Animal Behavior and Training Specialist

Mountain Humane (in Hailey, Idaho) is on a mission to enrich the quality of life in our community
by saving animals and changing lives. We do this through innovative programs that inspire and
have ian mpact beyond southern Idaho. The first “no-kill” shelter in the state of Idaho (in 1999),
annually, we help more than 4,500 animals and touch the lives of more than 7,000 people through
our programs. We are proud to be a model for other animal welfare organizations and to be at the
forefront of best-practices in nonprofit management.

JOB SUMMARY:
The Animal Behavior & Training Specialist (ABTS), in conjunction with the Behavior & Training
Manager, is responsible for the mental well-being of all animals within the care of the shelter. The
main area of responsibility is conducting dog training classes for the public. Other areas of
responsibility include developing, tracking, and running an enrichment program for all shelter
animals, assisting with the implementation and monitoring of programs intended to identify and
prevent problem behavior in shelter animals, and assisting in the development and teaching of
training classes for staff and volunteers.

Classification: Full time, Non-Exempt
Reports to: Animal Behavior and Training Manager
Collaborates with: Kennel and Shelter Ops Leadership Teams
Location: Hailey, Idaho

QUALIFICATIONS:
A current certification with any of these organizations: CCPDT, KPA, IAABC, or similar, and/or an
undergraduate degree in the field of animal behavior or related sciences. An up-to-date certification
is required during employment with Mountain Humane.

Minimum of 3-years Animal training and/or behavior experience required.

Minimum of 1-year Animal care experience required.

Minimum of 1-year Animal sheltering experience strongly preferred.

Proven knowledge and practical experience in basic dog and cat training using humane,
reward-based training methods.

Knowledgeable and experienced in defensive handling skills with fractious cats and large (120 lbs.)
untrained, and potentially dangerous dogs.

Effective communication with patrons, volunteers and staff.

Computer literate in a Windows environment; proficient in Microsoft Office Applications and
Google Suites. Familiarity with animal shelter software, Shelterluv, and volunteer software, Better
Impact, preferred.

Ability to work independently, but also effectively with other departments.

Demonstrated track record with multitasking with positive results.

Exhibited flexibility and professionalism.

Must work well with the public, including children, persons of varied racial, ethnic, cultural,
socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual preference, and with individuals who are
differently-abled.

Should exhibit a positive attitude, common sense, flexibility, and teamwork with the ability to
exercise independent judgment.

POSITION DUTIES:

Alongside the Behavior and Training Manager, ensure that each shelter animal is behaviorally
evaluated for disposition on an ongoing basis, and ensure all findings are properly documented
and communicated

Conduct public dog training classes, private training sessions, and behavior consultations using

         reward-based training methods that are in line with MH philosophies

Alongside the Behavior & Training Manager, review and update (as necessary) class
curricula to ensure they align with best practices.

Implement, perform, and document individual behavior modification and training programs for
shelter animals to improve behavior and increase chances of adoption

Provide and perform enrichment components for individual animal plans
Identify and coordinate dog playgroups for the population alongside kennel staff and volunteers

Work closely with volunteers to achieve maximum results from training and behavior
modification plans

Provide pre-adoption counseling for adopters of pets with training/behavioral needs

Evaluate housing for all animals and make recommendations for improvements based on the

         behavioral needs of the animals to decrease stress and improve their physical and emotional
         wellbeing

Update and maintain animal files and associated data in shelter software program

Assist with administrative tasks such as monthly statistics and behavior tracking

Collect behavioral histories of animals from their previous homes when necessary

Conduct staff and volunteer handling and training classes (involving both cats and dogs)

Help identify and coordinate potential foster opportunities for the population alongside the
foster team

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

Maintain a neat and well-groomed personal appearance

Wear supplied uniforms and closed-toed shoes during all working hours

Comply with all facility safety protocols

Assist in maintaining overall facility cleaning standards

Carry out other duties as assigned by supervisor

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Indoors and outdoors, including in shelter environment with dogs, cats, pocket pets Frequent
interactions with children who may or may not be well-behaved, occasional contact with the
public in an emotionally charged environment

Animal handling required; while all adoptable animals have health and behavior
screening, by nature of the industry, there may be occasional exposure to dead,
injured, sick, unruly, vicious, and/or dangerous animals in addition to possible
exposure to parasites and infectious diseases

May require driving of company vehicles. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and good

         driving record. Drivers information will be submitted to the carrier

Regular use of company vehicles; employees must be at least the age of 18

Occasional use of company vehicles; employees under the age of 18 must be

              preapproved by the carrier

Work day includes walking, standing, sitting, bending, squatting, lifting (occasionally up to 50
lbs), answering telephones, and using a computer, working with a variety of cleaning agents,
and working in an environment with daily changes in climate

HOURS, SALARY & BENEFITS:
Hours: Full Time, 40 hours/week, weekends, holiday shifts, and overtime as needed

Pay: $24.00 - $27.00/hour depending on experience, certifications, proficiency in job tasks, and
ability to teach public classes

Benefits: Mountain Humane offers a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time employees,
including:

Generous paid time off allotment for vacation and personal reasons

100% employer paid medical and vision insurance for staff (with the option of upgrading
the plan for a small contribution)

100% employer paid dental insurance plan through Delta Dental

100% employer paid life insurance policy

Access to a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% matching employer contribution

Access to reduced-cost veterinary care and pet supplies (including dog/cat food) for
all employee-owned pets

An annual personal pet care allowance for veterinary products and
services

A 40% discount at The Barkin’ thrift store in Hailey, and

Access to a discounted membership at Gravity Fitness & Tennis in Hailey

Mountain Humane also provides funding for professional development opportunities and
financial assistance for commuting employees. For employees with federal student loans,
Mountain Humane is also a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness
(PSLF) program!

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work performed
by this position, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Nothing in
this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to
this job at any time. Either employer or employee may terminate the employment relationship at any
time with or without notice and with or without cause.

Mountain Humane is an equal opportunity employer.