Behavior and Training Program Coordinator

PET ALLIANCE OF GREATER ORLANDO•Sanford, FL

About The Position

The Behavior and Training Program Coordinator plays a critical role in assessing, managing, and improving the behavioral health of shelter animals. This position conducts comprehensive behavior assessments for dogs and cats, develops and implements individualized modification plans, and monitors progress to promote positive outcomes. The coordinator leads structured playgroups, coordinates and delivers training for staff, volunteers, and the public, and provides adoption counseling and post-adoption support focused on behavior. They also oversee the pet retention program to help owners keep their pets by addressing behavior challenges and make final decisions regarding behavior-based surrender requests. In addition, this role ensures accurate documentation of training and care, maintains general animal care and shelter cleanliness, employs safe animal handling techniques, and delivers exceptional customer service. The Behavior and Training Program Coordinator collaborates across shelter teams to support animal welfare and community education.

Requirements

Minimum 3 years of professional animal behavior experience in a shelter or other training environment
Minimum of 1 year of experience leading a program or team
Certification in animal behavior or training (e.g., CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, CDBC, IAABC, KPA-CTP, ABCDT, Dogs Playing for Life Mentorship Program) required
At least 1 successful example of development and implementation of behavior modification plan
Experience developing behavior modification protocols and developing curriculum
Expert knowledge of animal behavior, learning theory, and positive reinforcement techniques
Expert ability to comfortably work with animals, treating them with respect and care, including large animals, animals that are difficult to handle and/or stressed with complex behavioral challenges
Expert ability to assess animal behaviors and cues
Expert ability to quickly adapt to customer, animal, and business needs
Knowledge of and ability to perform tasks on a computer using different software programs
Strong ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Demonstrated ability in analyzing emergencies and quickly finding optimal solutions
Knowledge of the four C’s of successful canine behavior training
Knowledge of basic animal shelter processes and terminology
Basic knowledge and understanding of prevalent illnesses and diseases, ensuring familiarity with their symptoms, treatments, and preventative measures
Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to collaborate with others and work effectively in a team environment
Strong attention to detail and ability to focus with distractions
Excellent ability to use good judgement in problem solving and decision making
Ability to take initiative and to work with minimal supervision and direction
Effective multitasking abilities, efficiently managing and prioritizing multiple tasks with attention to detail and effectiveness
Ability to foster strong relationships and providing constructive feedback when needed
Ability to guide and motivate others towards shared goals
Strong training skills with the ability to adapt training techniques for individual needs, including individual and group sessions
Strong time management skills, efficiently prioritizing tasks and responsibilities to meet deadlines and achieve objectives in a fast-paced environment
Ability to recognize and communicate medical and behavioral concerns to team and leadership
Creative thinker in developing enrichment strategies and behavior plans
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Nice To Haves

Experience leading group classes and public education programs preferred
Previous experience with organizing and running playgroups is highly preferred for this role

Responsibilities

Complete behavior assessments for both dogs and cats in shelter care, including identifying challenge behaviors, enrichment or stress reduction needs, housing evaluations, and/or humane euthanasia, if necessary
Based on evaluation, make recommendations for care including creating, implementing, and monitoring individual modification plans, training for staff and volunteers in handling, foster care or rescue placement, adoption matchmaking, or possible humane euthanasia, if necessary
Monitor animal behavior throughout shelter stay, using observations to contribute to discussions about an animal’s health, adjusting strategies, performing follow-up assessments, and implementing updated behavior plans that keep animals moving toward a positive outcome
Develop and lead structured dog playgroups to encourage healthy socialization and reduce kennel stress, ensuring safety by observing and documenting social behaviors, managing negative interactions, and safely intervening to prevent or break up potential fights
Develop, coordinate and teach training classes for staff, volunteers, and the public on proper animal handling, behavioral interventions, and training techniques to ensure safety for all involved
Provide adoption counseling to potential adopters, leading behavior consults, meet-and-greets, and dog-dog introductions to ensure safe and successful adoption placements
Deliver post-adoption support and guidance to adopters for animals with established behavior plans, offering guidance and resources to promote long-term success
Oversee the pet retention program, providing behavior support to pet owners to address challenges and help them keep their pets rather than surrendering them
Make final determinations on behavior-based surrender requests, considering assessment findings, available resources, and potential alternatives to surrender
Oversee and document training progress, enrichment participation, and care notes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely reporting of concerns to leadership
Lead group training classes for the public
Provide general care and maintenance of shelter animals including feeding, watering, medicating, bathing and grooming, providing enrichment and exercise opportunities, and monitoring for behavior or medical needs on a regular basis
Clean and disinfect all shelter areas and animal equipment including but not limited to kennels and cages, play yards, dishes, linens, and litter
Use proper animal restraint techniques for the safety and well-being of the animal and the team for both medical and behavioral needs
Deliver excellent customer service with internal and external customers through in-person and phone interactions answering questions and giving recommendations of care
Assist in other shelter areas, as needed