Dog Training Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Lollypop Farm is hiring for a full-time Behavior & Training staff member. The Behavior and Training staff’s role is to support the activities and duties of the behavior department, scribing for behavioral evaluations and performing enrichment activities with shelter animals, provide behavioral counseling to adopters and clients, and assess rehoming strategies for animals with behavioral challenges.

Benefits: We offer generous paid time off (16 days), and 8 paid holidays. After meeting the service requirement, Lollypop Farm contributes up to 6% toward your retirement. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health and professional growth. We prioritize your wellbeing though onsite emotional support and 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Program. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, eligible full-time employees may qualify for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, 9 AM - 6 PM each day

Essential Job Duties:

• Evaluate behavior of shelter animals for adoptability in accordance with shelter procedures
• Develop behavior modification plans for shelter dogs and cats to improve chance of adoption. Oversee plan implementation
• Assists shelter staff with adoption counseling, safe animal handling, and euthanasia decisions
• Liaison with shelter employees to ensure animals are receiving proper enrichment in and out of kennel
• Provide behavior counseling for adopters pre and post-adoption
• Provide behavior counseling for foster volunteers
• Provide behavior counseling for intake diversion
• Assist with pre-intake assessments to determine if pets are candidates for shelter and adoption placement
• Assist with developing pathway plans for all incoming shelter animals
• Assess placement of behavioral challenging animals and provide rehoming strategies for behavioral challenging animals
• Assist with the behavior hotline
• Provide excellent customer service to the organization’s internal and external clients
• Observe all safety rules and regulations for self and others
• Maintain good housekeeping
• Carry out responsibilities in accordance with the company’s policies and applicable state and federal laws
• Perform other duties as requested

Education & Experience: High school diploma or equivalent education. Bachelor’s degree in biological or behavioral science with an emphasis in animal behavior or applied animal behavior or other animal behavior or training certifications preferred. Animal handling experience strongly preferred. Minimum of 1-year professional experience in animal training preferred. Certifications in dog training preferred. Animal shelter experience strongly preferred. A combination of education and experience will be considered if aligned with the position.

Skills: Must possess good customer service and communication skills. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations. Intermediate computer skills; ability to learn internal software.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position during shift, move throughout the building and move weight up to 50 pounds. Frequently required to communicate with others. Occasionally required to move excessive weight.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must Align with the Company Mission, Vision and Core Values:

Mission: Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and life-saving care.

Vision: A just and compassionate world for all animals.

Core Values: We embrace and recognize that Lollypop Farm donors are the heroes of our work – voluntarily offering time or money, no matter the amount – to support our mission. Together, our core values unify and guide us to provide the best service to the animals, our community, our organization and ourselves.

• Compassion: We show empathy and sympathy for what people and animals are experiencing through positive and constructive actions.
• Communication: We exchange thoughts, feelings, and ideas in pursuit of mutually-accepted goals.
• Flexibility: We are willing and comfortable adapting to new circumstances and conditions.
• Commitment: We are steadfast in our efforts to achieve our mission.
• Teamwork: We collaborate and communicate to achieve common goals, understanding that the organization thrives when unified.
• Integrity: We act with honor, fairness, and respect for animals, individuals, the organization, and our community.
• Respect: We are considerate and show professional regard for all aspects of our work.

Commitment to Diversity

At Lollypop Farm, we believe that people are our greatest strength. We are united by our mission - Together with our community, we better the lives of animals through justice, prevention, and lifesaving care. Our values inspire us to promote and support a diverse and equitable environment of mutual respect where all staff, volunteers, and community members feel a sense of inclusion and belonging.

EOE/ADA