Canine Enrichment Coordinator

The Canine Enrichment Coordinator (CEC), in collaboration with the Manager, Animal Enrichment and Flow, works to maintain individualized enrichment and training protocols commensurate with the philosophy of IndyHumane and IndyHumane’s overall mission of enhanced quality of life for maximum lifesaving. This position attends to the emotional and behavioral well-being of the entire shelter canine population.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensures rotation of all qualifying dogs through daily playgroup.
• Responsible for ensuring sufficient daily exercise and time outside of their enclosure for all sheltered dogs while helping to coordinate assistance from staff and volunteers.
• Communicates promptly and effectively with other shelter staff to ensure consistency of dog handling based on changing needs and to provide updates on individual behavior concerns.
• Assists in maintaining adequate signage and documentation (on kennels, around the building, and within electronic records) for the entire canine population.
• Works with shelter staff to implement enrichment and training protocols for individual dogs (on-site and off-site).
• Develops and maintains a check-point system to assess behavioral well-being of the canine population.
• Assists, as requested, in training volunteers to handle the dogs consistently and safely.
• Maintains an optimal kennel environment by relocating dogs when behaviorally advantageous, designating daily in-kennel enrichment, and providing necessary kennel communication to guide staff and volunteers in ideal care for each dog.
• Communicates with Adoption Staff about dog behavior updates and adoption promotion opportunities unique to individual dogs.
• Provides adoption counseling to potential adopters for dogs specified as needing special adoption recommendations and/or support.
• Conducts dog-to-dog introductions with potential adopters, when requested.
• Trains designated kennel staff in proper handling techniques in accordance with Indyhumane programming.
• Ensures canine enrichment areas (playgroup yards) and equipment are properly cleaned and maintained.
• Supports organization in the development and implementation of any new protocols or programs designed to enhance the quality of life for the entire canine population.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Education and Experience:
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in animal welfare; animal shelter experience preferred.
• Observed handling skills and knowledge of IndyHumane programming.
• Proven knowledge of best practices in an animal welfare/shelter environment.
• Knowledge of local animal control and state humane laws; ability to apply them to the general public as they pertain to adoption.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, public speaking, and customer service skills.
• Ability to use a PC and common software packages such as spreadsheets (e.g., MS Excel), word processing (e.g., MS Word), shelter software (e.g., Chameleon or Pet Point); ability to learn new software as necessary.
• Ability to meet deadlines and to accomplish work in order of priority.
• Ability to professionally maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure and changing conditions.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule with regular weekend and evening activities.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.

Working Conditions:

• Office and animal shelter environment.
• Potential exposure to high noise levels, behaviorally challenging and potentially aggressive animals, and zoonotic diseases.
• Exposure to all weather conditions.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent use of computer and telephone.