Perform behavior evaluations, provide objective descriptions, and make disposition decisions. Assist Animal Care Technicians with completing morning clean. Direct the flow of animals through the behavior department and maintain a healthy capacity of behavior animals. Works to ensure stress reduction and makes recommendations for animals showing signs of kennel stress. Coordinate with enrichment volunteers to perform daily enrichments activities, maintain documentation to measure effectiveness, and monitor supplies. Serves as a mentor and resource for staff and volunteers. Works with Shelter Leadership and Veterinary Staff to ensure the shortest length of stay and highest quality of life standards possible for all shelter pets.
- Maintain and clean kennels.
- Adhere to effective disease control practices.
- Performs behavior evaluations daily in accordance with standardized assessments and provides detailed objective descriptions of the behavior observed.
- Maintain and update all notes in Chameleon regarding behavior, behavior modification, and kennel enrichment.
- Recommends animals for behavioral modification, training, foster, rescue, medical care, or euthanasia.
- Establishes individual plans for behavior modification for at-risk animals, gauge effectiveness of modification plans for specific animals and be able to change plans as needed.
- Speak directly and professionally with owners, adopters, staff, and volunteers regarding a pet’s behavior and suitability for adoption through Riverdale Animal Shelter.
- Provide post adoption follow up and support for any behavior questions or challenges in person, over the phone, or through email.
- In conjunction with Volunteer Coordinator, integrates and takes an active role in training volunteers for animal enrichment.
- Maintains enrichment supplies and a clean and tidy work area.
- Execute approved enrichment and ensure proper documentation.
- Works closely with Shelter Veterinary Team to ensure timely and appropriate treatment for medical concerns.
- Coordinates appropriate housing within the animal shelter based on animal needs.
- Participates in creation of shelter protocols.
- Provides staff training as it relates to assessment and behavior.
- Works with Community Engagement Manager and Volunteer Coordinator to select animals for social media and offsite events.
- Works with the Foster Care Coordinator to provide guidance to foster parents caring for animals with behavioral concerns.
- Participates in County and Shelter training as assigned.
- Participate in Shelter, County, and various animal welfare community meetings as needed.
- Fosters and maintains relationships with partner shelters and rescue organizations to facilitate transfer of animals.
- Works with Shelter leadership team to continuously improve quality of life for all shelter animals.
- Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.
- Use standardized assessments methods and practices to perform behavior assessments of all dogs and cats entering the shelter.
- Make recommendations and/or supports the decisions of the Shelter Operations Manager and the Director regarding the most current and humane behavior modification and training practices.
- Knowledge of dog and cat behavior.
- Use and promote positive reinforcement and low stress handling methods.
- Understand and use modern and complex principles and practices of animal care.
- Learn and maintain knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
- Seek ways to improve and enhance the shelter's operations, animal care, and services.
- Using excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, community and shelter partners, and members of the public. Consistently models open and productive communication.
- Exercise good judgment when interacting with the public, volunteers, employee issues, animal-related concerns, and confidential information.
- Execute projects with little supervision and work independently.
- Must be highly self-motivated and well organized to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
- Must be willing to support and communicate Riverdale Animal Shelter euthanasia policies and decisions.
- Computer skills: Basic computer and data entry skills. Knowledge of Chameleon Software preferred.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Experience:
- At least two (2) years of hands-on experience working with animals, including animal handling and breed identification.
- At least one (1) year of experience performing animal assessments in a shelter environment required.
- CPDT-KA, KPA, CTC, certification or equivalent preferred.
- Preferred: Background in animal behavior preferred; dog training and/or behavior modification experience with positive reinforcement and force free method; and/or experience working in an open-admissions shelter environment.
Education and Training:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- Preferred: College degree.
Background Check: Must pass a criminal background check.
