Shelter Behavior Specialist

Join the Animal Humane Society as a Shelter Behavior Specialist! You'll provide essential behavioral support and implement behavior modification programs. Key responsibilities include completing behavior exams, placing animals in appropriate programs, and recommending placements and outcomes. Your work will be vital to our mission and the well-being of the animals in our shelter.
If this sounds like you, read more below and consider applying! 🐾

Pay: $20/hour

• Health, dental, vision insurance and more!
• 15+ days of paid time off in your first year
• 4 floating holidays per full calendar year
• 401k Retirement Plan with company match

Full-time (approximately 40 hours/week)

• Tuesday-Saturday schedule (Sundays & Mondays off)
• Hours are generally 8-hour shifts between 9am-5pm
• Will need to work shifts outside of these general hours when humane investigations cases occur, and as business needs dictate

• Primarily location is on-site in Golden Valley, MN
• Local travel required 1-2 times per week to other Animal Humane Society locations (Coon Rapids and Woodbury, MN)
• Extended travel required about 1-2 times per month for humane investigations cases

Please include current resume and cover letter

• Complete behavior examinations for animals that need behavior support to identify behaviors for intervention.
• Place animals as appropriate in behavior modification programs and provide recommended placements and outcomes.
• Implement behavior modification programs for the selected behavioral concerns to enrich the animal’s environment, prevent problem behaviors, and improve their adoptability.
• Respond to questions and concerns about shelter animal behavior, placement and outcomes.
• Escalate complex cases and questions to higher level support.
• Maintain detailed records of animal behavior and progress.
• Work closely with veterinarians to address behavioral issues that may have a medical basis, ensuring a comprehensive approach to animal welfare.
• Ensure the safety and welfare of animals, adhering to ethical standards and promoting humane treatment at all times.

• Assist in program evaluation, including data collection, entry, and analysis as needed.
• Assist with research initiatives to improve the understanding of animal behavior.
• Assist with on-going training for volunteers as well as other shelter staff.
• Serve as a member of the Critical Response Team; deploy on Humane Investigations cases as needed state-wide.

• Communicate in a positive and professional manner with customers, other employees, and volunteers.
• Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to make AHS a welcoming environment for all.

• Accurately update animal records in PetPoint.
• Monitor department inbox and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
• Clock in and out of shifts using ADP.
• Monitor AHS email and other messaging software.

Other duties as assigned.

• Regular, predictable attendance, punctuality, and availability to work during operational hours.
• Attend and participate in regular team meetings, all staff meetings, and one-on-one meetings with direct leader.
• Must be able to travel to a different work site based on department needs.
• Must be able to travel to Humane Investigation sites state-wide as needed.
• May be required to attend occasional off-site meetings and events.

• Environment can be dirty, wet, warm, and humid.
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases and pests such as fleas and ticks.
• Possibility of being bitten or scratched.
• Exposure to unpleasant odors, chemicals, and noises, including barking.
• May be exposed to extreme weather conditions including but not limited to cold, heat, rain, and snow when outside.

• 2+ years of experience in behavior modification required.
• Experience with low-stress and advanced animal handling techniques, including LIMA, Fear-Free, capture and restraint preferred.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to accurately assess and document animal behavior across different species.
• Proficient with computers, specifically a working knowledge of Microsoft products.

• Must be able to lift, carry, and handle animals and other items up to 50 lbs. unassisted. For animals and other items over 50 lbs., assistance from another team member is required.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing and walking.

• Must be comfortable with the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of humane euthanasia.
• Must be able to work effectively in situations where animals are gravely ill or injured, neglected, abused, aggressive, or in distress.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this role. Duties,…