Summary of Position:
Under the direction of the Director of Animal Welfare (“the Manager”) and in alignment with LAPS’ strategic direction, the Doghouse Program Supervisor (“the Supervisor”) oversees the day-to-day operations of the Doghouse Program at the Fraser Valley Institution for Women (FVI), operated by Correctional Service Canada (CSC).
The Supervisor is responsible for pre-screening dogs for program suitability, overseeing intake procedures, and ensuring high standards of animal welfare for all boarding and daycare dogs participating in the program.
This role provides direct supervision and support to inmate participants, delivering employment training in areas such as dog handling, grooming, training, husbandry, and client relations.
In addition, the Supervisor promotes the program within the community and delivers private and group dog training classes using positive reinforcement techniques. The role includes developing behaviour modification plans and supporting guardians in building healthy, successful relationships with their dogs.
The Supervisor works collaboratively with staff and stakeholders at all levels of both LAPS and CSC, fostering strong partnerships to support the success of the program.
RESPONSBILITIES AND DUTIES
Doghouse program Operations
- Oversee health and welfare of dogs in cooperation with internal stakeholders ensuring compliance with the Canadian Standards of Care for Animal Shelters and the Fear Free Sheltering and Handling Programs.
- Responsible to ensure daily enrichment of dogs to support physical and mental well-being.
- Promote progressive and evidence-based welfare enhancements to animal care
- Conduct onboarding and training of inmate participants to the program, ensuring accurate record keeping and communications
- Supervise inmate participants and ensure good quality of work, healthy work culture and clean environment.
- Complete pay sheets, weekly work schedules, and related reports.
- Provide escorted temporary absences (ETAs) for inmate to attend Patti Dale Animal Shelter to enrich their employment training.
- Uphold safety and security requirements for CSC and FVI
- Ensure efficient and smooth operations of the day-to-day program. Make recommendations to the Manger to improve systems as needed.
- Conducts tours for clients and other stakeholders and pre boarding dog assessments
- Ensure exceptional customer service for all stakeholders
- Respond to client inquiry and completes bookings.
- Support the Director in drafting policy and procedures
- Liaison with FVI staff and report to levels in the appropriate chain of command regarding various communications.
- Provide holiday and leave coverage
- Respond to emergencies after hours as per rotation
- Facilitate dog transfer to and from the Doghouse Program
Community Outreach
- Provide for dog behaviour training one-on-one, group lessons and seminars/workshops at LAPS facility, FVI, off site locations or my zoom to help support the human-animal bond and to allow for pet guardians and their animals to remain together.
- Complete all necessary documentation and ensure excellent customer service.
- Support and attend community events in coordination with other departments.
- Assist with projects that are to create and enhance LAPS and Doghouse support for community animals.
Other duties
- Maintain, order and pick up supplies
- Host educational opportunities for stakeholders (including LAPS staff)
- Assist with emergencies
- Other related duties as assigned
Overall LAPS Vision and Operations
- Support and promote the vision and strategic plan of LAPS
- Ensure positive public relations and customer service practices
- Ensure compliance with all protocols, procedures, and policies.
- Demonstrate the LAPS Team Values of Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Adaptability, Connection and Accountability in all decisions and interactions.
Working Conditions
- Work is primarily performed at a FVI correctional facility located at 33344 King road, Abbotsford, where the coordinator must adhere to daily security screening and meet all CSC safety requirements.
- The Doghouse Kennel building is located on the secured grounds of FVI and contains indoor office as well as all weather access play yards.
- Additional work is conducted at LAPS Patti Dale Animal Shelter and other offsite community locations.
- Standing, sitting and active movement during entire shift if required.
- Regular exposure to various outdoor conditions.
- Occasional driving on public streets, under a variety of traffic conditions.
- Work performed both in and out of kennel requires lifting, bending, stooping, pushing and other strenuous activities. Must be able to lift a max. of 50 lbs.
- Interaction with medium and minimum-security offenders, as well as correctional staff.
- Frequent exposure to computer video terminal and computer peripherals.
- Workdays are 8 hours. Work schedules are flexible depending on the needs of the organization. This position is required to work evenings, weekends, and on-call.
- Although health and safety policy is in place, there could be exposure to potentially aggressive, unruly, and sick, diseased and parasite infested animals including with potentially zoonotic diseases.
- Safe handing exposure to chemical cleaners.
- Environment can be noisy, odorous, and stressful, both physically and emotionally.
Required Qualifications:
- Successful applicant must pass the Reliability Clearance Screening (Advanced criminal record check) conducted by CSC to remain employed.
- 1 – 3 years of positive reinforcement dog training experience
- Excellent interpersonal skills to maintaining a positive relationship with all respective stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
- Management experience a preferred asset
- Ability to resolve problems and addressing customer service and participant concerns
- Ability to provide training and support to inmates, clients, staff and volunteers within the organization
- A strong understanding of animal learning theory, animal disease, husbandry, behaviour modification and animal welfare concepts.
- Preference given to individuals who have worked in a veterinary, dog training or sheltering facility
- Management or teaching experience
- Experience with handling various breeds of dogs and willing to build on existing dog behavior and training knowledge through professional development
- Ability to demonstrate and actively participate in in creating a positive work environment built on LAPS core values
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent conflict resolution skills
- Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines are required.
- Computer and Internet savvy. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office tools
- The ability to remain pleasant and calm even in stressful situations.
- Physical strength and agility to handle excitable, large breed dogs.
- Must be able to lift heavy equipment and supplies up to 50 lbs
- Maturity, good judgment, and a professional appearance.
Education and Training
- Minimum high school degree or equivalent
- Dog Training certification through a positive based program considered an asset
- Fear free certification considered an asset
- Basic First Aid training an asset
- Possess a class 5 drivers license with clean driving record
Hours of Work:
- 40 hours per week, Tuesday to Saturday with flexibility to allow for evening, weekend and on-call work based on operational needs.
What we offer:
- Salary Range $45,000 – $60,000
- Medical Dental and Extended Health after 6 months of successful employment
- Vacation and Wellness Days
- RRSP matching after 1 year employment
- Education opportunities
- Flexible hours
- Dog friendly environment
- Supportive work environment with opportunities for career growth
- ·The chance to positively impact the lives of both animals and inmates reintegrating into the community!
Pay: $45,000.00-$60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
