Behaviour Trainer – Foster Program (North Melbourne Shelter)

1 x Full-Time 12-Month Fixed Term (76 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 Behaviour Trainer to join our Behaviour Department and lead the development of The Lost Dogs’ Home’s Behaviour Foster Program. This program is designed to support the rehabilitation of cats and dogs, with cats as the primary focus of the role prior to adoption

In this newly created role, you will design program frameworks and resources, provide foster carers with tailored behaviour advice, and monitor the progress of fostered animals through phone, online, and in-person consultations. Working closely with our Behaviour, Pathways, and Veterinary teams, you will ensure that fostered animals receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive in care and successfully transition to adoption.

The Lost Dogs’ Home is committed to force-free, reward-based animal training methods, and you will be responsible for practicing this method of behaviour training.

Your responsibilities will be:

• Developing program frameworks, resources, and foster carer training materials.
• Providing foster carers with tailored, force-free, reward-based behaviour advice and support.
• Monitoring and recording animal progress while in foster care, ensuring accurate and consistent reporting.
• Collaborating with Behaviour, Veterinary, and Pathways teams to support animals at foster intake and return.
• Assisting the Shelter Behaviour Team with assessments or training support as required.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of the foster behaviour program and building LDH’s reputation as a leader in the field.

 You will have:

• Relevant qualification in animal behaviour and/or training, or working towards a relevant qualification (Cert IV behaviour and training students are encouraged to apply)
• Strong understanding of cat behaviour (essential) and experience working with dogs.
• Demonstrated experience providing force-free, reward-based behaviour support in foster, shelter, or adoption contexts.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and support foster carers.

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Passion for animal welfare and a commitment to force-free, reward-based training methods.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams as well as autonomously.
• High degree of emotional maturity and resilience in a fast-paced environment.

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 you:

• Unique work environment, supporting a great cause
• A rewarding job opportunity to help change the lives of shelter animals
• Career development opportunities and financial assistance with approved studies
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and onsite counselling service
• Discounts at our Vet Clinic, Frank Samways
• Friendly, passionate and supportive team who will help develop your skills in animal welfare

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.

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 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.