Doghouse Program Supervisor

Langley Animal Protection Society • Full-time • Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada • USD $ 45k - USD $ 60k / year • 1m ago

Summary of Position:

As per LAPS strategic direction, under the direction of the Director of Animal Welfare (“the manager”), the Doghouse Program Supervisor (“the Supervisor”) is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operation of the Doghouse Program at the Fraser Valley Institution for Women (FVI) operated by the Correctional Services of Canada (CSC). The Supervisor will participate in pre-screening for suitability, oversee intake, and ensuring high welfare standards for all boarding and daycare dogs. The Supervisor will supervise inmate participants and provide employment training regarding grooming, dog handling, dog training, husbandry, and client relations.

In addition, the Supervisor will promote the program in the community and provide private and group dog training classes based on positive reinforcement techniques. This will include providing behaviour modification plans and supporting guardians to foster a healthy relationship with their dog(s).

The Supervisor position interacts and collaborates with all organization levels at both LAPS and CSC.

RESPONSBILITIES AND DUTIES

Doghouse program Operations

Oversee health and welfare of dogs in cooperation with internal stakeholders ensuring compliance with the Canadian Standards of Care for Animal Shelters and the Fear Free Sheltering and Handling Programs.
Responsible to ensure daily enrichment of dogs to support physical and mental well-being.
Promote progressive and evidence-based welfare enhancements to animal care
Conduct onboarding and training of inmate participants to the program, ensuring accurate record keeping and communications
Supervise inmate participants and ensure good quality of work, healthy work culture and clean environment.
Complete pay sheets, weekly work schedules, and related reports.
Provide escorted temporary absences (ETAs) for inmate to attend Patti Dale Animal Shelter to enrich their employment training.
Uphold safety and security requirements for CSC and FVI
Ensure efficient and smooth operations of the day-to-day program. Make recommendations to the Manger to improve systems as needed.
Conducts tours for clients and other stakeholders and pre boarding dog assessments
Ensure exceptional customer service for all stakeholders
Respond to client inquiry and completes bookings.
Support the Director in drafting policy and procedures
Liaison with FVI staff and report to levels in the appropriate chain of command regarding various communications.
Provide holiday and leave coverage
Respond to emergencies after hours as per rotation
Facilitate dog transfer to and from the Doghouse Program

Community Outreach

Provide for dog behaviour training one-on-one, group lessons and seminars/workshops at LAPS facility, FVI, off site locations or my zoom to help support the human-animal bond and to allow for pet guardians and their animals to remain together.
Complete all necessary documentation and ensure excellent customer service.
Support and attend community events in coordination with other departments.
Assist with projects that are to create and enhance LAPS and Doghouse support for community animals.

Other duties

Maintain, order and pick up supplies
Host educational opportunities for stakeholders (including LAPS staff)
Assist with emergencies
Other related duties as assigned

Overall LAPS Vision and Operations

Support and promote the vision and strategic plan of LAPS
Ensure positive public relations and customer service practices
Ensure compliance with all protocols, procedures, and policies.
Demonstrate the LAPS Team Values of Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Adaptability, Connection and Accountability in all decisions and interactions.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed at a FVI correctional facility (33344 Kingroad, Abbotsford) where the coordinator must adhere to security screening daily and meet all CSC safety requirements.
The Doghouse Kennel building is located on the secured grounds of FVI and contains indoor office as well as all weather access play yards.
Additional work is conducted at LAPS Patti Dale Animal Shelter and other offsite community locations.
Standing, sitting and active movement during entire shift if required.
Regular exposure to various outdoor conditions.
Occasional driving on public streets, under a variety of traffic conditions.
Work performed both in and out of kennel requires lifting, bending, stooping, pushing and other strenuous activities. Must be able to lift a max. of 50 lbs.
Interaction with medium and minimum-security offenders, as well as correctional staff.
Frequent exposure to computer video terminal and computer peripherals.
Workdays are 8 hours. Work schedules are flexible depending on the needs of the organization. This position is required to work evenings, weekends, and on-call.
Although health and safety policy is in place, there could be exposure to potentially aggressive, unruly, and sick, diseased and parasite infested animals including with potentially zoonotic diseases.
Safe handing exposure to chemical cleaners.
Environment can be noisy, odorous, and stressful, both physically and emotionally.

Required Qualifications:

Successful applicant must pass the Reliability Clearance Screening (Advanced criminal record check) conducted by CSC to remain employed.
1 – 3 years of positive reinforcement dog training experience
Excellent interpersonal skills to maintaining a positive relationship with all respective stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
Management experience a preferred asset
Ability to resolve problems and addressing customer service and participant concerns
Ability to provide training and support to inmates, clients, staff and volunteers within the organization
A strong understanding of animal learning theory, animal disease, husbandry, behaviour modification and animal welfare concepts.
Preference given to individuals who have worked in a veterinary, dog training or sheltering facility
Management or teaching experience
Experience with handling various breeds of dogs and willing to build on existing dog behavior and training knowledge through professional development
Ability to demonstrate and actively participate in in creating a positive work environment built on LAPS core values
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent conflict resolution skills
Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines are required.
Computer and Internet savvy. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office tools
The ability to remain pleasant and calm even in stressful situations.
Physical strength and agility to handle excitable, large breed dogs.
Must be able to lift heavy equipment and supplies up to 50 lbs
Maturity, good judgment, and a professional appearance.

Education and Training

Minimum high school degree or equivalent
Dog Training certification through a positive based program considered an asset
Fear free certification considered an asset
Possess a class 5 drivers license with clean driving record

Hours of Work:

40 hours per week, Tuesday to Saturday with flexibility to allow for evening, weekend and on-call work based on operational needs.

What we offer:

Salary Range $45,000 – $60,000
Medical Dental and Extended Health after 6 months of successful employment
Vacation and Wellness Days
RRSP matching after 1 year employment
Education opportunities
Flexible hours
Dog friendly environment
Supportive work environment with opportunities for career growth
·The chance to positively impact the lives of both animals and inmates reintegrating into the community!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00-$60,000.00 per year

Benefits: