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This position will be key in helping our shelter assess dogs and make recommendations for the appropriate paths forward. This position will also help to implement enrichment opportunities for the shelter pets as well as overseeing and organizing playgroups, with the assistance of volunteers and staff. This position will also be called upon to assist with special adoption interactions, assist with post-adoption guidance as needed and help train volunteers and incoming staff on best animal handling practices in the shelter setting.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Program Manager or other supervisory personnel. Work is reviewed for the achievement of desired results through conferences and reports.

Duties may vary based on area of assignment. The following are representative duties, it is not the intent to capture all duties performed by this classification.

• Performs assessments of dogs in the shelter, potentially with behavior issues, and others that have completed quarantine following a bite to a person.
• Makes recommendations to management based on the results of the assessment.
• Conducts playgroups, where multiple dogs are given the opportunity to play together in an outside yard at the shelter.
• Assesses and documents behavior of dogs participating in playgroups.
• Develops and operates an enrichment program, aimed at mitigating stress in the shelter environment.
• Conducts regular trainings with staff and volunteers on identifying animal behavior.
• Occasionally facilitates interactions between dogs with special behavior concerns and interested adopters.
• Attempts to work with adopters that have taken dogs home and are experiencing behavior issues in the new environment offering guidance and suggestions on how to mitigate issues so as to prevent the dog from being returned to the shelter.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor degree from an accredited institution in Animal Behavior Studies, Zoology, Animal Science, or a closely related field.

Two (2) years of experience working as a behaviorist in a shelter setting or closely related experience.

In lieu of the degree requirements additional relevant experience may be substituted on a year for year basis.

Within one (1) year of hire, obtain one of the following certifications:

• Certified Professional Dog Trainer–Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
• Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
• Canine Training Center (CTC)
• Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians (AVBT)
• American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB)
• Animal Behavior Society Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB)
• Animal Behavior Society Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB)
• Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)

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