Dog Hiking Specialist
About the role
Shoreline Happy Paws offers part‑time, year‑round positions leading small‑group hikes through Connecticut’s best woods, beaches, and trails. You’ll also handle neighborhood dog walks, yard let‑outs, potty breaks, and in‑home pet‑sitting visits (cats included).
Responsibilities
- Lead structured small‑group hikes on local trails, beaches, and woods
- Coach dogs into great leash manners, both solo and as a pack
- Provide neighborhood dog walking, yard let‑outs, and potty breaks
- Conduct in‑home pet‑sitting visits (cats included)
- Send photo updates and visit reports to clients
- Drive between visits across the service area
- Participate in paid continuing education in dog behavior
Schedule
10 to 25 hours per week; you choose the number and keep it consistent. Year‑round only (no summer‑only hires). Primary need: Tuesday‑Thursday, 9 AM–1 PM or 10 AM–2 PM; Monday‑Friday also considered. Evenings, weekends, and overnights are optional.
Pay
Paid training at $16.94 / hr. Hiking pay ranges from $17 to $25 / hr; new hires start at the low end. Raises are based on tenure and performance. Additional earnings include tips, mileage reimbursement, PTO, holiday pay, and end‑of‑year bonuses.
Benefits
- Paid Pet CPR certification
- Education stipend for dog training or Pet CPR Instructor
- Costco membership
- Employee discounts
- Referral program
- Real W‑2 employment with workers’ comp and liability insurance
- Opportunity for advancement into leadership roles
Requirements
- 18 years or older
- Genuine love for animals
- Patient and respectful
- Reliable, communicative, and detail‑oriented
- Calm and confident with fearful, reactive, or excitable dogs
- Happy outdoors in any weather
- Ability to handle large or strong dogs (90+ lbs) and hike several miles a day over uneven terrain
- Reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, clean driving record, current auto insurance
- Smartphone with data service
- Willingness to pass a background check
Service Area
Must live in or very near: Essex, Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, Westbrook, Clinton