Animal Behavior Technician - Animal Shelter

Humane Colorado•Denver, CO

50d•$21 - $21

About The Position

Are you compassionate about animals and have a desire to speak for those who cannot? For over 115 years, Humane Colorado 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 Answer patron inquiries and questions regarding animal behavior and provide information resources to address concerns Provide individualized hands-on behavioral training for shelter patrons Conduct animal behavior assessment, and perform hands-on delivery of animal behavior programs Record assessment and program related information and perform data entry to update animal records Participate in the implementation of behavior programs, including documentation and program evaluation Supports positive reinforcement as the primary training method employed by Humane Colorado Contribute to initiatives to improve processes and procedures Perform euthanasia and related tasks Schedule and direct department volunteers 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 Humane Colorado 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 Humane Colorado; position competencies are specific to this position. Organizational Competencies Job Knowledge Productivity / Efficiency Quality / Excellence Adapting to Change Dependability and Integrity People Care

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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