The RSPCA NSW Behaviour and Rehabilitation Centre, located in Somersby, NSW are now looking for an experienced Behaviour Trainer to join their team on a casual basis.

The Behaviour Trainer role has been established to evaluate the temperament of animals with the purpose of determining their potential for rehoming. In addition, a Behaviour Trainer will assist with the development and implementation of environmental enrichment and undertake behaviour modification programs for animals in the care of RSPCA NSW.

The successful candidate will be required to work weekends.

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 Opportunity

• Observe, accurately interpret and document canine behaviour both in shelter and other environments
• Identify canine behavioural needs as per organisational policy and procedures
• Assist in welfare assessments, behaviour evaluation of animals to prepare them for rehoming and identify relevant changes & potential problems
• Assist with writing intake plans and management plans and escalate when necessary to manage quality of life within the shelter & enhance their chances of successful rehoming
• Monitor the progress of individual animals on management and rehabilitation plans
• Undertake enrichment for individual animals (environmental, sensory and social)
• Support shelter staff to carry out training, enrichment & management of animals under supervision
• Contribute to appropriate outcomes for animals in line with organisational policy, including rescue requests
• Assist with meet and greet sessions with potential adoption animals
• Attend internal training courses and meetings as requested by the management team and keep up to date with the latest research on canine behaviour and training

About You

• Certificate II Companion Animal Studies, desirable
• Enrolled in a Certificate IV Behaviour and Training or Companion Animal Studies or Companion Animal Behaviour or willing to undertake alongside role
• Current Class C driver’s licence
• Minimum three months experience in a kennel, shelter or welfare environment
• Ability to observe and interpret canine body language including facial expressions vocalisations, and their relationship to emotional states
• Experience safely handling a range of different breeds of dogs with varying behavioural characteristics
• Proven experience with fear-free restraint, force free and reward based training and handling approaches
• Knowledge of dog behaviour, training and behaviour modification practices
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team
• Able to lift 10kg
• Enjoy working in a fast paced environment
• Resilience - able to bounce back!

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] and identify the type of adjustment or assistance you are requesting. Our recruitment team will respond to your email promptly