Dog Trainer

Program Dog Trainer (Part-Time)

📍 Location: Monterey County Juvenile Hall (Salinas, CA)

🏢 Organization: UnChained

🕒 Start Date: Immediately upon hiring

About the Role

The Program Dog Trainer helps implement UnChained’s Canines Teaching Compassion program by preparing for, leading, and managing daily activities for dogs and youth.

Program Dog Trainers guide youth in teaching dogs basic skills, good manners, and self-confidence using only fear-free, positive reinforcement methods. They also teach basic Health & Wellness care to support dogs living in the juvenile detention facility.

This position plays a direct role in each youth participant’s growth and every dog’s chance at adoption.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit, interview, hire, and supervise Program Assistants.
• Attend all team meetings and trainings.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to update and improve curriculum.
• Support youth social-emotional learning through lessons and discussion.
• Evaluate and select dogs for the program.
• Ensure safe dog handling practices on campus.
• Provide feedback to volunteers and staff on program effectiveness.
• Maintain case notes and coordinate closing activities for each 12-week session.
• Act as liaison between UnChained and partnering agencies.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience training dogs using fear-free, positive reinforcement methods.
• Strong understanding of dog behavior, communication, and learning theory.
• Excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate people with minimal supervision.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• No criminal history preventing work with youth.

Preferred: Experience working or volunteering with underserved or at-risk youth.

Position Details

• Part-time role reporting to UnChained’s Interim Executive Director.
• Work on-site at Monterey County Juvenile Hall and remotely as needed.

How to Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to apply@livingunchained.org

Learn more at www.livingunchained.org

Applicants will be contacted within two weeks of submission for next steps.

UnChained is a nonprofit organization that empowers youth and rescue dogs to heal together through trust, responsibility, and compassion.