Behavior Associate

American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals

276d • $31 - $32

About The Position

Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Behavior Associate at the ASPCA's new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you! Behavior Associates attend the ASPCA's 9-week paid Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship (SBA) that provides the foundations for a career in animal behavior. The SBA is a deep dive into the science of animal behavior and its application in shelter settings, alongside hands-on coaching from behavior experts. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, Behavior Associates continue building skills and experience at the R&R Center. Behavior Associates who consistently demonstrate strong shelter behavior knowledge and skills, and collaborate effectively within and across teams, move in to the role of Behavior Specialist after approximately one year of on-the-job training. Ideal candidates for Behavior Associate will have a keen interest in the science of animal behavior, a passion for animal welfare, and exceptional people skills. Recovery & Rehabilitation Center Overview The R&R Center in Pawling, NY, is a unique program dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for canine victims of cruelty. The R&R Center team works closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to help animals rescued in partnership with the NYPD. The target start date for this position will be 8/18. This position reports to the R&R Center in Pawling, NY. The Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship combines online and hands-on learning, and requires travel.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required, B.S. or B.A. preferred.
• At least 6 months of experience in hands-on work with dogs; equivalent volunteer experience may be considered.
• Experience working or volunteering in an animal shelter preferred.
• Sofia Yin's Low Stress Handling® University Silver-Level certification (approximately 18 hours) required within six months of hire.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time.
• Able to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally.
• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience working with dogs in an animal shelter setting.
• Experience in a paid full-time or part-time role in an animal shelter.
• Experience in a paid full-time or part-time role in other settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals and humans by using low-stress and defensive handling techniques.
• Carry out assigned behavior modification protocols, conducting and documenting treatment sessions, and providing data and observations to help inform intervention decisions.
• Assist with handling and data collection during behavior evaluations, playgroups, intake, cleaning, grooming, exercise, veterinary exams, adoption and transfer, and humane euthanasia as appropriate.
• Monitor behavioral health and communicate observations and concerns to appropriate staff members in a timely fashion.
• Provide handling and data collection in support of the organization's research agenda.
• Adhere to all protocols set forth by the ASPCA, including behavior modification and training procedures, enrichment, animal handling, as well as general medical and sheltering protocols.
• Meticulous collection of high-quality data in support of behavior and veterinary needs as well as the organization's research agenda.
• Attend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings.
• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses.
• Responsibly steward R&R Center assets.

Benefits

• Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role.
• The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.
• The target hiring range for the initial Behavior Associate role is $31.25 - $32.69.
• The target range for promotion to Behavior Specialist is $34.62 - $37.02.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Personal and Laundry Services
• Education Level: High school or GED