Dog Handler (Enrichment Specialist)
Central Bark Asheville
Join One of Asheville's Fastest Growing Dog Care Teams!
Central Bark Asheville is growing, and we're looking for passionate dog lovers to join our family-owned business! If you love dogs, enjoy staying active, and want a career where every day is different, we'd love to meet you.
Central Bark Asheville provides:
- Enrichment Dog Daycare
- Overnight Boarding
- Professional Grooming
- Dog Training
- Premium Pet Retail Market
Learn more about us:
https://www.centralbarkusa.com/asheville/
Starting Pay $15-$17
All Training shifts $15
Now Hiring
We are currently hiring Part-Time Dog Handlers (Enrichment Specialists) to join our growing team! This position offers the opportunity to transition into a Full-Time role after successfully completing the training period, based on performance, reliability, and business needs.
We're looking to fill these positions within the next two weeks.
Available Shifts
Weekend availability is required.
- Morning Shift: 6:00/6:30 AM – 12:00/12:30 PM
- Afternoon Shift: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (or until evening cleaning is complete)
- Full Day Group Shift: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Weekend: 6:00AM - 11:30 AM; 2:30PM - 7:00 PM (or until evening cleaning is complete)
Position Overview
As a Dog Handler (Enrichment Specialist), you'll spend most of your day supervising indoor and outdoor playgroups, ensuring every dog enjoys a safe, fun, and enriching experience.
This is a physically active position perfect for someone who enjoys working outdoors, staying on their feet, and making a positive difference in the lives of dogs every day.
Approximate daily responsibilities include:
- 60% Supervising playgroups, monitoring dog behavior, facilitating safe play, providing enrichment activities, and cleaning up after dogs.
- 20% Feeding, medicating, crating, transporting dogs throughout the facility, and assisting with owner drop-off and pick-up.
- 20% Cleaning and sanitizing play areas, kennels, equipment, and the facility to maintain our high standards of cleanliness.
What You'll Do
- Supervise dog playgroups using science-based dog behavior and handling techniques.
- Create positive enrichment experiences that keep dogs mentally and physically engaged.
- Monitor dog body language and behavior to maintain safe group dynamics.
- Provide individualized care including feeding, medication administration, brushing, first aid, and comfort.
- Maintain detailed notes on each dog's behavior, health, and daily activities.
- Keep all indoor and outdoor areas clean, sanitized, and safe.
- Work closely with our Customer Experience team to communicate important information about each dog's day.
- Follow all Central Bark policies, safety standards, and operational procedures.
Opportunities for Growth
At Central Bark Asheville, we believe in promoting from within. Team members who demonstrate initiative, leadership, and continued learning have opportunities to advance into leadership, training, grooming support, and management roles.
Qualifications
We're looking for team members who are:
- Passionate about dogs and animal care
- Reliable and dependable
- Positive, energetic, and team-oriented
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Able to remain calm under pressure
- Willing to learn modern dog behavior and enrichment techniques
Previous dog handling experience is helpful but not required. Experience may include:
- Pet ownership
- Veterinary clinics
- Animal shelters or rescues
- Dog daycare or boarding facilities
- Grooming facilities
- Pet sitting or dog walking
We provide extensive training for the right candidates.
Physical Requirements
This is an active job requiring the ability to:
- Lift up to 50 pounds
- Stand and walk for extended periods
- Bend, kneel, squat, and move quickly when necessary
- Work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions
- Safely leash, handle, and control dogs of all sizes
Communication & Computer Skills
Candidates should be able to:
- Read feeding instructions, medication directions, schedules, and dog information accurately.
- Communicate professionally with coworkers and management both verbally and in writing.
- Learn basic computer software used for scheduling and documenting dog care.
Why Join Central Bark Asheville?
- Work with dogs every day
- Family-owned, supportive work environment
- Paid training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Fun, team-oriented culture
- Make a real difference in the lives of dogs and their families
If you're ready to turn your love for dogs into a rewarding career, we'd love to hear from you!
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- On-the-job training
Application Question(s):
- What are 3 services Central Bark Offers? - hint look at our website.
Ability to Commute:
- Asheville, NC 28806 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
