Lead Certified Animal Trainer - Canine
Our Vision: To be a leader in animal welfare, working for a compassionate society where all animals are respected and valued.
Our Mission: To Improve the Lives of Animals.
Job Summary
The Lead Certified Animal Trainer – Shelter, under the direction of the Manager, Shelter Care and Training, will be responsible for oversight of the provision of evidence-based, quality, competent, and professional case management and care provided to the animals within animal sheltering programs, continually assessing how the behaviour modification plans are progressing. The lead will be responsible for the training, development and mentorship of certified animal trainers and related care support staff, volunteers, and students. This role will also carry out the duties of a Certified Animal Trainer within the department. It is understood that the population of animals fluctuates, and at such times the Trainer is responsible for assisting in other shelter functions.
Job Duties
- Lead and foster an environment of teamwork and cooperation within the shelter care and training departments.
- Provide ongoing training, professional development and mentorship of Certified Animal Trainers, other professional training staff or students, and other staff and volunteers within the shelter training department.
- Share in the development of educational training initiatives, workshops, and other educational resources.
- Provide evidence-based training and behaviour modification intervention plans and enrichment handling to staff, volunteers, students, and members of the public; creating an active and engaged learning environment while cultivating rapport, feedback and communication, inclusivity, adaptability and betterment, and motivation and inspiration.
- Provide behavioural modification training to animals within the care of the Society.
- Provide training on enrichment, handling and behaviour modification techniques to volunteers, staff, and members of the public.
- Maintain accurate animal records.
- Share in the effective planning and coordination of training resources within the department within the parameters of resources available to meet department goals.
- Assist with supervisory health and safety related tasks as needed.
- Enhance the Society’s public image by contributing to customer and staff satisfaction through competent, respectful, and courteous delivery of services.
- Maintain a professional appearance, demeanour, and attitude at all times.
- Maintain a high level of confidentiality in all interactions.
- Attend and participate in workshops, seminars, and in-service training to further education, skills, and training.
- Be aware of and work within the regulations of all Toronto Humane Society policies and protocols.
- Work in compliance with the provisions of the OHSA and its regulations including understanding and adhering to the requirements of the Health and Safety Manual and any other rules and regulations established by THS.
- Foster, promote, support and drive inclusion and influence others to promote, embrace and progress Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at THS.
- Other Duties as required in the day-to-day operation of the Society.
Job Requirements
- CPDT, IAABC, or KPA certification required.
- Minimum 5+ years animal training experience with complex behaviours, including human-directed aggression.
- Minimum 3+ years working in a shelter or similar setting.
- Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
- Demonstrated ability to work with companion animals with all types of behavioural problems and temperaments.
- Strict adherence to Positive Reinforcement training and behaviour changes techniques
- Experience creating and delivering behaviour modification plans.
- Experience training others in behaviour medication techniques.
- Experience developing educational training curriculum.
- Strong decision-making ability
- Able to stay calm in a crisis and take action.
- Exhibit patience and a calm demeanor.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with varying personalities and abilities.
- Ability to work individually as well as part of a team.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (including Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
Work Conditions
- Flexible hours including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Attendance and participation in training
- Operation of desktop computer and peripherals
- Extended periods of sitting
- Ability to work outdoors with animals over extended periods.
- Interaction with employees, management, and the public at large
- Working in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions
- Occasional overtime
- Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, odors, noise extremes, hazardous materials, bright/dim lights, toxic agents, animal attacks, animal bites, disease, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers.
Candidate Potential
At Toronto Humane Society, we value diverse perspectives and recognize that a great candidate may not check every box. If you're passionate about animal welfare and believe you have the potential to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply, even if you may not meet every listed qualification. You just might be the right candidate for this or other roles. We are committed to providing a supportive environment for professional growth and development.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Toronto Humane Society is committed to building and sustaining a diverse and equitable workplace where people’s unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, respected, and welcome. We recognize that a diverse and empowered workforce helps us better serve our animals, clients, and community and contributes to Toronto Humane Society’s overall growth and success. Therefore, we strongly encourage qualified applications from underrepresented and equity-deserving groups within the animal welfare sector, including Indigenous, Black, racialized, immigrant, 2S/LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities.
Accommodation Needs
Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the Bona-fide requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known when contacted.
Use of AI in Recruitment
To streamline our hiring process, we utilize an applicant tracking system (ATS) to manage and organize applications. While the ATS aids in efficiency, the core evaluation of candidates is carried out by our human resources team. This approach ensures a personalized review that allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the applicant's unique skills and potential.
Next Steps
We thank all applicants for their interest in Toronto Humane Society, however due to the high number of applications we receive, only those selected will be contacted for an interview.
Other details
- Pay Type Hourly
- Min Hiring Rate $27.88
- Max Hiring Rate $30.77
- Toronto Humane Society, 11 River Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada