What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Welfare and Behavior Associate position at SAN FRANCISCO SPCA?
Description
Here for animals since 1868, the SF SPCA is one of San Francisco’s most enduring and respected nonprofit organizations. We are an independent non-profit supported entirely by our community. At the San Francisco SPCA, we offer care and protection to animals in need, and we believe all cats and dogs (and the people who love them) deserve access to high-quality veterinary care. As the largest animal shelter in the SF Bay Area and the first cageless animal shelter established in the U.S., we are transforming the way pet guardians and their beloved furry family members access lifesaving resources.
We are looking for an innovative, compassionate, Animal Welfare and Behavior Associate to join this remarkable team! This position is an incredible opportunity for those who are passionate about the welfare, care, and enrichment of our animal friends. In this role, you will be able to make direct, hands-on contributions to the well-being and socialization of our shelter animals. A great foundation for a career as a behavior trainer!
About you:
- You enjoy being creative and innovative
- Have at least 1-2 years in a shelter setting handling dogs of all types (breeds, temperaments, and sizes, etc)
- You are a positive person, and this is emulated in your communication style
- Highly motivated, out-going, polite, and professional manner
- Team player, able to work in a fast-pace environment and multi-task
- Compassion for animals, comfortable working in a shelter environment
- Moderate knowledge in animal learning theory, scientific behavior modification strategies, and positive-based, force-free animal training.
- Understanding of basic behavior modification treatment plans including medications and alternatives
- Understanding and application of learning theory
- Understanding and application of canine and feline behavior and body language
- Proficient Computer skills, knowledge of PetPoint and Salesforce a plus
- Interested in following a behavior trainer growth path
The role:
- Provide care to shelter animals daily, including feeding, elimination, play, basic training and enrichment
- Monitor animals for behavior abnormalities
- Assist with animal intake, evaluation, and treatment as needed
- Assist with dog-dog assessments and other evaluations as directed by behavior supervisors
- Provide training and socialization for dogs and puppies of all breeds and conduct regular shelter dog playgroup sessions
- Counsel potential adopters regarding dogs with behavioral needs
- Assist staff and public interacting with resident dogs in proper dog handling techniques
- Stocks, manages and tracks all training and enrichment equipment
- Practice and assist in low-stress, fear free handling of all animals
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: They’re more than just words for us. They are on every SF SPCA job description and guide how we develop programs, deliver services, build our teams, cultivate our leaders, and create a culture of belonging.
Our highly praised benefits package includes: free on-site parking, low-cost (generous) medical, vision, and dental insurance. PTO, 401K with matching funds, discounts, free parking, and the ability to participate in the Student Debt Benefit program, pet bereavement leave, discounted veterinary care, and employee discount on retail, pet supplies, dog training classes.
The pay range for this position is $25-$27/hr. Starting pay will depend on the length and breadth of experience.
Shifts will be five 8 hours shifts per week with one weekend day and occasional evenings.
The interview process will include a virtual prescreen call, a virtual interview with a manager and an in-person final interview and hands-on assessment of dog handling.
Ready to make a change? Excited by the future possibilities? We want to hear from you.
Salary : $25 - $27
