Canine Behavior Assistant Manager at Wayside Waifs Inc – Kansas City, Missouri

Hourly Rate: $22.00+ depending on experience and credentials

Additional $1.00 per hour for employees who demonstrate and maintain Spanish language proficiency and are willing to use this skill for Wayside Waifs’ business purposes.

POSITION SUMMARY

Canine Behavior in the shelter environment is one of the most exciting and challenging areas of growth in animal welfare. The Canine Behavior Center (CBC) Assistant Manager is responsible for supporting the Canine Behavior Center Manager and the behavior team in all department operations including behavior modification and enrichment for all program dogs, data collection and progress reporting, and supporting the continued growth of the department as defined in Wayside Waifs Strategic Plan. An important aspect of the job is to provide honest, objective behavioral information to inform responsible pathway planning for dogs in the program. Responsibilities include the development, implementation, and monitoring of behavior modification protocols to ensure that all dogs receive daily behavior modification and enrichment to create the best possible outcomes. The CBC Assistant Manager will help educate volunteers, fellow staff members, potential adopters, and the public by promoting positive reinforcement and displaying safe and ethical dog handling techniques.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

In addition to supporting all the daily activities performed by the team at the CBC, the Assistant Manager is responsible for the following with manager support:

1. Foster a cooperative team environment and strong work ethic by setting an example of professionalism, patience and respect while maintaining the highest levels of safety, growth and effectiveness.
2. Help manage a team of passionate professionals committed to best practices in behavior modification in the shelter environment.
3. Direct and monitor the daily flow of training sessions to ensure tasks are balanced and completed.
4. Assist in the scheduling of pictures and videos for CBC dogs. Communicate with foster, marketing and adoptions departments about available CBC dogs.
5. Under the direction of the CBC Manager, monitor and update on-boarding protocols and oversee the onboarding of new staff and continuing growth of existing team members.
6. Monitor and track the flow of behavior program dogs to ensure that dogs are moving through the program efficiently.. This includes resiliency and fast track testing.
7. Work with the CBC Manager to create and implement a follow-up program for adopted graduates.
8. Assist in the oversight of CBC staff and work with the Manager to support the growth of the free work and enrichment programs.
9. Create customized behavior and training packets to go home with adopters for dogs that may require continued training or have specific needs.
10. Work with the CBC and Foster Managers to deliver behavior support for behavior fosters.
11. Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ KEY COMPETENCIES

• Thorough understanding of canine behavior and body language, especially in a shelter environment
• Use safe and humane dog handling techniques for both fearful and high arousal dogs including restraint
• Ability to work within a team setting as well as independently, and provide and accept feedback in the moment
• Ability to train volunteers and mentor other behavior professionals in line with Wayside Waifs protocols and philosophies
• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work with other departments to accomplish organizational and departmental goals
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to effectively speak in front of small groups
• Ability to work in an emotionally charged environment, and have challenging conversations professionally, effectively and compassionately
• Ability to delegate tasks and monitor results

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education

• High School diploma or GED
• CPDT- KA, KPA, VSA or equivalent required, or the ability to obtain within a year
• Professional dog handling experience required; handling in animal shelter setting preferred

Physical

• Ability to lift 50lbs
• Significant amount of standing and squatting during a typical day, exposure to fumes, animal smells, and airborne particles
• Noise level is moderate to high
• Exposure to animal waste
• Potential to be scratched or bitten