Behavior & Training Coordinator

Overview

Every pet deserves a good life. We save the most vulnerable animals and enrich the lives of pets and people. Our mission is made possible with the hard work of our valued employees. We offer a friendly, professional work environment with a culture that promotes innovation, compassion, and excellence.

Job Title: Behavior & Training Coordinator

Department: Adoption Center

Position Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Behavior & Training Manager

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday, Occasional On-Call Shifts Required (40 Hours per week)

Starting Pay: $23.00- $25.00/hour (Based on experience)

The Behavior & Training Coordinator works under the direct supervision of the Behavior & Training Manager to implement the organization’s behavior, enrichment, and training programs. This position conducts intake and ongoing behavior assessments, provides daily enrichment, supports playgroups, documents behavior in Shelterluv, and assists with staff and volunteer training in safe, humane handling. The Coordinator collaborates closely with Animal Care to ensure consistent, high-quality behavioral care from intake through adoption and supports adoption counseling through accurate behavior communication and post-adoption follow-up.

A strong commitment to positive-reinforcement handling and the Adopter’s Welcome philosophy is essential.

• Assist the Behavior & Training Manager with both canine and feline intake assessments at Henderson County Animal Services Center (HCASC) and onsite.
• Proven knowledge on BRHS intake criteria and protocols and the ability to uphold and enforce them.
• Assign all animals to a volunteer color code level upon intake based on behavior observations and handling needs.
• Record behavior notes and assessments in Shelterluv in a timely and accurate manner.
• Help develop, implement, and monitor daily enrichment plans for dogs and cats.
• Ensure enrichment protocols are being followed by staff and volunteers, filling in when needed.
• Identify early signs of kennel deterioration or stress and communicate promptly to the Behavior & Training Manager.
• Assist in organizing and overseeing playgroups, following established safety and behavior guidelines.
• Ensure Animal Care staff understand their role in daily playgroup execution.
• Observe and document animal interactions to support ongoing care and adoption recommendations.
• Help deliver training in safe animal handling, basic behavior concepts, color coding, and enrichment.
• Assist with onboarding staff on behavior-related protocols, handling standards, and playgroup procedures.
• Support volunteer training related to dog walking, kennel support, enrichment, and safe interactions.
• Support adoption counseling by communicating behavior plans to potential adopters to ensure accurate information and support is provided.
• Provide follow up assistance for adopters by conducting routine post adoption check-ins.
• Maintain excellent customer service with adopters, volunteers and visitors.
• Participate in daily rounds and actively participate in pathway planning.
• Support date entry, memos, behavior tracking, and documentation in Shelterluv.
• Other duties as assigned by the Behavior & Training Manager or the Pathway Planning Director.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 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.

• Experience working with dogs and cats in a shelter, rescue, or training environment preferred.
• High School diploma or equivalent required; additional training or certification in animal behavior or training preferred
• Familiarity with positive reinforcement training methods and commitment to humane, least-invasive, minimally-aversive handling
• Strong understanding of or…