Animal Behavior Technician – Shelter

Are you compassionate about animals and have a desire to speak for those who cannot? For over 100 years, the Dumb Friends League has been working to end pet homelessness and animal suffering by providing a strong and steadfast voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. As the largest community-based animal welfare organization in the region, we care for more than 20,000 homeless pets and horses each year at our four facilities and are a national model in animal welfare. If you work well with people too, join our team and help us provide that voice.

Purpose of Position: Conducts behavior modification sessions for shelter canines and felines. Provides quality adoption counseling to clients as well as conducts staff and volunteer training. Supports staff and volunteers in efforts to understand complex animal behaviors in order to provide appropriate counseling to clients. Maintains organized and concise documentation pertaining to the job and provides administrative support for the department.

Responsibilities

• Answer patron inquiries and questions regarding animal behavior and provide information resources to address concerns
• Provide individualized hands-on behavioral training for shelter patrons
• Conduct animal behavior assessment, and perform hands-on delivery of animal behavior programs
• Record assessment and program related information and perform data entry to update animal records
• Participate in the implementation of behavior programs, including documentation and program evaluation
• Supports positive reinforcement as the primary training method employed by Dumb Friends League
• Contribute to initiatives to improve processes and procedures
• Perform euthanasia and related tasks
• Schedule and direct department volunteers

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and League business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions. Organizational competencies apply to all jobs at the League; position competencies are specific to this position.

Organizational Competencies

• Accountability
• Flexibility
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Attention to Detail
• Initiative
• Managing Resources
• Technical Expertise
• Decision Making
• Integrity
• Results Oriented
• Time Management

Position Competencies

• Analytical Thinking
• Conflict Management
• Innovation

Schedule: Four, 10-hour shifts

Compensation: Starts at $20.80 – $21.30 per hour (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)

Full Time Benefits – Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits.

• Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• Flexible spending accounts
• League-paid Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Time
• Holiday Pay
• 401(k) with matching
• Sabbatical program
• And more!

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments. Subject to animal bites or scratches. Work performed in high noise level areas. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, climbing stairs, and walking. Frequent lifting of animals and objects with reasonable accommodation.

We will begin reviewing applications as they are received and anticipate closing the application period on December 19, 2024.

Requirements
Qualifications

Required

• Education: High School or equivalent
• Experience: Prior work with animals in a professional environment

• Bilingual (fluent in both English and Spanish)
• Bachelor’s degree in animal science or related field
• Experience working in a zoological facility or shelter
• History of creating animal behavior protocols
• Experience working professionally with cats and knowledge of cat behavior
• Certification in dog training and behavior counseling, or active enrollment in a certification program
• Professional and educational expertise in animal learning theory, scientific behavior modification strategies, and positive based, force-free animal training including strong clicker training skills
• Excellent organizational skills with high level of attention to detail
• Proficient verbal and written communication and customer service skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• General knowledge of animal behavior
• Ability to initiate and accomplish multiple tasks, and maintain flexibility in a dynamic work environment
• Committed to maintaining the integrity of DFL’s adoption program and the mission of the Dumb Friends League