Dog Trainer/ Trainer Support – Prison\-Based Dog Program
Hands\-on role supporting shelter dogs, foster coordination, adoption support and training programs
Who We Are
Infinite PawsAbilities partners with California correctional facilities to train incarcerated individuals in dog rehabilitation. Shelter dogs get training and a second chance at adoption. People inside gain skills, purpose, and connection. Adopters get well\-trained companions.
We recently secured grant funding for our Mule Creek State Prison program and are hiring our first team member.
What This Job Is
Location: Ione, CA \+ local adoption events (typically Sacramento/Roseville/Folsom)
Schedule: 25\-30 hours/week on a consistent, predictable (semi\-flexible) schedule to start...can increase to full time based on availability and funding.
Pay: $25\-28/hour depending on experience
Review: 90\-day performance review with potential for adjustment
Benefits: Not available initially. As we secure additional funding, we plan to add benefits and potentially increase to full\-time hours. Timeline depends on grant cycles—we're optimistic that they can begin mid year 2026, but can't make promises.
Reports to: Executive Director (that's me—I'll be training you directly)
What You'll Do
Dog Training
- Learn our specific training curriculum for shelter dogs in a prison environment
- Assist the trainer during training classes at Mule Creek with incarcerated trainers
- Take dogs on weekly public outings for socialization and exposure
- Evaluate dog progress and readiness for adoption
- Run adoption events (with training, eventually independently)
- Build and support our foster home network
- Coordinate meet \& greets with potential adopters
- Communicate with volunteers, fosters, and adopters
- Provide post\-adoption support as needed
- Maintain training records and documentation
- Data entry and administrative tasks
- Work cooperatively with correctional facility staff
- Transport dogs to appointments as needed
- Organize supplies and equipment
- Willing to learn and implement our specific training methods (consistency is critical for our model)
- Track Record of working with dogs, either as a trainer or in some other capacity.
- Comfortable—or willing to become comfortable—working in a correctional facility environment
- Experience in a dog environment, whether as a trainer, kennel professional, veterinary tech, or some other aspect of dog care. We want to ensure you are comfortable around all types of dogs.
- Reliable, organized, and professional
- Strong communication skills with diverse populations
- Genuinely interested in rehabilitation work (both canine and human)
- Long\-term interest in this type of work
- Dog training experience (we'll train the right person)
- Social Media acuity
- Experience working with underserved or justice\-impacted populations
- Ability to handle large dogs safely
- 18\+ years old
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record
- High school diploma or GED
- Ability to pass background check for correctional facility access
- Ability to obtain a US passport
- Stand and walk for extended periods in all types of weather.
- Lift up to 40 lbs independently; handle larger dogs with assistance
- Work in varied weather conditions
- Tolerate elevated noise levels (barking dogs, prison environment)
- Able to guarantee full\-time hours or benefits in any specific timeframe
- Looking for someone who wants to do things their own way (we need consistency across our program)
- A fit if you're uncomfortable in correctional environments
- Able to tolerate unprofessional conduct
- Increased hours
- Benefits package
- Pay increases
- More responsibility and independence
- Eventually, opportunity to lead programming at additional facilities
- Why you're interested in prison\-based dog training specifically
- How you feel about learning and implementing someone else's training system
- What you're looking for in a position (both now and longer\-term)
- Sees part\-time as a starting point, not a limitation
- Wants to learn and grow in this specific type of work
- Is willing to invest in something that's still being built
- Flexible schedule
- On\-the\-job training
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Working with Dogs: 1 year (Required)
Foster \& Adoption Coordination
Program Support
Who We're Looking For
Must\-haves:
Helpful but not required:
Required:
Physical requirements:
What We Offer
Meaningful work. You'll see direct impact: dogs saved from euthanasia, people discovering new skills and purpose, families gaining wonderful companions.
Potential for growth. If funding continues and performance is strong, there's potential to expand hours, add responsibilities, and increase compensation. Our goal is to grow this program to additional facilities—but that growth depends on both funding and finding the right people.
Structured schedule. Your hours are predictable, not random. Good for work\-life balance.
Mission\-driven environment. Casual, pet\-friendly, focused on impact rather than bureaucracy.
What We're Not
Our Approach to Growth
This is grant\-funded work, which means growth happens when funding happens. We have a strong track record with grants and are actively pursuing additional funding. If things go well—both with funding and with your performance—there's real potential for:
But I'm not going to promise exact timelines or dollar amounts because I can't predict grant cycles with certainty. What I can promise is that if you do excellent work and we secure the funding, we'll invest in keeping you.
How to Apply
Send your resume and a brief note (3\-4 paragraphs) to info@infinitepaws.org
In your note, please address:
Subject line: Canine Trainer Position – \[Your Name]
Final Thoughts
I'm looking for someone who:
If that sounds like you, I'd love to hear from you.
Cherie Flores
Executive Director
Infinite PawsAbilities
info@infinitepaws.org
Infinite PawsAbilities is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Types: Full\-time, Part\-time
Pay: $25\.00 \- $28\.00 per hour
Benefits:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Experience:
Work Location: In person