Job Description

Behaviour Trainer - North Melbourne

Part-time - 22.5 hours per fortnight (Every Thursday and alternate Wednesday)

About us:

The Lost Dogs' Home (LDH) is proud to be Australia's largest animal shelter, helping thousands of lost and abandoned animals each year. We are a not-for-profit organisation that has been serving the community for over 100 years. We are dedicated to providing compassionate veterinary care to all animals who find their way to us.

The role:

We have an exciting and unique opportunity for an experienced Behaviour Trainer to join our Behaviour Department on a permanent part-time basis, working three days per fortnight (every Thursday and alternate Wednesday).

The Behaviour Department plays an important role in assessing the behaviour and welfare of animals in our care, supporting informed decision-making regarding their management, rehabilitation and rehoming pathways. This position offers a unique opportunity for someone with a strong interest in canine behaviour assessment who is looking to further develop and refine their assessment skills in a busy shelter environment.

The primary focus of this position will be conducting behavioural assessments of shelter dogs, interpreting behavioural observations and histories, and contributing to practical, evidence-informed decisions about their ongoing care and suitability for rehoming.

Due to the part-time nature of the role, the successful applicant will primarily focus on behavioural assessments rather than managing an ongoing behaviour modification caseload, although opportunities to assist with training and rehabilitation programs may arise.

We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate sound professional judgement, a pragmatic approach to animal behaviour and welfare, and a high degree of social and emotional maturity. The successful applicant will be comfortable navigating complex situations, recognising the limitations of behavioural assessments, and working collaboratively with colleagues to achieve realistic and welfare-focused outcomes.

The Lost Dogs' Home is committed to force-free, reward-based animal training and handling methods.

Your responsibilities will be:

• Conducting behavioural assessments of shelter dogs under the direction of the Animal Behaviour Team Leader.
• Observing, interpreting and documenting canine behaviour to inform decisions regarding animal welfare, management and rehoming suitability.
• Reviewing available behavioural histories and other relevant information to support comprehensive behavioural assessments.
• Producing clear, accurate and objective behavioural assessment reports and recommendations.
• Collaborating with Behaviour, Veterinary and other shelter teams to support appropriate and practical outcomes for dogs in our care.
• Assisting with reward-based behaviour modification and rehabilitation programs as required.
• Providing behavioural advice and guidance to shelter staff and volunteers.
• Supporting colleagues and contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
• Undertaking administrative and general animal husbandry duties as required.

You will have:

• Relevant qualification in animal behaviour and/or training, or working towards a relevant qualification (Cert IV behaviour and training students are encouraged to apply) (highly desirable)
• Previous experience conducting canine behavioural assessments in a shelter, rescue or similar environment (highly desirable)
• Professional experience as a Dog Behaviour Trainer or in a related animal behaviour role (highly desirable)
• Experience working in an animal shelter, kennel or other animal care environment (highly desirable)
• Confidence with handling dogs of varying temperaments
• A commitment to force-free, reward-based training methods
• Passion for animal behaviour and welfare
• Willingness to work as part of a wider team and also autonomously
• High degree of emotional maturity
• Sound professional judgement, critical thinking skills and the ability to make considered recommendations based on available evidence.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment

What we can offer you:

• Unique work environment, supporting a great cause
• A rewarding job opportunity to help change the lives of shelter animals
• Career development opportunities and financial assistance with approved studies
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and onsite counselling service
• Generous discounts at The Lost Dogs' Home Vet Hospital our primary care veterinary clinic
• Friendly, passionate and supportive team who will help develop your skills in animal welfare

If you are interested in this position, please apply now, ensuring you have included a copy of a current cover letter and resume. If you have any questions regarding this role, please email recruitment@dogshome.com.

The successful applicant will be required to complete satisfactory background screening checks.

The Lost Dogs’ Home is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Only candidates with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.