Behavior Coordinator

SPCA of Texas

Job Description

The Behavior Coordinator is responsible for behaviorally assessing animals and helping to determine a behavior plan of action, providing enrichment for the animals in the shelter, recommending placement and movement of animals within the shelter, and coordinating and training behavior volunteers with a focus on enrichment, dog play groups and behavior modification.

Summary of Essential Responsibilities:
• Coordinate and plan enrichment for the shelter animals, including a calendar of planned enrichment items to be distributed, and leading the volunteer team in assembling, distributing and removing enrichment items.
• Coordinate dog play groups including assessment and approval of appropriate dogs, oversight of volunteers and dogs during play, and flow of animals in and out of the shelter and play yards.
• Provides input for movement of animals within the shelter including placement in holdings and on adoption floor.
• Implement behavior modification protocols for any animal that is under the behavior modification program.
• Coordinate, mentor and retain volunteers for enrichment at the rescue center and JRJ.
• Train and coach staff and volunteers in animal behavior, handling, restraint and enrichment.
• Update animal information and maintain individual animal records through database system and internal shelter paperwork.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cat and dog behavior.
• Train shelter animals using approved methods.
• Report observed health or behavior issues to ACC Supervisor or Behavior Manager.
• Strong focus on safety during animal handling and training: especially Fear Free ™ techniques.
• Assist with drawing blood and perform diagnostic testing for behaviorally challenged animals when ACC or clinic staff need assistance.
• Perform animal behavior evaluations (BVALs).
• Work in cooperation with other SPCA of Texas departments to accomplish and further the goals of the behavior programs.
• Protect the confidential information of customers, donors and volunteers.
• Must be eligible to be a “driver” for the SPCA of Texas and must perform “driver” duties as directed by the immediate Supervisor.
• Maintain assigned equipment, supplies and vehicles in safe condition and report any problems or needed repairs to the ACC Manager.
• Represent the SPCA of Texas by providing excellent customer service and focus.
• Additional tasks assigned by the Behavior Manager or Director of Behavior.
• Keep current inventory of necessary program supplies and report shortages to Director of Behavior.

Summary of Essential Job Tasks:
• Safe animal handling.
• Provide accurate information regarding animal behavior, training, safety, and handling.
• Use and implementation of approved training procedures.
• Maintaining communication with manager.
• Working well both independently and with supervision.

Required Professional Licensing or certifications:
• Certification from IAABC, CCPDT, or other relevant animal behavior certifying organization. Appropriate and sufficient experience (and/or) education in lieu of these certifications may be considered.

This is a full time job