Dog Trainer

Job Description

FULL TIME HOURLY, $18 – $20

DEPARTMENT: Animal Behavior & Training

REPORTS TO:  Senior Manager of Animal Behavior & Training

WORK SCHEDULE: Days and hours may vary from 7am – 6pm

TRAVEL: Some, in area

Introduction to Crossroads Campus and Crosspaws Academy

Crossroads Campus is a place where people and animals connect. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, we provide young adults with paid job skills training through our pet supplies store, grooming salon, dog treat bakery, & dog training program, and by caring for the rescued dogs and cats in our animal rescue. We also provide affordable housing for young adults through our residential program. All program participants receive intensive support services which include Case Management and Workforce Development.

As part of Crossroads Campus, the Crosspaws Academy dog training program offers encouragement focused learning for people and their pets. Our passionate instructors use a blend of encouragement, playfulness, and positive reinforcement to make learning an adventure. Whether it’s mastering new tricks or refining obedience skills, we’re here to make sure every lesson is filled with fun!

Beyond teaching obedience, our mission is to empower pet parents with the skills and knowledge needed to foster a strong bond with their canine companions. We’re committed to promoting humane training methods that prioritize every dog’s well-being and happiness.

Proceeds from dog training go towards the operation of our animal rescue as well as providing housing and job skills training for the young adults in our programs.

Position Summary

The Dog Trainer will assist in the day-to-day operation of the dog training enterprise, including but not limited to animal care and training, facilities maintenance, and client relations. The Dog Trainer will also assist and train Crossroads Campus’ intern program participants in the humane care and training of the animals utilizing Fear Free handling and positive reinforcement.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Animal Care and Training: Ensure all animals in our program receive proper care and physical & mental enrichment to enhance their overall wellbeing: make sure they are fed, medicated, & groomed, and that their kennels and yards are kept clean and sanitized. Demonstrate patience and empathy in all animal interactions. Trainers must learn and strictly follow our methods of care and training.

Client Assessment, Intake, and Checkout:  Assist with client consultations and the check-in and checkout process. Assist with filing intake documentation and entering information into our records software. Make sure interns and staff are aware of new animals and their needs.

Record Keeping: Ensure all records are kept up-to-date. Ensure each dog’s training sessions are properly documented. Keep record of each dog’s food and medicine intake. Ensure client and canine information is accurately recorded and all client communication is documented.

Client Communication:  Ensure daily updates are written and photos & videos are taken for clients regarding their dog’s training progression. Coach clients on the skills needed to understand canine behavior and continue humanely training their dog. Coordinate follow-up lessons. Demonstrate kindness, empathy, and patience in all client interactions.

Facility Maintenance: Ensure facilities are kept clean and sanitized. Keep supplies stocked and report low stock and maintenance issues to Managers.

Intern Training:  The Dog Trainer will assist with continual job coaching for intern program participants. Ensure they are learning, retaining, and practicing all of the necessary skill sets to complete daily tasks in a timely manner, and are safely caring for the dogs. The Dog Trainer must be a positive influence for program participants.

Required Qualifications and Competencies:

  • Exemplify the humane treatment of all animals
  • At least 3 years experience in a dog care and/or dog training role
  • Have an excellent understanding of dog communication and body language
  • Be familiar with the 4 quadrants of operant conditioning and how they apply to dog training
  • Proficient in or have the desire to learn the use of positive reinforcement training methods
  • Ability to follow all of our standard operating procedures for animal care and training
  • Ability to maintain poise and professionalism with intern program participants, staff, and clients in a variety of situations
  • Communicate and work effectively & cooperatively with clients, staff, and intern program participants
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Eagerness to continually improve, learn, and enhance skills and knowledge
  • Demonstrate excellent time management
  • Demonstrate flexibility, versatility, and tolerance in a ever changing work environment
  • Act with discretion, particularly when handling sensitive issues and maintaining confidentiality of all proprietary and personal data
  • Must regard safety and security as a high priority
  • Must be able to lift 30 pounds regularly and 60 pounds occasionally
  • Must be able to stand and move for long periods of time
  • Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Must have dependable attendance and reliable transportation
  • Must be eligible for employment in the U.S.
  • And most of all, must have an incredible love for dogs!

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

  • Dog Trainer Certification, such as but not limited to the CPDT-KA
  • Fear Free Professional Certification
  • Certified in canine CPR and First Aid
  • Experience hosting group dog training classes
  • Experience with social media marketing

Benefits

  • Health Insurance (75% of costs are employer covered)
  • Paid time off
  • 401k
  • Voluntary Benefits including vision, dental, disability and life insurance
  • Employee discount

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Crossroads is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference or gender identity or expression to apply.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to jobs@crossroadscampus.org

Management reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.  This job description is not a contract for employment.  Employee may be asked to perform other duties not listed in this job description.

 

Revised 03/27/2024