Shelter Behavior Coordinator

EAST BAY SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS • Oakland, CA

86d • $22 - $24

About The Position

The Shelter Behavior Coordinator is responsible for providing excellent behavioral care for the cats and dogs at our shelters as well as exceptional service to our clients. The East Bay SPCA Behavior & Training department is a flagship shelter behavior program that works to keep animals in homes and to foster the human-animal bond by providing high-quality behavior assistance and educational resources both externally to the community and internally to shelter staff and volunteers. The Behavior & Training department is responsible for the behavioral health of the animals at the East Bay SPCA and conducts behavior evaluations, enrichment programs, behavior modification, adoption and foster support, and staff and volunteer trainings.

Requirements

• CPDT-KA, CTC, or equivalent credentials preferred.
• Minimum of one year working in an animal shelter, preferably in a behavior position.
• Experience in the use of positive reinforcement methods, including appropriate use of humane training tools is required.
• Requires well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people of varying background and cultures by adapting style and tactics to fit the audience.
• Must be comfortable speaking with members of the public, in front of groups, over the telephone, and communicating via email.
• Proven organizational skills and effective communication.
• Excellent animal behavior observation skills and notetaking.
• Ability to work well as part of a cross-functional team, as well as independently.
• Comfortable overseeing, training, and supporting other staff members and volunteers.
• Competent in behavior evaluations, both feline and canine.
• Comfortable and competent in handling animals with a wide range of behaviors, including fractious or fearful animals.
• Familiar with considerate approach and low stress handling techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.
• Pre-employment background check and drug screening required.
• Must have a clean driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the oversight of our behavior evaluation process and conducting secondary behavior evaluations for cats and dogs in our care.
• Implement behavior modification and training plans to increase animal adoptability.
• Assist in internal program development, creating and providing ongoing animal enrichment.
• Coordinate dog play groups.
• Provide information and counseling to adopters during and after the adoption process.
• Train staff and volunteers in animal handling and training techniques.
• Spend most of their time working hands-on with animals enrolled in behavior programs and communicating about behavior plans with volunteers, staff, and members of the public.

Benefits

• Medical and dental benefits are fully covered.
• Optional vision coverage.
• 401(K) Retirement Plan featuring a 3% company contribution.
• Life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Generous paid time off, starting at 120 hours per year, increasing to 160 hours after 5 years, and 200 hours after 10 years.
• 80 paid holiday hours annually and an additional personal holiday after one year.
• Pets at Work Program.
• Waived pet adoption fees.
• Discounted veterinary care.
• Behavior and training classes.
• Up to $75/month public transit/vanpool commuter reimbursement.
• Various industry discounts, including Pet Food Express.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees