training and dog coordinator

It will be the responsibility of the Training and Dog Coordinator to maintain a high quality of care for all dogs in the Nuzzles & Co program in the areas of training and daily enrichment, including observing and reporting on any behavior, training, or medical needs to the training and dog manager as soon as abnormal signs are noticed. The Training and Dog Coordinator will create, implement, and manage training plans and enrichment plans and will train and inform fellow employees and volunteers to carry out these plans. In addition, the Training and Dog Coordinator will complete behavior evaluations and bios for all dogs in the Nuzzles & Co program. The Training and Dog Coordinator will create, manage, and lead training classes within the community at the Rescue Ranch and Adoption Center. Individuals in this classification represent Nuzzles & Co policies and procedures to other employees and are expected to maintain a positive and receptive environment for those individuals working at, visiting, or calling Nuzzles & Co.


RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Greet and assist all customers entering the ranch in a friendly manner.
  • Assist customers and adopters and answer any questions they may have.
  • Listen to the dog team, ranch techs, and volunteers and provide effective responses and remedies to their questions and needs regarding the training program and behavior of dogs. Escalate issues to the Training and Dog Manager and upper management as necessary.
  • Know which dogs are available for adoption, and which dogs are on behavior holds. Also knowing the temperaments and personalities of these pets.
  • Responsible for the training and rehabilitation of special needs dogs in the Nuzzles & Co program and implementing and managing training programs to correct behavior issues to improve the adoptability of the dogs.
  • Ensure that all employees and volunteers are aware of behavior and training plans for dogs and that they are being followed. Also ensure the proper and safe handling of dogs by the public, staff, and volunteers.
  • Complete behavior evaluations on all dogs entering the Nuzzles & Co program before they are cleared for adoption and follow protocol of placing animals on behavior holds as needed. This includes updating bios as needed to reflect the current behavior and demeanor of the dogs.
  • Assist in “return intervention” for adopted dogs to keep them in their homes when possible as a part of intake/return prevention.
  • Create, manage, and lead training classes within the community for the public at the Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch.
  • Communicate principles that convey and impart an understanding of the policies and procedures of Nuzzles & Co to other employees and the public.
  • Must be committed to a high standard of safety and be willing and able to comply with all safety laws and all of the employer’s safety policies and rules and must be willing to report safety violations and potential safety violations to appropriate supervisory or management personnel.
  • Report any and all signs of illness in animals to the medical team and the ranch managers as soon as signs of illness are noticed. Document signs of illness in writing on the “vet-check form.”
  • Administer any medications and treatments ordered by the veterinarian (pills, injections, fluids etc.) as needed.
  • Sanitize and clean living areas, indoor and outdoor play areas, and community areas. This includes collecting and disposing of animal waste as needed.
  • Clean and maintain all areas of the ranch (kitchen, lobby, education center, etc.) as needed.
  • Post any and all assets (pictures/videos) that are taken while on the clock to Trello for use on social media, newsletters, and other organizational communications.
  • Assist at community events and fundraisers as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Treat all animals humanely and with compassion and concern, both on and off the job and transmit these values with others.
  • Assist with tours, lectures, public education programs, fundraising activities, and special events as needed.
  • Answer telephone calls from the public in a professional manner and route inquiries to the appropriate person or department and initiate written messages for follow-up.
  • Immediately report any maintenance issues to the ranch manager and document issues on the ranch maintenance log.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Basic animal care knowledge. Preferred: knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms, and handling techniques.
  • Maintain dog training license and any other accreditations as needed through continued education.
  • Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to effectively present information in one on one and small group situations to customers and other employees of the organization.
  • Valid Utah driver’s license with a clear driving record for at least one year prior to application.

  • Basic computer skills using standard office programs such as Word or similar programs. Required to learn to use both our database and clover systems and any other systems as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • High school graduate or GED equivalent with 6 months of related animal care experience and/or training.
  • At least, 1 year of dog training experience.
  • Experience teaching group classes or experience with public speaking preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to routinely lift 40-50 pounds individually.
  • Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds with the help of fellow employees.
  • Must be able to perform strenuous manual labor.
  • Must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, and hike frequently to perform required duties.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
  • Must be able to work around dander and allergens from both cats and dogs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • May be exposed to emotional and/or stressed members of the public. Must be able to deal with an emotionally-charged public on a regular basis and carry a fast-paced and changing workload which can be stressful at times.
  • Due to the nature of the job, there is occasional exposure to dead, injured, sick, unruly, vicious, and/or dangerous animals in addition to exposure to parasites and infectious diseases.
  • Must be available and willing to work weekends, holidays, overtime, and attend mandatory trainings and meetings as the employer deems necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.

 

Please send resume and cover letter to Caroline Murdoch at caroline@nuzzlesandco.org.

Training and Dog Coordinator