Behavior Specialist
Monmouth County SPCA
Job Description
MONMOUTH COUNTY SPCA
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Behavior Specialist
Department: Behavior Reports to: Director of Operations
Type: Full-time Hourly Shift: Open but on a set schedule, with weekend day required.
Summary:
Working under the supervision of the Director of Operations, and closely with the Animal Care Manager, the Behavior Specialist will work alongside, and support, the Animal Care Team in identifying dogs in need of behavioral support and subsequently create behavior protocols for at risk dogs at the shelter.
The Behavior Specialist will work with staff and volunteers to train them on how to carry out those protocols successfully. The Behavior Specialist will have bi-weekly scheduled meetings with Animal Care Staff to help train and support them as they build confidence handling dogs; this may include one-on-one sessions with staff and their “project” dog, group obedience classes for Animal Care Staff and Q&A sessions.
The Behavior Specialist may be asked to assist the Canine Adoption Behavior Manager in offering post adoption training support, through scheduled appointments, to adopters in need of behavioral support with their newly adopted pet.
Responsibilities:
• Work closely with the Animal Care Team to gain insight on identifying emerging behaviors in dogs in the care of the shelter. Develop handling and training protocols for challenging dogs and ensure Animal Care staff understands how to carry out protocols and support them in doing so.
• Participate in behavior assessments of shelter dogs to evaluate them prior to being placed on the adoption floor when needed.
• Provide follow up behavioral support to adopters facing challenges with their newly adopted dog by scheduling appointments for training or assessments.
o Expectations would be for an initial brief phone consultation with a recommendation for services offered either through the BTA or VVCC.
• Provide behavioral support to members of the public through offering one-on-one training sessions, behavioral modification plans, or session packages.
• Serve as the CVT responsible for sedated exams for behaviorally challenging patients at the VVCC, handling induction, monitoring, treatments, and recovery these patients.
• Maintain thorough and adequate behavioral records using Cornerstone Practice Management Software.
• Develop goal-oriented behavior protocols for at risk animals in the shelter.
• Assist adoption counselors in communicating transparent behavioral concerns and behavioral progress in the shelter to ensure an adequate adoption match.
Qualification/Requirements:
• Ability to have open and non-judgmental conversations with potential adopters and or clientele.
• Superior customer service skills to create a friendly working environment with the public and to build a return clientele.
• Ability to maintain detailed and informative notes and records.
• Ability to handle dogs of all sizes and temperaments.
• One year working or volunteering with dogs of different sizes, temperaments, and breeds.
• Enrollment in a Canine Training Certification Program or equivalent.
• Licensed Certified Veterinary Technician with anesthesia experience.
• Working toward Behavior certification or board certification.
• Practices positive reinforcement training methods.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed within various areas of facility including, but not limited to, the adoption center, the canine digs, the canine community park and the surrounding outside areas. All personnel must wear full length pants and non-slip footwear to maintain safety on various surfaces throughout the facility and surrounding areas.
This is a full time job
Contact Information
Job Contact Details
Closing Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Posting Date:
Closing Date:
