Animal Behavior Technician - Animal Shelter
About The Position
Shape Better Futures - For Pets and People Humane Colorado is seeking a compassionate and skilled Animal Behavior Specialist to join our behavior and training team. You'll conduct behavior modification for shelter animals, counsel adopters, train staff and volunteers, and help create happier, more adoptable pets through positive reinforcement methods. If you're passionate about animal behavior, problem-solving, and making a real impact, this is your chance to lead with empathy and expertise. 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.
Requirements
- High School or equivalent
- Prior work with animals in a professional environment
- 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
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
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
Benefits
- Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
- Flexible spending accounts
- Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Sick Time
- Employee Discounts
- Holiday Pay
- 401(k) with matching
- Sabbatical program
- And more!
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
