the Home
• Engaging in administrative tasks as required

 You will have:

• Relevant qualification in dog training and canine behaviour or working towards a relevant qualification
• Confidence with handling dogs of varying temperaments
• Prior experience working in a shelter environment (highly desirable)
• A commitment to positive reinforcement-based training methods
• Passion for animal behaviour and welfare
• Willingness to work as part of a wider team and also autonomously
• High degree of emotional maturity
  
  

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 are interested in this position, please apply ensuring you have included a copy of a current cover letter and resume. If you have any questions regarding this role, please email recruitment@dogshome.com.

Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply early as the role may close if a suitable candidate is found. Don't miss out—apply today!

The successful applicant will be required to complete satisfactory 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.