Location: Pawling,NY, USA
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, 2025Following 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 techniquesPerform behavior evaluation and apply behavior modification protocols, conducting and documenting treatment sessions, and providing data and observations to help inform intervention decisionsProvide socialization and extra enrichment opportunities for specified dogsConduct dog playgroups and lead internal group dog training classesContribute to animal pathways conversations, providing objective data for decision makingMonitor behavioral health and communicate observations and concerns to appropriate staff members in a timely fashionAssist, as needed, with the handling and movement of animals during cleaning, intake, exercise, grooming, exams, and humane euthanasiaProvide handling and data collection in support of the organization's research agendaAssist with the collection and organization of footage for video libraryAssist, as needed, with animal housing and kennel design improvement planningMonitor the activities of volunteers interacting with animals and provide guidance/coachingWith the guidance of senior leadership, provide hands-on coaching for Care & Enrichment Technicians, volunteers, visitors, and internsProvide follow-up support for fosters, placement partners, and adoptersFacilitate on-site introductions for placement partners, foster parents, and adoptersParticipate in media interviews via email, phone, and on camera as directed by leadershipDeploy to support Behavioral Sciences Team's (BST) field work, handling animals during removal and intake and conducting forensic behavior evaluationsProvide behavior support at ASPCA temporary shelters, conducting behavior treatments and playgroups and monitoring behavioral health of animals at the temporary shelterAdhere to the Incident Command System's (ICS') of command on deploymentAdhere to all behavioral, veterinary, and sheltering protocols set forth by the ASPCAAdministrative and Operational Duties (20%) Meticulous collection of high-quality data in support of behavior and veterinary needs as well as the organization's research agendaShare appropriate behavior paperwork with fosters, placement partners, and adoptersAttend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetingsAccurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expensesResponsibly steward R&R Center assetsCore Values Exemplifies the ASPCA's Core Values: Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animalsDemonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomesBelieves in Team - that we are stronger togetherSeeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possibleFocuses on Impact, specifically making change for animalsRequirements Education and Work Experience High School Diploma or GED requiredMinimum of two years of experience working in a shelter setting handling, treating and evaluating dogs with moderate to extreme behavior problemsSuccessful completion of the ASPCA's Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Winter cohortSofia Yin's Low Stress Handling® University Silver-Level certification (approximately 18 hours) required within six months of hireQualificationsValid driver's license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe drivingAbility and willingness to travel up to 20% of the timeAble to work a flexible schedule when needed including days, evenings, weekends, and holidaysFluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plusExcellent written and oral communication skillsAble to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorallyComfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practiceDisplays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stressFosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areasBuilds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understandFreely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with othersDemonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of othersProactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutionsFlexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the sameResilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quicklyArtfully flexes coaching style to best support diverse individualsCultivates a climate in which diverse perspectives are solicited, encouraged, valued, and respectedWork 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 possibleWork may occur in noisy environmentsWork involves exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objectsAbility to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of timeAbility to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning suppliesComfort and ability to handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situationsAbility to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and bootiesShelter Behavior Apprenticeship Requirements: Actively participate in shelter behavior online, classroom and hands-on experiential learning activities throughout the ApprenticeshipPractice application of acquired skills and knowledge in a busy animal shelter setting, with coaching and supervision by Apprenticeship staffPerform basic handling of dogs and cats under the supervision of Apprenticeship staffDemonstrate acquired knowledge and skills via periodic, practical learner assessments throughout the Apprenticeship to assist Instructors in providing personalized coachingAssist ASPCA facility staff as necessary, providing care for animals participating in Apprenticeship activities (e.g., cleaning, feeding, providing enrichment/exercise)Provide periodic, practical feedback on the experience, activities, content and flow of the Apprenticeship to help inform program improvement and iterationTravel for up to 3 weeks at a time for learning activities at ASPCA facilities (all associated costs covered by the ASPCA)Shelter Behavior Associates must attend Winter 2025 cohort during the following dates:February 12-15: remote onboardingFebruary 17-21: remote learningFebruary 24-March 12: Location TBDMarch 13-14: remote learningMarch 17-22: Location TBDMarch 31-April 12: Asheville & Weaverville, NCApril 21-May 2: Columbus, OHMay 5: remote learningFollowing the Apprenticeship program, Associates will begin regular work schedules at the R&R Center in Pawling, NYCompensation and Benefits: Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future. The target hiring range for the initial Behavior Associate role is $31.25 - $32.69The target range for promotion to Behavior Specialist is $34.62 - $37.02For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website. Stay Connected - Join Our Talent CommunityIf you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please join our Talent Community to stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.Qualifications:See above for qualifications details.Language:EnglishEducation and Work Experience:High School DiplomaOur EEO Policy:The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA's standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA's People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).