Transform Lives at Both Ends of the Leash

Are you a passionate dog trainer or animal care professional looking for a unique, highly rewarding role where your skills directly impact the lives of Australian military veterans and program participants?

Defence Community Dogs (DCD) is seeking a dedicated, empathetic, and resilient Associate Canine Trainer to join our team in Bathurst. In this unique developmental role, you will work under the direct mentorship of our Canine Training Manager to help train assistance dogs for veterans living with PTSD, while coaching inmate handlers within Bathurst Correctional Centre.

Start as an Independent Contractor (2-3 days/week), with a clear pathway to transition into a permanent employment contract (3-4 days/week).

What You’ll Be Doing

- Dog Training & Welfare: Assist with basic on-site obedience training, learn PTSD-specific task training, monitor dog health and weight records, and support daily enrichment and care.
- Inmate Handler Coaching: Deliver basic theory lessons and practical handling instructions to inmate handlers, helping them build confidence and positive reinforcement skills.
- Event & Handover Support: Provide hands-on logistical, operational, and administrative support during high-intensity periods, including veteran handover weeks, Public Access Tests (PAT/GHAD), and graduation ceremonies.
- Record Keeping: Learn DCD documentation procedures and keep dog welfare and training records up to date in Salesforce.
- Correctional Environment: Work safely and strictly within the rules, security protocols, and guidelines of Bathurst Correctional Centre.

What We’re Looking For

- Dog Handling Background: CPDT-KA qualification or active progress towards completion, paired with practical dog handling experience.




- Correctional Environment Readiness: Willingness to work within a secure facility (Bathurst Correctional Centre), strictly adhering to safety rules, security checks, and professional boundaries.
- Communication & Teaching Skills: Strong verbal communication skills with the patience to teach individuals with diverse learning styles and backgrounds.
- Coachability & Growth Mindset: A desire to learn under direct mentorship, with the long-term ambition to grow into a senior trainer role.
- Basic Tech Skills: Computer literacy for recording dog training notes and updating database records.
- Checks: Must hold a valid Driver’s Licence and be able to pass a National Police Clearance. Will also need own ABN, or ability to get one.

Personal Attributes

- Calm & Composed: Keeps a cool head and maintains emotional balance in structured or quick-changing environments.
- Situational Awareness & Boundaries: Demonstrates grounded confidence and keen observational skills to interpret group dynamics and maintain clear, professional boundaries.
- Ethical & Welfare-Focused: Uncompromising commitment to positive, reward-based training and the highest standards of dog care.
- Team-First Mindset: Adaptable and willing to pitch in with setup, logistics, or administration during busy program events.

Must live in Bathurst or be willing to relocate.

Why Join Defence Community Dogs?

- Meaningful Purpose: See the direct impact of your work as dogs progress from basic training to changing a veteran's life.
- Direct Mentorship: Receive hands-on coaching and career development from experienced assistance dog specialists.
- Unique Work Environment: Gain valuable experience working at the intersection of animal behaviour, social rehabilitation, and veteran mental health.

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📌 Associate Canine Trainer (Bathurst)
🏢 Defence Community Dogs
📍 Bathurst