Animal Behavior and Foster/Transfer Department Manager

NOCO HUMANE•Loveland, CO

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Behavior and Foster/Transfer Department Manager oversees the organization’s Behavior and Foster/Transfer departments. This position trains and supervises staff and volunteers in all aspects of the behavior program and designs, creates and/or implements behavior, foster, and transfer related programs and protocols. The position supervises three (3) or more staff members directly, more indirectly, plus associated volunteers. The schedule for the position is generally Sunday through Thursday or Tuesday through Saturday with evenings, nights, weekends, on-call and holidays as required. This job regularly travels and works at all organization campuses (Greeley, Larimer, and Weld), offsite adoption locations, transfer partners (in and out of state) and worksites. NOCO Humane is an independent nonprofit working to further the compassionate, safe, and responsible relationship between animals and people. NOCO Humane is a trusted, responsive community leader, providing programs and services essential to the high quality of life for animals and people in northern Colorado.

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in biology, animal behavior, animal husbandry, veterinary field, or applicable field of study OR equivalent applicable professional work experience required.
Animal Behavior Association certification (CTC, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, ACAAB) required.
Minimum of two (2) full years hands-on companion animal training or behavior assessment experience required.
Proven experience with positive reinforcement training techniques required.
Minimum of one (2) full years direct staff supervision or four (4) full years of volunteer supervision (including hiring, scheduling, training, managing performance and evaluation) required.
Experience hiring, training, staffing, scheduling, and evaluating staff or volunteers required.
Two (2) years working with the general public in a customer/client focused position required.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Valid Colorado driver’s license, insurable record, and personal auto insurance.
Willing to perform euthanasia and obtain euthanasia/vaccination certification.
Willing to receive rabies vaccination and periodic titer testing.

Nice To Haves

Shelter affiliate status with the IAABC desired.
Animal shelter experience highly desired.
Chameleon or other animal shelter software highly desired.
Animal enrichment experience highly desired.
Euthanasia experience a plus.
Bilingual in English and Spanish reading, writing, understanding and speaking a plus and includes a wage premium.

Responsibilities

Hire, manage, and supervise staff and volunteers within the Behavior and Foster/Transfer departments, providing training, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
Oversee staffing needs, including scheduling, payroll approval, performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and recognition.
Ensure professional conduct standards, attendance, and punctuality expectations are modeled and upheld.
Serve as Department Volunteer Supervisor (DVS) and participate in related meetings.
Understand and perform all functions within scope; provide coverage for reports as needed.
Develop, document, and implement standard operating procedures and protocols for Behavior/Enrichment and Foster/Transfer that are aligned with shelter capabilities, Socially Conscious Sheltering, Fear Free Practices, and PACFA regulations.
Monitor and review internal protocols to ensure regulatory compliance and operational consistency.
Oversee census management and inventory of shelter supplies, food, and medical necessities.
Serve as the escalation point for complex or behavior-related decision-making.
Conduct daily behavior assessments and enrichment for shelter animals; recommend outcomes including adoption, foster care, transfer, behavioral plans, or euthanasia.
Lead shelter behavior rounds and respond to behavior-related inquiries from staff and the community.
Provide euthanasia services, serve as a euthanasia trainer, and approve euthanasia lists.
Develop and execute department budgets, annual goals, and long-term strategic plans and growth initiatives.
Provide monthly reporting and oversee data collection across departments.
Deliver community support programming that enhances public engagement and animal welfare.
Develop and conduct educational programs for staff, volunteers, and the public on current best practices in animal welfare.
Contribute to organizational events, marketing, and fundraising efforts.
Foster positive, collaborative relationships across departments and with partner organizations.
Promote teamwork and maintain strong, supportive engagement with coworkers.
Stay current with evolving industry practices through ongoing education and training.
Vaccinates animals as required and assists with examinations and/or treatment as needed and assigned.
Cross trains in and assists other shelter departments as necessary.
Actively participates in and supports management decisions and works collaboratively within the Organization.
Attends and participates in relevant meetings.
Work closely with the Marketing team to identify animal highlight opportunities.
Responsible for annual Placement Partner recognition event.
Other duties as assigned.