Specialist, Canine Enrichment - Dogtown

Location: Kanab, Utah (Relocation assistance available)

Hiring Range:This position's hiring rate is anticipated to be $22.50 per hour, plus great benefits!

Interviews will occur weekly until the position is filled.

Position Summary:The Canine Enrichment Specialist is responsible for implementing, and evaluating enrichment programs that support the emotional, physical, and behavioral health of dogs in care. This role focuses on providing species-typical, behaviorally appropriate enrichment that reduces fear, anxiety, stress, and frustration (FAS+F), supports positive behavior change, prevents behavioral decline while in care, reduces length of stay, and improves adoptability. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Training and Behavior, the Canine Enrichment Specialist works collaboratively with behavior staff, caregivers, and volunteers to ensure enrichment is safe, effective, consistent, and scalable across the population.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and implement dynamic enrichment plans, adapting strategies to meet individual dogs' behavioral, emotional, medical, and safety needs.

• Develop and implement enrichment-focused volunteer shifts, serving as the primary point of contact for enrichment-related questions, training, and guidance.

• As a Canine Enrichment Specialist, observe and document dog responses to enrichment, collaborate with behavior and caregiving teams to align strategies with training and individual needs, and adjust plans based on FAS+F tracking and ongoing assessments, including providing targeted support for dogs with specialized behavioral needs.

• Train caregivers and volunteers on enrichment best practices, develop clear guidelines and materials to ensure consistent implementation, and serve as an ambassador by educating visitors on the role of enrichment in supporting canine well-being, behavior, and adoptability.

• Collaborate with behavior, medical, and operations teams by sharing observations and data, including monthly monitoring and measurement, to evaluate enrichment outcomes and support informed decision-making around animal welfare, behavior, and length of stay.

• Assist Senior Manager of Training & Behavior with the development and review of SOPs and sharable enrichment resources.

• Collaborate with social media and donor relations teams to foster community engagement and provide education on enrichment-related activities and projects.

• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience working directly with dogs in a shelter, rescue, and/or sanctuary setting.

• Dog training and behavior knowledge and experience to include theory, training techniques, and an interest to pursue continued learning in the field; experience helping dogs manage/reduce stress and in utilizing management techniques to keep yourself safe while doing so within a shelter environment.

• Demonstrated understanding of canine body language, stress signals, and emotional states.

• Demonstrated knowledge of canine enrichment principles and welfare-based care.

• Ability to work safely and confidently with dogs displaying a wide range of behavioral and medical needs.

• Customer-centric, non-judgmental approach to engaging with adopters, partners, visitors, volunteers, and colleagues; familiarity and comfort with an open adoption process.

• Bilingual or multi-lingual skills preferred but not required; strong communications skills, presentation experience with the ability to professionally advocate Best Friends' position on issues.

• Resourceful, get-it-done attitude; an initiative to assist in any area or process; problem-solving, seeking answers independently and enthusiastically; the flexibility to persist until goals are achieved.

• Strong interpersonal skills, a team player, personable, professional, and able to get along with people from different backgrounds, as well as the ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with well-developed organization skills to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; familiarity with shelter software/animal management software, or desire to learn.

Physical Requirements:

• Routinely lift 40 pounds and perform daily strenuous activity including, but not limited to lifting, carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, cleaning, and bending.

• Work at a computer or driving a car for extended periods of time with repetitive typing, sitting, arm, and hand motion.

• Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.

• Exposure to dogs, cats, and other animals of all sizes, temperaments, and medical status.

• Valid driver's license, ability to qualify to be added to Best Friends insurance, ability to travel, including overnight stays, when needed.

• Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; the position includes weekends, nights, and holiday work.

*During the selection process, candidates may be asked to participate in an onsite working interview.

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.