About Happy Paws Happy Hearts

Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) exists to bring people out of social isolation through the magic of human-animal connection.

With locations stretching from the ears to the tail of Australia — from Darwin to Tasmania — we run programs that empower vulnerable people to build confidence, independence, social skills, and vocational pathways by working with rescue animals in need.

Through our special partnership with rescue organisations such as RSPCA Qld, our participants connect with, train, and socialise rescue animals. It's a unique program that changes lives (both two-legged and four-legged ones!).

About the opportunity

Based at RSPCA Mackay, facilitating two sessions a week where our participants build confidence, skills, and social connections through working with rescue animals. Our participants include people living with disabilities, mental health challenges, veterans, first responders, and youth at risk.

It's perfect if you're:

• Semi-retired and want to stay active, use your skills, and give back — without a full working week
• A student looking for meaningful part-time work that fits around study
• Already working elsewhere and want a second role that's fun, purposeful, and a nice change of pace from your day job

Whatever brought you here, if you've got the right energy and heart for this, we want to hear from you.

About you

We're looking for someone with a heart as big as their enthusiasm. Passion and energy fuel our programs, along with the confidence to facilitate positive experiences for both people and animals. If you love making meaningful connections, creating a fun and inclusive environment, and bringing your own unique energy to the table, you'll fit right in.

Our ideal Program Trainer is:

• Energetic, engaging, and naturally brings a fun, uplifting presence
• Confident working with animals, with a good understanding of behaviour, handling, and welfare
• Comfortable guiding others in safe and appropriate animal interactions
• Confident yet curious (we love lifelong learners)
• Happy to tap into their silly side — our participants love a laugh! (while remaining professional)
• A great communicator who can empower, guide, and inspire
• Compassionate, patient, and adaptable to different participant needs
• A team player who thrives in a dynamic, fluid environment — no two days will be the same

At HPHH, our trainers come from all walks of life. Your background, experience, and individuality will add richness to our programs, and we can't wait to see what unique strengths you'll bring.

Why join us?

• A role that fits around your other commitments -  just 8.5 hours a week
• A job where no two days are the same, and where your impact is tangible
• A fun, fast-paced, and supportive work culture
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness initiatives
• Salary sacrificing benefits (as a not-for-profit)
• Competitive remuneration based on qualifications and experience
• Daily tail wags, puppy cuddles, and plenty of grateful, loving eyes looking up at you!

Based at RSPCA Mackay, this part-time role is offered for 8.5 hours per week across two shifts (days/times to be confirmed with the successful candidate — some flexibility available). Further availability to cover leave would be highly beneficial but is not essential.

What you bring

• Training, facilitation, or teaching experience
• The ability to create an engaging, dynamic, and fun learning environment
• A warm, professional approach with strong interpersonal skills
• Experience working with diverse groups and tailoring delivery to meet different needs
• Ideally (but not essential), experience working with animals in a professional setting (e.g. animal attendant, vet nurse, trainer, shelter or boarding environment)
• Sound understanding of animal behaviour, handling, and welfare
• Confidence working around a variety of temperaments and supporting safe interactions between people and animals
• A team player able to pivot in an ever-changing environment
• Demonstrated skills, knowledge, and/or training in allied health, community services, animal management, or other relevant experience
• Experience, knowledge, and/or training relevant to animal husbandry/care/training (desirable)
• A current (or ability to obtain) NDIS Worker Screening and Working with Children Check

Please apply with your resume and cover letter to [email protected] using the subject line: Program Trainer - Mackay enquiry via EthicalJobs.

We're committed to diversity along all dimensions and believe that the unique perspectives and contributions of all our team members drive our success. We welcome applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

Happy Paws Happy Hearts are also looking for volunteers! We can't run our sessions without the help and support of our volunteer team. If you're interested in being a HPHH Volunteer, please visit https://www.hphhfoundation.org/volunteer.