The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is currently seeking a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) to join our team. This is part-time (20 - 25 hours per week) FLSA nonexempt employment opportunity.
Since 1897, HSSW has been the leader in animal welfare across Southwest Washington. With an annual operating budget of $15 million, we are the largest and most innovative animal welfare organization in the region. Our shelter campuses in Vancouver and Longview, WA serve more than 10,000 animals each year, providing high-quality care, medical services, and the compassion they deserve.
Our community-based approach helps keep pets and people together. Through the Nierenberg Community Veterinary Clinic, the Sandra Richardson Miller Mobile Veterinary Clinic, the Swigert Family Behavior & Training Center, and programs like free pet food and other essential resources, we serve more than 18,000 owned animals annually expanding access to affordable veterinary care, spay/neuter, training, and support.
We also own and operate ReTails Thrift Store, a top shopping destination named Best Thrift Store in Clark County for eight consecutive years, providing vital funding for our mission.
At HSSW, you’ll find an innovative, high-energy culture where your passion for animals and people can make a real difference. We’re looking for team members who want to be part of something bigger: supporting pets, strengthening families, and shaping the future of animal welfare in Southwest Washington. HSSW has been honored as Best Non-Profit for two years running—a recognition of our impact and leadership in the community.
Certified Personal Dog Trainer (CPDT)
The Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) will play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of dogs in our care and in the community. This position focuses on developing and delivering behavior training programs, supporting newly adopted and fostered dogs, and helping keep pets with their families. The ideal candidate is experienced in positive reinforcement training, program design, and group facilitation, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Development & Implementation
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Collaborate with the VP of Operations to design and implement education and behavior training programs aligned with HSSW’s mission and philosophy.
Group Classes
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Plan and conduct group training sessions for the public, including puppy and adult dog classes, emphasizing positive reinforcement, socialization, and obedience.
Surrender Prevention
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Develop and deliver training plans to support families considering surrendering their dogs, reducing shelter intakes.
Post-Adoption Support
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Provide tailored training and behavior support to adopters, ensuring successful transitions for dogs and families.
Foster Support
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Create individualized training plans for foster caregivers to address behavioral challenges and improve dogs’ adoptability.
Collaboration & Reporting
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Communicate regularly with shelter staff and leadership, providing updates on training programs, foster dog progress, and post-adoption support.
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Partner with marketing to create educational content for email, social media, and community outreach
Position Requirements
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Certification: Recognized certification in positive reinforcement dog training.
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Experience: Proficiency in addressing behavioral challenges (e.g., reactivity, anxiety, resource guarding) and leading group training classes.
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Communication Skills: Strong ability to convey training concepts to diverse audiences in both individual and group settings.
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Valid driver’s license with HSSW insurable driving record. (Motor Vehicle Records Check required)
Working Conditions
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Work is performed in conjunction with an animal shelter that operates seven days per week, with exposure to environmental conditions that include working with animals.
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There is potential exposure to fractious animals, high-noise levels, zoonotic diseases, animal bites and scratches, cleaning chemicals, allergens, and potential exposure of infectious diseases to self and personally owned animals.
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Work is conducted in both indoor and outdoor settings, including training centers, parks, and other agreed-upon locations.
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Outdoor work may involve exposure to varying weather conditions such as heat, cold, wind, or rain.
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Handling dogs of various breeds, sizes, and temperaments, requiring physical strength, stamina, and agility.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship. HSSW participates in E-Verify.
Compensation
The hourly pay for this position ranges from $29.83 to $35.84 per hour. Starting wage is dependent upon experience.
Employee Benefits and Perks
In addition to serving in an organization with a compassionate and strategic purpose, eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and a variety of employee perks.
Benefits include:
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Health insurance effective the first of the month following hire (full-time employees).
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Dental and vision insurance effective the first of the month following hire.
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Matching percentage 401(k) retirement plan beginning the first month after hire, with a 3-year graded vesting schedule and ROTH contribution option.
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available to all employees and household members.
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Section 125 FSA Cafeteria Plan for out-of-pocket health and/or dependent day care expenses.
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Access to affordable life, disability, and accidental supplemental insurance.
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Numerous employee discounts and discounts with partner organizations.
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer. To learn more about this Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, go to https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Employees in this position accrue PTO at a rate of 2 hours for every 40 hours worked.
Additional Paid time includes:
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Floating Holidays (full-time employees).
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Bereavement leave
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Pet bereavement leave
Culture
Vision: A community where everyone loves and cares for animals.
Mission: Rescue. Return. Restore. Rehome. Reconnect. One animal at a time
Values: Compassion. Collaboration. Excellence. Service. Integrity.
The ultimate team player:
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Displays interest, enthusiasm, and an affinity for working with people.
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Demonstrates an attitude in being of-service, using good judgment, maintaining a positive outlook, and ideally, a sense of humor.
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Works well in teams and demonstrates an attitude and commitment to collaboration with a sincere interest in helping others succeed.
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Is committed to achieving excellence individually and as a part of the team.
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Exhibits adaptability, curiosity, flexibility to change, open to new ideas, and encourages others to recognize changes in work tasks, situations, and environment as an opportunity for transformation.
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Is committed to personal and professional development through life-long learning.
How to Apply
Does HSSW sound like the right place for you?
Does this job sound like a great fit & do you meet the qualifications for this position?
If so, then click the Apply button to begin your journey to join our team today. HSSW participates in E-Verify.
The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations during the hiring process for qualified applicants with disabilities.
For more information visit https://HSSW.org/careers/.
Application Deadline: Open until filled.
