Canine Specialist - Kitchener, Canada - The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth

The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth

Verified Company

Kitchener, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth is a recognized Canadian leader in Animal Welfare.

Our vision is to be a proactive leader in providing humane care through _education_, _advocacy, collaboration _and _enforcement_ to promote the well-being and appreciation of all animals.

It is our goal to develop enhanced Canine Behaviour Modification Programs to increase the number of lives we can save.

As a forward-thinking team player who is comfortable with a fast-paced, ever-changing but often stressful environment, the Canine Specialist will openly take on the challenge of juggling multiple demands and will work collaboratively with others.

The position requires a willingness to work a variety of shifts, including some evenings and weekends. This position also requires travel to our Stratford office on weekly basis.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Perform Canine Behaviour Assessments on all dogs in care of HSKWSP that are over the age of 6 months, dogs taking part in any HSKWSP event and dogs needing to be surrendered by their owners.
Update and develop all Canine behaviour training materials.
Conduct Canine Behaviour presentations to staff, volunteers and members of the public.
Assist the Foster Coordinator with placing animals into foster care and providing assistance with canines in foster care who may display behaviour concerns.
Develop handson training and orientation for Canine Companions, and create related printed material, or visual aids.
Coach, train and provide guidance to new staff and volunteers.
Provide follow up assistance to adopters to resolve issues.

OTHER ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Assist in animal care and handling of a variety of animals
Provide animals with appropriate food, clean water and clean housing on an as needed basis.
Provide customer service regarding adoption, intake, complaints and animal behaviour as required.
Perform other duties as required to ensure a positive public image and to improve the function of this organization.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The following are general descriptions of some of the requirements necessary to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this position.

The Full-Time Canine Specialist must have the following skills, among others:

Technical Skills, Knowledge and Training:

Certified in a Professional Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Course that covers or includes basic training, behaviour therapy as well as aggression therapy.
Minimum of 3 years working experience with the handling of a wide variety of canine breeds.
Be able to safely, confidently and without judgement, perform and interpret HSKWSP behaviour evaluations on all dogs in care of HSKWSP that are over the age of 6 months, dogs taking part in any HSKWSP event, dogs needing to be surrendered by their owners and other HSKWSP programs with the understanding that decisions may have a significant impact on the reputation of the organization.
Ability to plan and implement canine behaviour modification and other canine programs as required.

Other Requirements:

Ability to manage physical requirements of the position for extended periods of time (60% of workload) including: lifting and restraining of large animals, lifting of buckets, etc., standing for long periods of time etc., as well as general housekeeping duties.
Expected to work some evenings, weekends and be available for calls on statutory holidays to meet Centre requirements.

Computer literacy

Microsoft Windows and Word, and basic knowledge of typical office equipment.
Hold valid Class "G" Ontario driver's license.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Risk of injury related to interactions with animals of no known history during behaviour evaluations or daily enrichment, slippery floors and working with toxic and corrosive cleaners.
An emotional and stressful environment due to the nature of our work with animals who come to the Centre in various conditions (eg. some animals that have been abused, mistreated, neglected and/or that have behavioural issues, and/or are suffering from varying degrees of ill health).
An emotional and stressful environment due to the necessary humane practice of euthanasia.
A mix of climate controlled and outside temperature conditions.
Areas with strong odours and high noise levels in regards to barking and other animal noises.
Exposure to animal bites, scratches, infections and infectious diseases.

THE IMPORTANT DETAILS & PERKS: