Behavior Specialist

Summary:

Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Behavior Specialist at the ASPCA's new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you!

Behavior Specialists attend the ASPCA's 9-week paid Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship (SBA) that provides the foundations for a career in animal behavior. The SBA is a deep dive into the science of animal behavior and its application in shelter settings, alongside hands-on coaching from behavior experts. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, Behavior Specialists step into their new hands-on role at the R&R Center.

Ideal candidates for Behavior Specialist will have a keen interest in applied animal behavior, a solid understanding of animal learning principles, strong low-stress animal handling skills, excellent interpersonal skills, including experience successfully coaching people. Success will hinge on the ability to collaborate effectively with behavior, operations and veterinary teammates at the R&R Center, as well as staff in other departments across the organization.

Recovery & Rehabilitation Center Overview & Upcoming Launch

The R&R Center in Pawling, NY, is a unique program dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for canine victims of cruelty. The R&R Center team works closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to help animals rescued in partnership with the NYPD.

The Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship combines online and hands-on learning, and requires travel. The target start date for this position is February 12, 2025. Following the completion of SBA, Behavior Specialists are expected to begin work in-person in Pawling, NY on May 6, 2025.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Functional Duties (80%)

Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals and humans by using low-stress and defensive handling techniques

Perform behavior evaluation and apply behavior modification protocols, conducting and documenting treatment sessions, and providing data and observations to help inform intervention decisions

Provide socialization and extra enrichment opportunities for specified dogs

Conduct dog playgroups and l ead internal group dog training classes

Contribute to animal pathways conversations, providing objective data for decision making

Monitor behavioral health and communicate observations and concerns to appropriate staff members in a timely fashion

Assist, as needed, with the handling and movement of animals during cleaning, intake, exercise, grooming, exams, and humane euthanasia

Provide handling and data collection in support of the organization's research agenda

Assist with the collection and organization of footage for video library

Assist, as needed, with animal housing and kennel design improvement planning

Monitor the activities of volunteers interacting with animals and provide guidance/coaching

With the guidance of senior leadership, provide hands-on coaching for Care & Enrichment Technicians, volunteers, visitors, and interns

Provide follow-up support for fosters, placement partners, and adopters

Facilitate on-site introductions for placement partners, foster parents, and adopters

Participate in media interviews via email, phone, and on camera as directed by leadership

Deploy to support Behavioral Sciences Team's (BST) field work, handling animals during removal and intake and conducting forensic behavior evaluations

Provide behavior support at ASPCA temporary shelters, conducting behavior treatments and playgroups and monitoring behavioral health of animals at the temporary shelter

Adhere to the Incident Command System's (ICS') of command on deployment

Adhere to all behavioral, veterinary, and sheltering protocols set forth by the ASPCA

Administrative and Operational Duties (20%)

Meticulous collection of high-quality data in support of behavior and veterinary needs as well as the organization's research agenda

Share appropriate behavior paperwork with fosters, placement partners, and adopters

Attend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings

Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses

Responsibly steward R&R Center assets

Core Values

Exemplifies the ASPCA's Core Values:

Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals

Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes

Believes in Team - that we are stronger together

Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible

Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals

Requirements

Education and Work Experience

High School Diploma or GED required

Minimum of two years of experience working in a shelter setting handling, treating and evaluating dogs with moderate to extreme behavior problems

Successful completion of the ASPCA's Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Winter cohort

Sofia Yin's Low Stress Handling University Silver-Level certification (approximately 18 hours) required within six months of hire

Qualifications

Valid driver's license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving

Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time

Able to work a flexible schedule when needed including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally

Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice

Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress

Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas

Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand

Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others

Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others

Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions

Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same

Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly

Artfully flexes coaching style to best support diverse individuals

Cultivates a climate in which diverse perspectives are solicited, encouraged, valued, and respected

Work takes place in a variety of environments and weather conditions, including indoor climate-controlled spaces and outdoors where surfaces may be wet or uneven and extreme heat, cold, or precipitation is possible

Work may occur in noisy environments

Work involves exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning pr.