Animal Enrichment and Behavior Specialist

Alachua County•Gainesville, FL

12h•Onsite

About The Position

This is specialized work providing animal enrichment and behavior program activities to ensure compliance with departmental standards in the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care Department. This position requires an understanding of animal enrichment, behaviors, and tendencies to develop individual and customized enrichment and behavioral plans for shelter dogs & cats to provide them with a better opportunity for adoption. An employee in this classification supports the physical and psychological well-being of animals by developing, implementing, and evaluating enrichment and behavior programs. This role works closely with animal care staff and veterinarians to promote species-appropriate behaviors, reduce stress, and improve welfare outcomes. Work is performed independently or as part of a team, under the direction of a higher-level supervisor, and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Animal Behavior, Zoology, Biology, Psychology, or related field and two years of experience working with animals in a professional setting, such as animal shelter, humane society, animal rescue organization, zoo, vet/animal clinic; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.
A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment.
If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.
Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Successful completion of all applicable background checks, pre-hire and ongoing are required.
Knowledge of cat and dog breed characteristics and behaviors.
Knowledge of animal behavior principles and enrichment practices.
Strong observation, documentation, and communication skills.
Skills and demonstrated experience working with animals in a professional setting.
Skill in animal restraint and handling techniques.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to train using positive reinforcement training techniques.
Ability to develop, and modify as needed, behavioral and enrichment plans for both cats and dogs in the shelter environment.
Ability to apply sound principles of animal behavior modification, playgroup management, and enrichment to a wide variety of circumstances with pets that have varying degrees of behavioral issues or challenges.
Ability to act and react quickly to changing situations involving potentially behaviorally unsound pets providing for the safety of both the pets and people involved.
Ability to make decisions and accept responsibility without relying upon the direction of others.
Ability to pay attention to details, organize and follow through on assigned tasks.
Ability to remain patient and professional in dealing with customers and volunteers.
Ability to operate standard office equipment such as personal computer using word, excel, database and other related software, two-way radio, and animal restraint equipment.
Ability to prepare and maintain records, data entry for reporting.
Ability to establish and maintain a good working relationship with departmental and County staff, volunteers, Animal welfare groups and other partners, and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and to prepare and organize written reports.
Ability to plan and organize work and manage time.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers-Knowledge Assessed (CCPDT-KA) preferred.
Applicants within six months of meeting the education/ experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.

Responsibilities

Designs, prepares, and implements daily enrichment activities tailored to species-specific needs and individual animal histories.
Rotates and evaluates enrichment strategies to maintain novelty and effectiveness.
Maintains enrichment calendars, logs, and inventories.
Ensures all enrichment items meet safety, sanitation, and animal welfare standards.
Follows all institutional safety procedures, biosecurity measures, and animal welfare regulations.
Cleans and sanitizes enrichment tools and work areas.
Observes, evaluates, and documents animal behavior, identifying normal vs. abnormal or stress-related behaviors.
Accurately records behavioral data and notes in shelter software and communicates behavioral observations and recommendations to the care team.
Provides recommendations regarding the rehabilitation potential of dogs and cats and, when necessary, recommends humane euthanasia decisions to protect public safety and animal welfare.
Assists with behavior modification plans.
Supports positive reinforcement training programs, including operant conditioning, where applicable.
Works closely with animal care staff to integrate enrichment into daily routines.
Assists with planning, scheduling, training, and monitoring the work of employees engaged in enrichment activities and participates in daily Play Groups for enrichment.
Assists with animal handling and restraint as required, following established protocols.
Participates in ongoing training related to animal behavior, enrichment, and welfare.
Builds strong working relationships with staff, volunteers, animal welfare groups, and other partners.
Works with animal rescue organizations to effectively increase the live release rate of animals through transfers to these groups.
Coordinates rescue transfer support for animals in need at Alachua County Animal Resources & Care.
Maintains accurate records of each animal released to rescue organizations and ensures compliance with required sterilizations.
Works closely with the veterinary team to secure rescue for emergency medical cases.
Professionally represents the Department both verbally and in writing.
Produces professional, accurate, quality reports; analyzes department-generated data and coordinates with other department staff (kennel, medical, volunteers, etc.) to gather required information.
Reviews reports and records of program activity to ensure progress is being accomplished toward the specified program objective.
Communicates in a timely manner with the public regarding inquiries and complaints.
Drives a County and/or personal vehicle to perform required duties, as necessary.
Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.