Dog Behaviourist

**Position Title**:
Dog Behaviourist

**Department**:
Dog Sanctuary

**Reports to**:
Sanctuary Manager

**Direct Reports**:
Dog handlers / Dog Carers
- **GENERAL ROLE DESCRIPTION**_
- **ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES AND TYPICAL ACTIVITIES**_

**Duties & Responsibilities**
- Develop training programs and husbandry procedures to improve the welfare of the dogs at the sanctuary.
- Teach staff and volunteers how to train their pets using positive reinforcement techniques.
- Develop environmental enrichment programs that encourage natural animal behaviours and integration of dogs.
- Have good knowledge and understanding of nutrition, social interaction, and environment on animal behaviour.
- Collaborate with veterinarians, animal care staff, and other professionals to solve medical and behavioural problems.
- Train staff, volunteers and youth in animal behaviour methods
- Advise sanctuary manager on further environment enrichment protocols and processes that could benefit the animals and staff.
- Work with animal shelters to find homes for pets.
- Taking dogs on offsite visits to beaches and dog parks weekly
- Implement integration schedules and plans for dogs.
- Oversee and supervise all exercise activities on and off site.
- Oversee and supervise all behaviour observations and mitigate any behaviour issues.
- Oversee and supervise all groups of dogs based on temperament and interaction.
- **POSITION CHARACTERISTICS**_

**Required Skills and Qualifications**
- Bachelor’s degree in animal behaviour, psychology, or related field
- 5+ years professional experience working with animals.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Aptitude for learning new software and systems.
- Ability to delegate tasks and supervise a team
- Must be flexible and adaptable to different scenarios
- Understanding of animal therapy concepts and interventions
- Excellent planning and organizational skills
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Experience with dog training and dog handling
- Excellent English written and oral communication skills
- Excellent computer skills
- Must have a valid driver’s license and minimum of 5 years driving experience
- Must be familiar with Cape Town and surrounding areas
- Must be familiar with other animal organisations in the Cape Town area
- **MUST LOVE DOGS**
- **WORK SCHEDULE**_

**Work Schedule requirement**
- You will be required to work on a shift schedule.
- Alternative weekend work is required.
- Standby duty is required (based on shift schedule)
- Overnight stays may be required - overnight accommodation will be provided as and when needed.
- A competitive market related salary will be offered based on qualifications and experience. Shortlisted applicants will be expected to undergo a panel interview and will be required to undergo a practical training assessment. _

**Language**:

- , read and write English proficiently (required)

License/Certification:

- license for more than five years (required)

Ability to Commute:

- Cape Town, Western Cape (required)