Behavior Coordinator

Position Title: Behavior Coordinator

Reporting To: Animal Behavior and Training Manager

Compensation: $19-$24/hour DOE

Employment Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Work Schedule

Position includes weekday, weekend and holiday hours requiring a flexible work schedule depending on needs.
Hours and days are subject to change based on department demands.

Description

Under the direction of the Behavior and Training Manager in all activities and responsibilities, the Behavior Coordinator’s main purpose is to be the primary contact for Resource Center animals with behavior concerns. The Behavior Coordinator is responsible for behavioral evaluations of animals surrendered or transferred into the shelter, continuing behavior modification in the Resource Center when appropriate, and providing training opportunities for staff and volunteers. This position is also responsible for providing behavior information to the public with a focus on retaining pets in their homes.

Primary Responsibilities

Using guidelines approved by the Behavior Manager and Pet Resource Center Director, evaluate the behavior of shelter animals for healthy, treatable, and untreatable behavioral conditions.
Ability to make objective recommendations for placement including adoption, rescue, foster, and euthanasia based on the conditions of the individual animal.
Make recommendations on appropriate placement decisions in a collaborative manner.
Design and implement enrichment solutions, canine playgroups, and behavior plans for specific animals at HSU to enrich their environment, reduce stress, and improve or maintain behavior and ensure ongoing behavioral wellness for adoption candidates.
Participate in inter-departmental meetings and discussions to support and develop HSU’s goals and mission with appropriate behavior initiatives.
Assist the Adoption staff by providing counseling notes and in-person counseling with adopters when needed
Recommend and implement education and training programs to ensure all staff and volunteers understand safe and appropriate animal handling.
Oversee, train and monitor specialized volunteers within the Behavior Department as they work with individual animals for behavior modification and enrichment.
Serve as a behavior consultant for community pet owners (post-adoption and pre-surrender) via phone, written correspondence, email, and video consults to keep pets in their homes. Focusing on pet retention by providing referral information and advice on animal behavior issues, training methods, training equipment, and training classes.
Treat all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstance; promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals at all times.
Maintain positive relationships with co-workers, managers, executive staff, community pet owners, adopters, and other stakeholders.
Responsible for interacting with the public in a polite, professional, nonjudgmental manner at all times.
Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Pet Resource Center Director.

Required Skills/Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent, college-level courses preferred
2-3 years of demonstrated knowledge of animal training, behavior and enrichment required; experience in a shelter setting preferred, or equivalent experience in teaching and using force-free training techniques, animal behavior and body language observations and evaluation.
CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, KPA-CTP, or other certification from a nationally recognized certifying body is required.
Experience working professionally with cats and knowledge of cat behavior is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with the public, fellow employees and volunteers.
Proficiency in Excel, Gmail, Google Sheets/Docs, and other computer skills that include the ability to prepare reports and maintain an efficient records system.
Demonstrated experience teaching adults in seminar-type setting preferred.
Self-motivated and well organized, able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced work environment.
Desire to continually maintain continuing education requirements by attending seminars, workshops and professional conferences.
Ability to become euthanasia by injection certified within 6 months of hire date.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb and manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors in varying temperatures and climates.
Ability to work with animals of varying temperament in noisy conditions.
Ability to work with cleaning materials.
Ability to use strength and agility while working with active animals.
Responsible for presenting a neat and professional appearance to the public at all times.
Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving history.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related duties required by management. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.