Animal Behavior Technician - Shelter

Are you compassionate about animals and have a desire to speak for those who cannot? For over 100 years, the Dumb Friends League has been working to end pet homelessness and animal suffering by providing a strong and steadfast voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. As the largest community-based animal welfare organization in the region, we care for more than 20,000 homeless pets and horses each year at our four facilities and are a national model in animal welfare. If you work well with people too, join our team and help us provide that voice.

Purpose of Position: Conducts behavior modification sessions for shelter canines and felines. Provides quality adoption counseling to clients as well as conducts staff and volunteer training. Supports staff and volunteers in efforts to understand complex animal behaviors in order to provide appropriate counseling to clients. Maintains organized and concise documentation pertaining to the job and provides administrative support for the department.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the implementation of behavior programs, including documentation and program evaluation
• Supports positive reinforcement as the primary training method employed by Dumb Friends League
• Record assessment and program related information and perform data entry to update animal records
• Conduct animal behavior assessment, and perform hands-on delivery of animal behavior programs
• Perform euthanasia and related tasks
• Provide individualized hands-on behavioral training for shelter patrons
• Answer patron inquiries and questions regarding animal behavior and provide information resources to address concerns
• Schedule and direct department volunteers
• Contribute to initiatives to improve processes and procedures

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and League business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions. Organizational competencies apply to all jobs at the League; position competencies are specific to this position.

Organizational Competencies

• Decision Making
• Time Management
• Technical Expertise
• Attention to Detail
• Results Oriented
• Integrity
• Managing Resources
• Leadership
• Flexibility
• Initiative
• Accountability
• Teamwork

Position Competencies

• Conflict Management
• Analytical Thinking
• Innovation

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments. Subject to animal bites or scratches. Work performed in high noise level areas. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, climbing stairs, and walking. Frequent lifting of animals and objects with reasonable accommodation.

Schedule: Four, 10-hour shifts

Full Time Benefits – Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits.

• 401(k) with matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Holiday Pay
• And more!
• League-paid Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• Sabbatical program
• Flexible spending accounts
• Relocation assistance

Compensation: Starts at $20.00 - $20.90 per hour (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)

Qualifications

Required

• Education: High School or equivalent
• Experience: Prior work with animals in a professional environment

Preferred

• Proficient verbal and written communication and customer service skills
• Committed to maintaining the integrity of DFL’s adoption program and the mission of the Dumb Friends League
• Professional and educational expertise in animal learning theory, scientific behavior modification strategies, and positive based, force-free animal training including strong clicker training skills
• Bilingual (fluent in both English and Spanish)
• Ability to initiate and accomplish multiple tasks, and maintain flexibility in a dynamic work environment
• Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field
• Certification in dog training and behavior counseling, or active enrollment in a certification program
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Experience working professionally with cats and knowledge of cat behavior
• History of creating animal behavior protocols
• General knowledge of animal behavior
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Excellent organizational skills with high level of attention to detail
• Experience working in a zoological facility or shelter