Animal Behavior Associate

Job Title: Animal Behavior Associate 

Department: Veterinary Services

Reports To: Animal Behavior Manager 

Classification: Full-Time, non-exempt (hourly)

Pay: $22/hour

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday 8am-4:30pm (approximate) 

SUMMARY 

Contributes to Columbus Humane’s mission and vision by working in partnership with the Behavior Manager and the Director of Behavior and Welfare to conduct behavior evaluations, make handling and placement recommendations and coordinate a variety of behavior programming. Takes leadership responsibility for puppy socialization and enrichment for puppies housed in our care. Also takes a leadership role in logging and tracking dog and cat progress reports from volunteers. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Thinks, communicates and acts in the best interest of Columbus Humane and our human and animal clients at all times; models our mission and values in all job-related functions 
• Conducts behavior evaluations and makes pathway planning recommendations. 
• Leads daily canine playgroups under supervision of Behavior Manager.
• Monitors and reports changes or concerns in animal health or behavior to Columbus Humane management and Veterinary Services staff, as necessary.
• Monitors and reports animal welfare concerns
• Enters clear and concise memos regarding animal behaviors into Petpoint software.
• Assists with the enrichment program. 
• Works hands-on with animals daily, including but not limited to daily playgroups (dogs), behavior modification, training, and desensitization/counter-conditioning activities.
• Assists in inventory management for behavior program supplies and equipment.
• Models and encourages consistent handling and care alongside volunteers and staff.
• Mentors new volunteers and staff in animal behavior and handling, in coordination with the Volunteer Manager. 
• Assists in counseling prospective adopters about animals with special behavior needs and conducts dog-dog introductions when needed.
• Assists Animal Care team in ensuring dogs are walked on schedule, particularly dogs in higher handling categories. 
• Responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitizing the behavior room on a regular basis.
• Follows proper safety protocols for people and animals and sets a high standard for quality animal handling.
• Actively supports staff and promotes the development of skills related to the advancement of our goals and mission. 
• Design and lead a puppy enrichment/socialization program for puppies housed in our care. 
• Participates in adoption return prevention appointments with the public to triage basic behavior concerns and give management/training advice for dogs and cats. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises volunteers and interns as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required, BS/BA in animal-related field, behavior/cognition preferred.
• 2+ years working with animals in a professional capacity, 2+ years working in an animal shelter environment preferred.
• Experience working with private clients in a behavior capacity preferred. 
• Advanced animal handling and observation skills required for all companion animals.
•  Fluent and supportive of Columbus Humane decision-making philosophies.
• Passionate belief in Columbus Humane’s vison, mission and values. 
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.  
• Ability to foster a collaborative team approach to solving challenging situations. 

Certifications/Licenses

Valid Ohio Driver’s License

Euthanasia By Injection (EBI) certification required within 1 year.

CPDT-KA or equivalent preferred, or ability to obtain certification within 2 years.

Fear-Free™ Certified, or within 30 days of hire. 

Participate in the organization’s Culture Commitment:

Work collaboratively across teams by solving problems together, seeking input from colleagues and demonstrating respect for every team and function.

Maintain a forward-looking approach by learning from the past while focusing on solutions and growth.

Create high work output through effective work styles while maintaining work-life balance.

Assume positive intent by seeking to understand rather than assuming motives and giving others the benefit of the doubt.

Embrace accountability by owning commitments and responsibilities, while acknowledging mistakes and learning from them.

Communicate openly, sharing information wherever possible and having difficult conversations directly and respectfully with an eye toward productive resolution.

Physical Demands

At times required to lift up to 50 pounds with reasonable accommodation. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Work Environment

Work is performed in a normal shelter setting including exposure to hazardous chemicals and potential of exposure to parasites and infectious diseases that can be carried and transmitted by animals. Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals of questionable temperament. 

The Puurrrrks

* Generous PTO policy (vacation, sick and personal) and 7 holidays (can be floating holidays).

* Medical, dental and vision insurance.

* Flexible Spending Account (medical/dependent care).

* Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability fully paid by Columbus Humane.

* Simple IRA with 3% company match.

* Employee Assistance Program.

* Employee Wellness Program (through BWC) with incentives.

* Adoption discounts & access to staff clinics for vaccinations.

* Employee referral bonus.

* A shelter experience like no other, working with over 30 species in our sparkling clean facility.

  Columbus Humane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees