The Behaviour and Rehabilitation Trainer position has been developed to evaluate the behaviour of animals with the purpose of determining their potential for rehoming, assist with the development and implementation of environmental enrichment, and undertake behaviour modification programs for animals under the care of RSPCA NSW.

We are recruiting for a part time (three days per week) & a full time Behaviour and Rehabilitation Trainer.

About RSPCA NSW

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals New South Wales (RSPCA NSW) is a not-for-profit animal welfare organisation. We provide a strong voice for animals experiencing cruelty and neglect. RSPCA NSW is committed to the care and welfare of animals, providing extensive professional facilities, including fully equipped veterinary hospitals and our state-wide shelter network, with approximately 500 staff across NSW to care for animals.

Benefits and Perks

• Health & Lifestyle benefits – Access to WHEREFIT Discount Program (activewear, gyms, health supplements, meals and apparel)
• 40% Royal Canin Discount for your beloved pets
• Access to Converge Employee, Volunteer Assistance Program (EVAP)
• 12 weeks Paid Parental and Adoption Leave
• Paid Community Service leave with SES or Rural Fire Service
• Animal Compassionate Leave
• Generous training and education opportunities and leave
• Pathways to our Registered Training Organisation (RTO) courses

About the Role

• Observe, accurately interpret and document canine behaviour both in shelter and other environments
• Identify canine behavioural needs as per organisational policy and procedures
• Assist with intake and ongoing behaviour evaluation of animals to prepare them for rehoming
• Identify changes relevant to their welfare and identify potential problems
• Assist with writing intake plans, management plans and rehabilitation plans, and escalate when necessary to manage quality of life within the shelter and enhance their chances of successful rehoming
• Assist with the training and behaviour management required for individual animals and monitor their progress on management and rehabilitation plans
• Document rehabilitation sessions, video footage or any other interaction with canines
• Undertake enrichment for individual animals (environmental, sensory and social)
• Support shelter staff to carry out training, enrichment and management of animals under supervision
• Assist to filter adoption applications and provide general information to potential adopters
• Coordinate meet and greet sessions with potential adoption animals
• Attend internal training courses and meetings as required and keep up to date with the latest research on canine behaviour and training
• Relationship management with all stakeholders and members of the public

About You

• Certificate II Companion Animal Studies, desirable
• Minimum one years of relevant experience in a similar role
• Minimum one year of the Certificate IV Behaviour and Training or equivalent vocational or tertiary qualification in animal behaviour and welfare
• Current Class C driver’s licence
• Demonstrated experience in reading canine body language including facial expressions, vocalisations, and their relationship to emotional states
• Experience carrying out canine behaviour modification using force free methods and positive reinforcement training
• Experience safely handling a range of different breeds of dogs with varying behavioural characteristics
• Demonstrated experience with fear-free restraint and handling approaches
• Proven experience in writing and following basic management plans to facilitate behaviour modification and management
• A thorough knowledge of dog behaviour, training and behaviour modification practices
• Demonstrated ability to use low stress handling and management of animals in shelter environments
• An understanding of the key indicators for compromised welfare in dogs and how to recognise these in a shelter/kennel environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work collaboratively in a team
• Capable of lifting 20kgs
• Ability to work under pressure whilst remaining on task
• Resilience – the ability to bounce back from occasional setback

Apply Now

If this sounds like the role for you, we would love to hear from you! Simply click ‘APPLY NOW’ to send in your resume.

RSPCA NSW is an equal opportunity employer that understands and values the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a barrier-free recruitment process for people with a disability. If you require an adjustment or assistance during the recruitment process, please contact Recruitment at [email protected] using the subject line: Behaviour and Rehabilitation Trainer - Sydney Adoption Centre enquiry via EthicalJobs and identify the type of adjustment or assistance you are requesting. Our recruitment team will respond to your email promptly.