_{19th February, 2025}

The Senior Behaviour and Rehabilitation Trainer position has been developed to evaluate the temperament 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.


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 

• 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
• 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
• Undertake behaviour evaluations at surrender, or whilst in care in shelter or foster. Gather accurate observations, interpret, and document canine/animal behaviour and identify behavioural needs as per organisational policy and procedures. 
• Analyse information taken from multiple sources and over multiple timepoints to monitor changes relevant to an animal’s welfare and identify potential problems. 
• Write intake plans, management plans and rehabilitation plans for shelter animals, and escalate when necessary to manage quality of life within the shelter and enhance chances of successful rehoming. 
• Implement and undertake the training and behaviour management required for individual animals. 
• Document rehabilitation and any other relevant interactions using organisational software and other digital platforms for emails, notes and video footage. 
• Oversee, organise or undertake enrichment for individual animals (environmental, sensory and social). 
• Facilitate and communicate adoption summaries, behaviour information and training notes on individual animals. 
• Provide ongoing education and training to staff and volunteers on reading body language, recording daily behaviour observations and low stress/fear free handling. 
• Support shelter staff to carry out training, enrichment, and management of animals under supervision. 
• Respond to requests for help with challenging animals for fear free handling (vet checks, inspector admissions). 
• Provide case management for groups of animals, or individuals in short and long term foster care when required. 
• Assist with home visits or training classes for RSPCA NSW dogs in their adoptive or foster homes. 
• Filter adoption applications when required, provide advice and information to potential adopters, and undertake adoption interviews and meet and greet sessions with potential adoption animals. 
• Undertake general administrative and office duties as and when required. 
• Attend internal training courses and meetings as requested by management and keep up to date with the latest research on canine/animal behaviour and training. 
• Relationship management with all stakeholders and members of the public. 

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related discipline that includes companion animal behaviour, animal welfare and/or Certificate IV Behaviour and Training or Companion Animal Studies or Companion Animal Behaviour  Behaviour
• 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 vocalizations, 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
• 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’ 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 recruitment@rspcansw.org.au and identify the type of adjustment or assistance you are requesting. Our recruitment team will respond to your email promptly

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