Animal Training Associate

San Diego Humane Society is hiring a Part-Time Animal Training Associates for our Escondido Behavior & Training team!

How you'll impact our mission:

At San Diego Humane Society, we're united by our mission to Inspire Compassion. Our Behavior Programs change the lives of thousands of animals who need behavior intervention in order to become adoptable - or to stay with the families who love them. In this role, you'll be responsible for participating in the implementation of behavior and training programs to improve the outcomes of animals who display fear, anxiety and stress while in the shelter environment.

We are seeking candidates who enjoy hands-on work with animals and are committed to our Behavior Program goals:

• Increase quality of life by meeting the essential needs of each animal, regardless of ultimate pathway, by using the Five Freedoms and Five Domains framework.
• Increase adoptability and live outcomes by providing behavioral intervention to animals in need and facilitating transitions into new environments.
• Decrease public safety risks through a comprehensive evaluation process and community education.
• Increase community resources by creating and distributing credible information and tools to solve behavior challenges.
• Decrease shelter intake by providing staff, volunteers and the community with ongoing support and resources.

This role delivers service at the gold standard level in alignment with the SDHS Way, to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them by leading with compassion, finding creative solutions, providing personalized care and building connections. If you're passionate about making an impact in the animal welfare movement, we'd love to talk to you.

What's in it for you?

At SDHS, we're proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and commit to being a place where every person - staff, volunteer, and guest - can feel a sense of belonging. We support and invest in employees through conscious delivery of benefits and a workplace environment based on our Core Values.


As an employee you'll enjoy:

• Competitive pay and paid time-off (including your Birthday Day Off!)
• Comprehensive benefits package, training and well-being programs
• 403(b) retirement plan with 5% match after 1 year
• Free pet adoptions, pet vaccines and spay/neuter services
• ...and so much more!

What you'll do:

• Participate in the implementation of in-house shelter animal training programs using positive reinforcement training methods. Includes the participation in evaluation of animals, preparation of written training plans, progress reports, and hands-on work with animals in the program.
• Accurately and reliably enter notes in the organization's electronic record keeping system; keep training records and working files as assigned.
• Collaborate with the behavior assessment team and staff from other departments to complete hands-on assessments for animals in care.
• Assist staff and volunteers in various departments in the implementation of behavior programs to enrich the animal's environment, to prevent problem behaviors, and to improve their adoptability.
• Provide community support on animal behavior through pre- and post- adoption services.
• Work with the foster department to provide consultations and follow-up for animals enrolled in the behavior foster program.
• Contribute to a work environment that fosters pride in being part of a winning team that promotes personal growth.

What we're looking for:

• High school diploma or equivalent required, or completion of sufficient coursework to successfully perform the required duties of the position
• Must have a minimum of one (1) year paid experience working with animals in a kennel, shelter or similar environment
• At least one (1) year of professional dog or pet training experience highly preferred
• CPDT certification or equivalent highly preferred (CPDT-KA, KPA, IAABC, Nose Works certification, Dog Trainer Academy, ABC, etc.)
• Must be able to handle the physical and emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of euthanasia
• Must have a valid driver's license and be approved by SDHS insurance carrier to drive a company or personal vehicle for work purposes

Location & Hours: Based at our Escondido Campus. This position works approximately 24 hours per week.

Pay: Starting range is between $23.00- $25.73 per hour.

The listed hiring range for this position depicts the target range of pay rates for candidates. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. Compensation for internal candidates may increase beyond the listed range based on performance over time. For all candidates, the actual starting pay rate is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to your years of related education and experience, internal pay equity, and position location.


To learn more about our benefits and perks, click here.

Career Growth through Job Levels: The Animal Training Associate role offers three job levels as you grow within your role. Growth is based on time worked in your SDHS Animal Training Associate role and meeting other training and performance requirements - everyone can advance once they meet the requirements! Advancing levels is recognized through a title change and pay increase.