Join the Team - Paid and Volunteer Opportunities at Ahimsa in Seattle

Our site is full of information about who we are, what we do, and what we believe in. Please read that before you decide to contact us!

How to Apply for Paid Positions: If you think you'd enjoy working here, please contact Grisha at grisha@doggiezen.com with your resume and reference letters.  References may be sent separately. We prefer email, but you may also mail items to Ahimsa Dog Training, attn: Grisha Stewart, 902 NW 49th Street, Seattle, WA 98107.  All information on the positions below must be submitted by December 31, 2011.

Volunteer Positions (AVAILABLE)

Volunteers help out by moving things, a little cleaning up, getting jumped on by dogs for greeting practice, etc. As they get more knowledgeable, they might give dog training advice. To be eligible, volunteers have taken at least one of our dog training courses. Volunteers can attend ongoing classes for free during the week that they volunteer, on a space-available basis. Please email us if you are interested in volunteering for a dog training class. 

Dog Trainer (1 POSITION AVAILABLE)

We are getting a third (bigger) classroom and are planning to use it to expand our offerings. We would like to hire a trainer who can teach manners classes and also possibly competitive obedience, treibball, or other sports.

We are looking for a professional dog trainer who:

• Wants/needs a part time position (4-10 class hours per week, though that may change).
• Has at least a Bachelor's degree, preferably in something related to dogs or psychology or teaching, but not necessarily.
• Has at least 2 years of professional dog training experience.
• Has a thorough understanding of clicker training.
• Is certified via CCPDT, KPA, ABS, or another well-known organization.
• Enjoys talking with and teaching people.
• Loves dogs and believes in force-free reward-based training (versus dominance or punishment).
• Can provide three reference letters (former employer or colleague if self-employed, veterinarian, client).
• Is patient, flexible, and works well with others.
• Is interested in process improvement, i.e., if they see something wrong in the system, they work to improve it. They also continue to educate themselves on the best ways to train and teach.
• Is a life-long learner (continue to attend seminars, read, etc. versus thinking you know all you need to know about dogs).
• Can lift at least 60 pounds. (Think agility equipment or dogs).
• Has no criminal record (we will run a background check).

HOURS: This is a nights-and-weekends job, generally, though we are open on some weekdays.

PAY & BENEFITS: Hourly rate depends on experience. Employees get a retirement plan, discounts in the store, and discounted/free classes.

Puppy Camp Counselor Positions (2 POSITIONS AVAILABLE)

We are going to begin offering Puppy Camp: a puppy socialization program for dogs without their people. The Puppy Camp Counselors will be in charge of helping puppies safely get used to people, dogs, noises, and surfaces as well as working on crate training and house training.

We are looking for a person who:

• Has at least an Associates degree, preferably in something related to dogs or psychology or teaching, but not necessarily.
• Has at least 1 year of experience working with dogs, preferably in a dog daycare or as a dog walker or trainer.
• Has a thorough understanding of puppy socialization and is willing to learn our training techniques.
• Is experienced in clicker training, at least with their own dog.
• Loves dogs and believes in force-free reward-based training (versus dominance or punishment).
• Can provide three reference letters from former employers (or clients if previous/current job was dog walker or dog trainer).
• Is patient, flexible, responsible, and works well with others.
• Is interested in process improvement, i.e., if they see something wrong in the system, they work to improve it.
• Can lift at least 60 pounds. (Think large breed puppies).
• Has a car in which puppies could ride wearing seatbelts.
• Has no criminal record (we will run a background check).

HOURS: This is a daytime job, mostly 7:00 am to noon, 5 days per week.

PAY & BENEFITS: Hourly rate depends on experience. Employees get a retirement plan, discounts in the store, and discounted/free classes.

Cashier / Training Class Assistant (NO POSITIONS AVAILABLE)

Would you like to be an join the team at award-winning Ahimsa Dog Training? Now's your chance!

We are looking for a responsible person with a positive attitude and strong work ethic to cashier at our small dog-supply store in Ballard and help out with classes when the store is not busy.

We are looking for a person who:

• Enjoys talking with people.
• Loves dogs and believes in reward-based training (versus dominance or punishment).
• Can provide two reference letters from former employers.
• Works well with others.
• Is interested in process improvement, i.e., if they see something wrong in the system, they work to improve it.
• Has good communication skills on the telephone.
• Is comfortable working on a computer.
• Can lift at least 60 pounds. (Think dog boxes of dog supplies).
• Has no criminal record (we will run a background check).

HOURS: This is a nights-and-weekends job, generally, though we are open on some weekdays.

PAY & BENEFITS: Hourly rate depends on experience. Employees get a retirement plan, discounts in the store, and discounted/free classes.