Boston Adoption Center - Animal Behavior Specialist
MSPCA-Angell Careers•Boston, MA
•$22 - $26•Onsite
About The Position
We have an exciting opportunity at our Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center for a Behavior Specialist . The Behavior Specialist will work closely with our shelter team to ensure the behavioral wellbeing of animals in our adoption center. This position plays a vital role in supporting animal welfare, increasing adoptability, and setting both animals and adopters up for long-term success.
Requirements
- High School Diploma required
- Fear Free Certification within 6 months or hire or promotion date.
- A valid driver's license and the ability to drive a MSPCA vehicle.
- Exceptional people skills and the ability to converse compassionately without judgement with people under difficult and stressful circumstances, including the public, coworkers and volunteers.
- Physically able to work with and walk large breed, high arousal and sometimes aggressive or fearful dogs in variant temperatures and weather including extreme heat, extreme cold and inclement weather
- Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast paced, high stress environment.
Responsibilities
- Working directly with several species of animals (primarily dogs and cats) to develop and implement individualized behavior modification and enrichment plans
- Supporting intake processes by reviewing behavioral histories and conducting evaluations
- Participating in euthanasia discussions and decision-making
- Providing hands-on training and guidance to staff and volunteers on low-stress handling, body language, behavior plans, and safe animal interactions
- Assisting with dog playgroups, socialization, and targeted interventions for animals experiencing more significant behavioral challenges
- Supporting successful adoptions through pre-adoption counseling with families on best training practices as well as post-adoption guidance
- Collaborate cross-departmentally with adoption, medical, foster, law enforcement, and outreach teams to ensure continuity of behavioral care
Benefits
- BCBS health insurance
- Dental and life insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
- Discounts on pet care and pet food
- Free on-site parking
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
251-500 employees
