Behavior and Enrichment Assistant

Overview

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP), one of the largest animal welfare organizations in Pennsylvania, is seeking an energetic and engaging Behavior and Enrichment Assistant to join our growing team! The ideal candidate will share our vision and passion for the humane and ethical treatment of animals within the community.

Summary

This is technical and physical work in the field of animal handling, observational and recording skills, efficient communication, and active engagement with the animals. There is physical labor in handling the animals and implementing behavior assessments and interventions. Work is performed both independently and in teams under the direction of department managers and team leads. This position will provide the employee with further education and experience in behavior science, enrichment, and training principles. Daily responsibilities are semi-routine but flexibility and problem solving are necessary to support the needs of individual animals and the shelter staff.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Assists members of the Behavior, Training, and Enrichment Department with daily Behavior Checks
• Assists in canine playgroup
• Independently provides enhanced enrichment to animals identified to need it
• Performs appropriate, accurate behavioral assessments and reports findings in an accurate and timely manner
• Organizes and monitors daily enrichment for the shelter population
• Communicates and coordinates with multiple departments in the organization 
• Ability to assist in public and volunteer training classes
• Performs related work as assigned
• Commits to partaking in continuing education opportunities
• Ability to reliably report to work during emergency circumstances and inclement weather

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee could be exposed to hazards associated with aggressive animals; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches, and animal wastes; and possible exposure to contagious diseases. The employee will primarily be working in a shelter environment. The noise level is usually moderate.

Physical demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk, listen, hear, use of hands and fingers, and extend hands, arms, and legs. This role routinely requires handling of animals in varying degrees of behavior, size, and strength. Requires a high level of dexterity with a leash and other training equipment with multiple animal species. May be required to lift objects weighing more than 50lbs. 

Travel

This position will perform work out of both of HARP’s locations: East End and North side.

Qualifications:

• Animal handling experience is required. Preference for experience with animal behavior and training. 
• Knowledge of Fear Free handling and humane animal practices
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow detailed and standardized instructions
• Ability to handle large and sometimes dangerous animals
• Recording and maintenance of observations, data, and plans in the assigned format and computer operating system
• Effective communication skills both verbal and written
• Cooperative, professional, and respectful communication with staff, volunteers, and members of the public
• Ability to pay attention to details, organize, and follow through on assigned tasks

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Fear Free Certification preferred (or intended completion post-hire