The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) – the largest and oldest no-kill shelter in Arizona – is seeking a Behavior Assistant & Dog Trainer who is responsible for assessing all canine intakes, implementing AAWL’s positive reinforcement-based behavior and training programs, and supporting the community through classes and private training sessions. The majority of this position is focused on behavior work within the shelter, with additional responsibilities providing training classes, private lessons, and public education.
This position requires compassion, patience, and the ability to work with all types of dogs, including those from unknown or challenging backgrounds. The Behavior Assistant & Dog Trainer represents AAWL to shelter partners, volunteers, adopters, and training clients, and must be able to communicate professionally and compassionately with diverse groups, including those experiencing difficult circumstances with their pets.
Work schedules vary weekly, with some days beginning as early as 5:30am or ending as late as 7:00pm. Trainers must also be available for evenings and weekends to conduct classes and private lessons.
Supervision Received: Reports to the Behavior Manager.
Supervision Exercised: None.
Responsibilities
Behavior Assistant Duties
• Perform behavior evaluations on all dogs entering the shelter; document assessments in PetPoint software.
• Assist and lead canine playgroup sessions with volunteers.
• Implement and develop training and behavior modification plans using positive reinforcement and LIMA methods.
• Develop and implement enrichment schedules and routines.
• Provide advice to the public through the Behavior Helpline following AAWL policies.
• Assist with intake/transportation of dogs with behavior needs to/from shelter partners.
• Teach volunteer and public classes on animal handling, training, and AAWL policies, ensuring safety standards.
• Other duties as assigned.
Dog Trainer Duties
• Effectively teach a wide variety of training and behavior classes.
• Create a fun, engaging, and safe group class experience for dogs and clients.
• Identify client needs and assist with behavior concerns during lessons.
• Provide on-site and off-site private lessons.
• Handle client registration, check-ins, and customer service needs.
• Communicate regularly, effectively, and professionally with class participants, staff, and volunteers.
• Set up and tear down classrooms/workshops, including cleaning and sanitizing.
• Manage conflict resolution should issues arise between clients.
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
• Animal training experience beyond personal pets preferred; minimum of 1 year teaching group training classes preferred.
• Current or in-progress dog training certification (e.g., CCPDT, APDT) or relevant education/trade school coursework preferred.
• Must support and model AAWL’s mission and positive reinforcement philosophy.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills required.
• Clean driving record; must be 21+ to meet insurance requirements for off-site lessons.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs; bend, kneel, stoop, and handle dogs of all breeds and temperaments.
• Basic computer knowledge (Microsoft Office, Excel, data entry).
• Ability to adapt to change and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Requirements
Requires periodic sitting at a computer station with prolonged standing and walking. Use of personal computer, phone and general office equipment. Must be comfortable handling dogs and cats daily on a continuous basis. Will be exposed to disinfectant solutions and subject to bites and scratches while handling animals of questionable temperament. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with animals, the public, volunteers, and staff. Also requires flexibility to readily adapt to a fast-paced changing environment and the ability to work weekends and holidays.
To Apply for This Position
Please submit a cover letter and resume to Sara Hawn via email at shawn@aawl.org. Please reference “Behavior Assistant/Dog Trainer” in your email. No phone calls or walk-ins, please.
Employment Details
AAWL offers compensation that is commensurate with experience and competitive with animal welfare salaries. This position begins at $16.25/hr. to start depending on experience. Full-time, non-exempt positions include employer-paid medical insurance, paid vacation/sick time off, and twelve paid holidays.
DISCLAIMER: Employees are regularly in contact with animals who may be unpredictable. And, although all employees are covered under our workers’ compensation policy, in accepting this position, you understand that there is risk associated with animal encounters. Your ability to exercise sound judgment and follow procedures is essential to the well-being of the animals as well as yourself.
