Behavior Specialist - American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals : Job Details

Summary:Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Behavior Specialist at the ASPCA's new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you! Behavior Specialists attend the ASPCA's 9-week paid Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship (SBA) that provides the foundations for a career in animal behavior. The SBA is a deep dive into the science of animal behavior and its application in shelter settings, alongside hands-on coaching from behavior experts. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, Behavior Specialists step into their new hands-on role at the R&R Center. Ideal candidates for Behavior Specialist will have a keen interest in applied animal behavior, a solid understanding of animal learning principles, strong low-stress animal handling skills, excellent interpersonal skills, including experience successfully coaching people. Success will hinge on the ability to collaborate effectively with behavior, operations and veterinary teammates at the R&R Center, as well as staff in other departments across the organization. Recovery & Rehabilitation Center Overview & Upcoming Launch The R&R Center in Pawling, NY, is a unique program dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for canine victims of cruelty. The R&R Center team works closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to help animals rescued in partnership with the NYPD. The Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship combines online and hands-on learning, and requires travel. The target start date for this position is February 12, 2025Following the completion of SBA, Behavior Specialists are expected to begin work in-person in Pawling, NY on May 6, 2025 Responsibilities:Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Functional Duties (80%)

• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals and humans by using low-stress and defensive handling techniques

• Perform behavior evaluation and apply behavior modification protocols, conducting and documenting treatment sessions, and providing data and observations to help inform intervention decisions

• Provide socialization and extra enrichment opportunities for specified dogs

• Conduct dog playgroups and lead internal group dog training classes

• Contribute to animal pathways conversations, providing objective data for decision making

• Monitor behavioral health and communicate observations and concerns to appropriate staff members in a timely fashion

• Assist, as needed, with the handling and movement of animals during cleaning, intake, exercise, grooming, exams, and humane euthanasia

• Provide handling and data collection in support of the organization's research agenda

• Assist with the collection and organization of footage for video library

• Assist, as needed, with animal housing and kennel design improvement planning

• Monitor the activities of volunteers interacting with animals and provide guidance/coaching

• With the guidance of senior leadership, provide hands-on coaching for Care & Enrichment Technicians, volunteers, visitors, and interns

• Provide follow-up support for fosters, placement partners, and adopters

• Facilitate on-site introductions for placement partners, foster parents, and adopters

• Participate in media interviews via email, phone, and on camera as directed by leadership

• Deploy to support Behavioral Sciences Team's (BST) field work, handling animals during removal and intake and conducting forensic behavior evaluations

• Provide behavior support at ASPCA temporary shelters, conducting behavior treatments and playgroups and monitoring behavioral health of animals at the temporary shelter

• Adhere to the Incident Command System's (ICS') of command on deployment

• Adhere to all behavioral, veterinary, and sheltering protocols set forth by the ASPCA

Administrative and Operational Duties (20%)

• Meticulous collection of high-quality data in support of behavior and veterinary needs as well as the organization's research agenda

• Share appropriate behavior paperwork with fosters, placement partners, and adopters

• Attend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings

• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses

• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets

Core Values Exemplifies the ASPCA's Core Values:

• Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals

• Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes

• Believes in Team - that we are stronger together

• Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible

• Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals

Requirements Education and Work Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required

• Minimum of two years of experience working in a shelter setting handling, treating and evaluating dogs with moderate to extreme behavior problems

• Successful completion of the ASPCA's Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Winter cohort

• Sofia Yin's Low Stress Handling® University Silver-Level certification (approximately 18 hours) required within six months of hire

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving

• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time

• Able to work a flexible schedule when needed including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally

• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice

• Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress

• Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas

• Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand

• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others

• Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others

• Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions

• Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same

• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly

• Artfully flexes coaching style to best support diverse individuals

• Cultivates a climate in which diverse perspectives are solicited, encouraged, valued, and respected

• Work takes place in a variety of environments and weather conditions, including indoor climate-controlled spaces and outdoors where surfaces may be wet or uneven and extreme heat, cold, or precipitation is possible

• Work may occur in noisy environments

• Work involves exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects

• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time

• Ability to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies

• Comfort and ability to handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations

• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties

Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Requirements:

• Actively participate in shelter behavior online, classroom and hands-on experiential learning activities throughout the Apprenticeship

• Practice application of acquired skills and knowledge in a busy animal shelter setting, with coaching and supervision by Apprenticeship staff

• Perform basic handling of dogs and cats under the supervision of Apprenticeship staff

• Demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills via periodic, practical learner assessments throughout the Apprenticeship to assist Instructors in providing personalized coaching

• Assist ASPCA facility staff as necessary, providing care for animals participating in Apprenticeship activities (e.g., cleaning, feeding, providing enrichment/exercise)

• Provide periodic, practical feedback on the experience, activities, content and flow of the Apprenticeship to help inform program improvement and iteration

• Travel for up to 3 weeks at a time for learning activities at ASPCA facilities (all associated costs covered by the ASPCA)

• Shelter Behavior Associates must attend Winter 2025 cohort during the following dates:

• February 12-15: remote onboarding

• February 17-21: remote learning

• February 24-March 12: Location TBD

• March 13-14: remote learning

• March 17-22: Location TBD

• March 31-April 12: Asheville & Weaverville, NC

• April 21-May 2: Columbus, OH

• May 5: remote learning

• Following the Apprenticeship program, Associates will begin regular work schedules at the R&R Center in Pawling, NY

Compensation and Benefits: Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.

• The target hiring range for the initial Behavior Associate role is $31.25 - $32.69

• The target range for promotion to Behavior Specialist is $34.62 - $37.02

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website. Stay Connected - Join Our Talent CommunityIf you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please join our Talent Community to stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.Qualifications:See above for qualifications details.Language:EnglishEducation and Work Experience:High School DiplomaOur EEO Policy:The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA's standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA's People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).