Behavior and Training Associate

Description

Reports to the Education and Training Manager

Scheduled Tuesday - Saturday, 40 hours per week

The Richmond SPCA is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. As a leader in the field of animal welfare, we are cultivating a community committed to saving, protecting and enriching animal lives with a mission to provide education and resources to achieve and sustain a no-kill community. Annually, we rescue, rehabilitate and find homes for about 4,000 homeless animals while also providing our region with vital safety net programs designed to keep thousands of pets in loving homes and out of shelters. Our values of collaboration, creativity, honesty, inclusion and respect guide not only what we do – but how we do it.

The Behavior and Training Associate assists the Richmond SPCA's Behavior and Training team with training and behavior management protocols and the behavioral rehabilitation and modification of shelter dogs. This individual will be committed to practicing reward-based training techniques in alignment with the Richmond SPCA's training philosophies. This individual will consistently support and promote the mission, needs and goals of the organization.

Essential Functions

• Provide reward-based training to the dogs in our care with a significant focus on dogs in need of behavior modification
• Help create and implement training and management protocols in collaboration with the shelter Behavior and Training team
• Evaluate dogs placed on a behavior hold, prepare well-written observations and provide recommendations to management
• Conduct one-on-one training sessions with dogs in our care
• Prepare thorough and well-written training notes for potential adopters
• Assist the Adoption department by providing behavior management instructions to staff, introducing dogs to potential adopters, and providing post-adoption support
• Assist the Animal Care department by providing behavior management training to staff, posting appropriate kennel signage, and providing support for dogs with difficult behaviors
• Assist the Internal Veterinary Services department with the handling of dogs with difficult behaviors for examinations and medical treatment as needed
• Feed, medicate and walk dogs assigned to the training team
• Communicate with and update essential management to the behavioral status and instructions for dogs in a timely manner
• Work with and provide guidance and training to volunteers, including our Green Team and Running Buddies
• Participate in the creation and presentation of seminars and workshops for staff and volunteers
• Orchestrate playgroups in conjunction with shelter trainers and the canine enrichment specialist
• Assist with managing and maintaining the inventory of training treats used by staff and volunteers
• Communicate in a timely and professional manner with staff, volunteers and members of the public
• Attend and participate in all required trainings and meetings
• Stay up-to-date on current behavior management and training protocols following reward-based techniques, through webinars and seminars
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned
  
  

Requirements

• Able to react to change productively
• Able to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment
• Daytime availability with some occasional evening availability
• Reliable transportation including during inclement weather
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Successful completion of a criminal background screening
• Commitment to no-kill principles and to reward-based, positive reinforcement training methods
  
  

Qualifications, Skills And Expectations

• At least 6 months of hands-on experience training dogs with behavior challenges
• Professional Dog Training certification preferred
• An understanding of reward-based training and canine behavior and body language
• Excellent attention to detail
• Professional communication skills and comfort speaking with staff and members of the public from varying backgrounds and differing communication styles
• Ability to multi-task, take and follow directions, adapt to and accommodate changing demands
• Adept and creative problem solver
• Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, MS Outlook)
• Ability to learn new software quickly and effectively
• Ability to maintain existing organizational systems
• Punctual and reliable
• Strong work ethic
• Resourceful, positive, get-it-done attitude
• Team-oriented mindset
• Good time management and prioritization skills
• Able to work independently with little supervision at times
• Works well under pressure and meets deadlines
• High degree of emotional intelligence
  
  

Physical Job Requirements

• Able to work around animals (including those who are sick or injured or who have behavior challenges) and loud noises
• Able to bend and use your arms in a repetitive manner
• Able to routinely lift up to 50 lbs
• Have physical strength to perform restraint, animal handling and cleaning duties effectively and efficiently
• Able to move around the building and outdoors
• Able to safely interact with dogs with behavior challenges
  
  

Work Environment

• Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste, disinfectants and chemicals
• Potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that are zoonotic (can be transmitted from animals to people)
  
  

All employees are eligible to become clients of the low-cost, full-service Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital of the Richmond SPCA. Employees who average 20 hours a week can participate in our 401(k) retirement plan and have access to paid wellness leave. The Richmond SPCA is a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Full-time employees are eligible for insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, short-term disability, and paid personal leave.