Head Trainer

Job summary

The Head Trainer is responsible for developing and delivering positive reinforcement-based dog training programs and managing the Canine Enrichment Centre operations. They also oversee staff, maintain facility safety, and handle administrative duties related to training schedules and member databases.

Job details

Head Trainer, Canine Enrichment Centre Full-Time, Permanent ABOUT US The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) has been serving Edmonton and area since 1907, dedicated to helping people and pets thrive, together. As a leader in animal welfare, we go beyond sheltering homeless animals — shaping a community that values the human-animal bond through advocacy, education and accessible support services. Our mission is to enrich the lives of people and companion animals through sheltering animals in need, supporting pet guardians, engaging with our community and inspiring compassion. Guided by our values of compassion, trust, improvement, results, inclusivity and teamwork, we work toward a more humane and connected community for all. THE ROLE As a member of the Operations team working in the Canine Enrichment Centre, the Head Trainer will create, develop, and lead program training courses in both group and private sessions for dog owners to learn scientifically proven, positive reinforcement-based training techniques to grow and improve the lives of canines through proper training and care. KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Delivering Training • Teach group classes and private consultations while providing applicable homework, training plans, and feedback forms • Maintain the Canine Enrichment Centre and other common training spaces to ensure safety and cleanliness for clients, animals, and co-workers • Assess dog behaviour when required to assign dogs to the correct training class, ensuring non-aversive techniques are used to protect the safety and welfare of animals and clients Delivering Dog Behaviour and Training Methodology Classes • Update Dog Behaviour and Training Methodology (DBTM) course content as required • Assist with DBTM student scheduling for practical shadow experience (group classes, private consults, daycare) • Proctor final examinations Curriculum Development • Create and maintain training curriculum, consistently ensuring content is up to date Administration • Reply to email and telephone inquiries regarding behaviour, training and Central Bark/Muddy Paws in a timely manner • Maintain accurate records, the training calendar, and class postings in the current software system • Schedule and supervise Contract Trainers as required Support and Maintain EHS Member and Public Facilities • Maintain access codes, respond to incident reports, and keep the membership database for the Member-Exclusive Off-Leash Park (Central Bark) and the public Dog Wash (Muddy Paws) • Remove waste from bins and refill with new bags, ensuring the park remains clean at all times • Perform vaccination checks for the member database as required EDUCATION & REQUIREMENTS • High School Diploma or equivalent • Completion of Dog Behaviour Training and Methodology (DBTM) or equivalent SKILLS & ABILITIES As the ideal candidate, you have knowledge of and experience with companion animals, along with strong interpersonal communication skills, including written and oral proficiency, and the ability to work in a computerized environment. You also bring strong time management skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and exceptional customer service skills. WHAT WE OFFER Joining EHS means becoming part of a compassionate and dedicated team working toward a more humane community. You’ll be surrounded by passionate professionals who care deeply about what they do — for animals, for people, and for each other. At EHS, we offer more than just a job — we offer meaningful work, growth opportunities and a supportive environment where you can thrive. Why You’ll Love Working Here • Meaningful work that makes a tangible impact in our community • Supportive leadership and a collaborative, inclusive culture • Opportunities for growth, learning, and professional development • A strong focus on employee well-being and work–life balance Compensation & Benefits The Head Trainer, Canine Enrichment Centre role is classified in Pay Band with a pay range of $26.65–$33.32 per hour, commensurate with the successful candidate’s education and experience. EHS offers a competitive not-for-profit compensation package, which includes: • Comprehensive health and dental coverage, including a Health Care Spending Account • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) for personal, family and professional support • RRSP/DPSP matching program to help you plan for the future • Paid personal days, vacation, and bereavement time — including for pets • Discounts on EHS programs and services • Opportunities for personal and professional learning and growth Hours of Work • Standard hours: 40 hours per week; however, this position is expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill departmental responsibilities. • Flexibility may be required for evenings, weekends or special events. OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION & SAFETY The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) was founded on the principles of creating positive change in our community. Our hiring practices embrace compassion, support for our staff and volunteers, and our role as a community leader. We believe that a culture of belonging — where people’s unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued and respected — strengthens our ability to serve both animals and people. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and reconciliation helps us support pet guardians facing access-to-care challenges, strengthen the human-animal bond, and build a more compassionate, engaged, and inclusive society. EHS is also a COR-certified employer, recognized by Alberta’s Certificate of Recognition program for maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our staff, volunteers and the animals in our care.

What you’ll do

The Head Trainer is responsible for developing and delivering positive reinforcement-based dog training programs and managing the Canine Enrichment Centre operations. They also oversee staff, maintain facility safety, and handle administrative duties related to training schedules and member databases.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed a Dog Behaviour Training and Methodology (DBTM) program. Strong interpersonal skills, experience with companion animals, and the ability to work in a computerized environment are required.

Benefits

• Health coverage • Dental coverage • Health care spending account • Employee & family assistance program • RRSP/DPSP matching program • Paid personal days • Paid vacation • Paid bereavement time • Discounts on programs and services

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• Customer service · Preferred
• record keeping · Preferred
• Team Leadership · Preferred
• interpersonal communication · Preferred
• Conflict Resolution · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Dog training
• Positive reinforcement
• Curriculum development
• Animal behavior assessment
• Customer service
• Time management
• Interpersonal communication
• Team leadership
• Record keeping
• Staff supervision
• Public speaking
• Conflict resolution
• Community Leadership
• Positive Reinforcement
• Support Services
• Animal Welfare
• Advocacy
• Compassion
• Reconciliation
• Cleanliness
• Customer Service
• Curriculum Development
• Discounts And Allowances
• Leadership
• Incident Reporting
• Interpersonal Communications
• Operations
• Time Management
• Scheduling
• Environment Health And Safety
• Teamwork

Job areas

• Social Services
• Education
• Customer Service & Support
• Management & Leadership
• Head Trainer
• Animal Trainer
• Pet Groomers and Animal Care Workers
• Animal Trainers