Canine Behavior and Outreach Foster Trainer 

Summary 

The Behavior Outreach Foster Trainer is a member of the Canine Behavior Team who focuses primarily on creating training plans and running daily behavior modification sessions for ACC foster dogs. You will also be designing and providing low-stress handling training to staff, volunteers, fosters, and adopters to learn how to gently modify challenging behaviors. ACC uses only force-free, reward-based training methods. 

ACC’s Behavior Program provides environmental enrichment and socialization for all cats and dogs in our care as well as thorough behavior assessments in order to make successful adoption and foster matches. We strive to provide the highest possible quality of life for our pets during their stay. To that end, we are adding a training and behavior modification element to our dogs in care that have now transitioned into foster homes. The Behavior Department is seeking an experienced canine trainer to help create, launch, and oversee this program.

Our ideal candidate is an experienced behavior modification trainer, with approved certifications, and excited to take on the unique challenges and rewards of working with shelter dogs transitioning into new homes. You also enjoy sharing your skill and knowledge with others in order to improve the quality of care in the shelter, decrease stress, and help keep dogs in their foster homes. You are self-motivated and able to work independently. Have great time management skills. You work well with people of all walks of life and varying levels of dog handling skills. You are passionate about animal welfare and improving the quality of life for sheltered animals, and you are excited to be part of a progressive shelter enrichment program. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Designing and implementing individualized training plans for dogs in foster care. 

• Assist foster parents with problem solving and behavior modification while in their homes. 

• Working alongside the foster department, providing updates on training progress, communicating any concerns, providing recommendations for future foster matches.

Salary and Benefits:

$28.00/Hour

ACC values work/life balance and offers a generous paid-time-off (PTO) package that includes vacation time, birthdays off, personal days and sick pay. We also value physical and mental health by offering a great open access Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance at a low premium to our employees as well as 401K and Pension, Life Insurance. We also have on-the-job training for 2-4 weeks, periodic all staff training to include safety, DEI, cross training, and other growth opportunities.

Because ACC is a nonprofit, employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness, cancellation, and/or consolidation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). Created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, PSLF allows borrowers who work full time for nonprofits and government agencies to have their outstanding debt forgiven tax-free on Federal Direct Loans, after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan.

Please see the attached Job Description and Benefits Flyer for more details. 

Qualifications:

Familiarity with and ability to provide low-stress handling and force-free training. A thorough understanding of positive reinforcement and a training methodology rooted in a scientific understanding of how dogs learn. Ability to make sound judgments and work independently in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands. Ability to foster a cooperative, encouraging and positive work environment with staff as well as volunteers. Strong communication skills. The ability to remain pleasant, calm and objective in all situations. Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds.

Current driver’s license and clean driving record preferred. Comfortable taking different modes of transportation such as private cars (Lyfts), buses, and subway to commute throughout NYC. 

Education and Work Experience: 

At least one of the following approved certifications, licenses, or educational programs are required: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA, CPD T-KSA, or CBCC-KA), Certified Behavior Consultant through IAABC, or The Academy for Dog Trainers (CTC).