Behavior Specialist 1

The Animal Foundation•Las Vegas, NV

About The Position

The Behavior Specialist 1 assists with developing, coordinating, and implementing training and enrichment plans for shelter animals. The position participates in daily training and enrichment, observes and documents animal behavior, and communicates relevant information to promote animals’ adaptability to the shelter, mental well-being, and appropriate placements. The role also supports animal wellness across the organization, assists other departments with animals showing stress or aggression, and helps integrate and support volunteers on the Behavior Team. The position records detailed animal information, contributes to placement discussions that may include adoption, transfer, or euthanasia when necessary, evaluates animals on the Behavior Alert report, and may prescribe behavior medications for animals displaying signs of FAS under veterinary-team guidance. It also performs administrative and guest-service duties and contributes to team effectiveness and the organization’s service to its guests. This role requires a high school diploma or GED and two years of full-time-equivalent animal welfare or shelter enrichment experience, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience. A valid driver’s license held for at least three years and an acceptable driving history may be required. The work involves frequent animal contact and physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds frequently and 75 pounds occasionally. Team members may be exposed to animal waste, pet dander, cleaning chemicals, high noise, hazardous conditions, animal bites, and outdoor temperature extremes.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Two years of full-time-equivalent animal welfare or shelter enrichment experience.
An equivalent combination of formal education and appropriate related experience may be considered.
May be required to hold a valid driver’s license for at least three years and maintain an acceptable driving history.
Knowledge of companion animal care, welfare, behavior, breeds, and species.
Knowledge of humane euthanasia principles and practices.
Knowledge of guest-service principles and practices.
Knowledge of standard office administrative practices, record-keeping systems, office equipment, computers, and associated software.
Interpersonal skills for working with team members, volunteers, and the public in person, in writing, and by telephone.
Knowledge of correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Ability to demonstrate concern for the welfare of people and animals and treat them with respect.
Interpersonal sensitivity and cultural competency or awareness when serving diverse populations in a non-judgmental and compassionate manner.
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with team members, volunteers, and the general public.
Skill using business software and associated computer hardware.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work without close supervision in standard work situations.
Ability to adhere to established guidelines, protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures.
Ability to contribute effectively to team or work-unit goals, objectives, and activities.
Ability to gather, compile, and maintain accurate information and records and prepare accurate reports and summaries.
Ability to prepare clear and concise correspondence, instructions, and other written materials.
Physical ability and mobility to walk, reach, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl.
Strength to lift or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds frequently and 75 pounds occasionally.
Vision to read printed materials; stamina to sit and work at a computer for extended periods; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or by telephone.

Responsibilities

Assist in enhancing and maintaining a culture of health and overall wellness for animals across the organization.
Contribute to developing, coordinating, and implementing training and enrichment plans and programs for shelter animals.
Participate in daily training and enrichment activities, including canine playgroups and activities appropriate for all species in the organization’s care.
Maintain a high volume of animal participation in daily training and enrichment activities.
Provide guidance and support, when directed, to internal departments on proper animal care, housing, handling, and enrichment, as developed by the management team.
Assist other departments with handling animals showing signs of stress or aggression in the shelter environment.
Support training, scheduling, engagement, supervision, and retention of volunteers to promote their integration into the Behavior Team and ensure they have appropriate support and resources.
Objectively observe animal behavior in a timely manner to support animals’ physical and mental health and appropriate placements.
Record and maintain detailed information for every animal in the animal database.
Review animal observations, information, and history and contribute to discussions and decisions about placement, including adoption, transfer, and potentially euthanasia when necessary.
Evaluate animals on the Behavior Alert report.
Prescribe behavior medications to animals displaying signs of FAS under the guidance of the Veterinary team.
Complete administrative and clerical duties as needed, including documentation and providing information and assistance to internal departments and external guests in person, by telephone, and by email.
Offer suggestions and participate as an active member of a work team to support organizational service and effectiveness.
Provide responsive, meaningful, and compassionate service to guests.
Perform other duties as assigned.