ACS to hire dog trainer

Position pays $16 per hour

ACS receives 90,000 calls for service each year. Detailed information helps investigators find out about any suspected abuse. Reporting animal abuse starts by calling 311, or SAPD at 207-SAPD. If you see it happening in the act, call 911.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Animal Care Services is hiring a dog trainer as part of its initiatives to find more dogs homes. ACS officials said they are very excited to bring this much-needed resource to the shelter and foster pets.

Anyone interested in applying for the position can email their resume, references and questions to bethany.colonnese@sanantonio.gov.

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The position is grant-funded, hired through a contract agency and will pay $16.00 an hour. It will be 40 hours per week with some nights, weekends and holidays. Below is the job description and requirements.

Job Description (Trainer):

Under general supervision, is responsible for providing dog training, advice, programs and consultation to ACS staff, adopters and fosters. Evaluates and recommends training programs for pets kenneled at ACS, in foster care and adopted. Works one-on-one with staff, fosters and adopters on basic commands, handling, and safe transport. Sets up and conducts classrooms and trainings for staff, fosters and adopters.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Provides customer service in person, via phone, and email to citizens on general dog training as appropriate.
  • Works with ACS staff, fosters, and adopters on specific dog training concerns, issues and safety.
  • Schedules, organizes, and instructs classes for adopters and fosters on general training issues and concerns.
  • Works one-on-one with adopters and fosters on specific issues with individual ACS pets.
  • Assists in the evaluation of ACS pets currently in the shelter for general temperament assessments and recommendations.
  • Works one-on-one with ACS pets currently in the shelter on specific temperament and training concerns to improve adoptability.
  • Works with ACS Volunteer Coordinator on instructing volunteers on dog safety, bite prevention and leash walking.
  • Counsels citizens and current adopters seeking to owner surrender pets due to temperament and training issues on available programs and solutions.
  • Manages customer needs efficiently, accurately, and within program guidelines.
  • Provides assistance for customer needs seeking various services at ACS, directs to appropriate division or facility.
  • Performs routine administrative duties, such as tracking numbers of pets and people served through this program, collecting statistical information, and ordering any needed supplies.
  • Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.
  • Transports pets to off-site events and programs, as needed.
  • Publicly support and champion the City of San Antonio and Animal Care Services core values, mission and goals.

Job Requirements:

  • High School diploma or a General Education Development Certificate.
  • Two (2) years of animal handling experience in a professional work environment.
  • Certification course from an accredited Dog Training School.
  • Minimum 300 hours of classroom teaching in a professional environment.
  • Valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of basic animal care procedures.
  • Knowledge of basic veterinary technician skills; or ability to learn such as the administering of vaccines and medication.
  • Knowledge of good customer relations practices
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in observation, evaluation, and classification of animals.
  • Ability to quickly recognize and interpret animal body language.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relations with the public and other employees.
  • Ability to read and comprehend laws and regulations pertaining to animal control.
  • Ability to recognize or learn the symptoms of common animal diseases; ability to lift and handle cats, or dogs (including large breeds) without fear.
  • Ability to prepare and organize statistical records.
  • Ability to learn procedures related to sanitizing kennels, and general safe and humane animal handling.
  • Ability to clearly explain animal services policies to the public and exercise tact and good judgment in working with the public.
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  • Ability to coach, train, and provide technical assistance to others.
  • Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position.

Physical Requirements:

  • Frequent lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and greater than 50 pounds with assistance.
  • Visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity.
  • Subject to climbing, kneeling, lifting, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, and walking to perform the essential functions.
  • Working conditions are inside and outside with frequent exposure to temperature variations, hazardous chemicals, noise, dirty environment, confining work space, and unfavorable odors.
  • Ability to work directly with animals of unknown history, with no pre-existing allergies to animals, hair, dander and/or cleaning supplies.
  • Flexible scheduling and ability to work some weekends, holidays and off hours.

About the Author:

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.