Dog Behavior Coordinator

Friends Of Oakland Animal Services/Oakland Animal Services

Job Description

BEHAVIOR EVALUATIONS
• Review owner surrender and finder information.
• Perform handling evaluations for designated dogs.
• Compile behavior/handling/playgroup notes from staff, fosters, and volunteers.
• Maintain meticulous records of behavior observations and disclosures using the shelter database software.
• Maintain a system to regularly communicate behavioral changes to staff, volunteers, and transfer partners.
• Assist shelter staff with population assessment to ensure status/status change and minimize length of stay.
• Regularly monitor and update behavior profiles.
• Work in close coordination with shelter management, the Animal Care Supervisor, Animal Care staff, the Playgroup Coordinator, and the Foster, Adoption, and Transfer Coordinator and volunteers.
• Other duties as assigned.
BEHAVIOR SUPPORT AND ENRICHMENT FOR SHELTER, FOSTER AND ADOPTED DOGS
• Develop a behavior modification program for select unwanted behaviors that make them likely to be challenging for fosters and adopters (e.g. jumpy, mouthy, reactive)
• Provide training to staff, fosters, and shelter volunteers to ensure consistent handling and behavior language.
• Work together with the Playgroup Coordinator to organize daily playgroups and develop a system for ensuring that dogs who would most benefit from playgroups are included.
• Coordinate and provide oversight to volunteers responsible for dog enrichment.
• Work in close coordination with shelter management, Animal Care staff, and staff responsible for the foster program, adoptions, and transfers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Commitment to the mission, goals, and success of Oakland Animal Services.
• Certifications such as KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, or CCPDT.
• Comprehensive understanding of dog behavior, including demonstrable playgroup leadership skills.
• Strong understanding of humane and evidence-based dog training/behavior modification.
Knowledge of basic animal health care, safe animal handling practices, and defensive handling practices for dogs.
Ability to recognize signs of common animal diseases.
• Ability to lift and handle dogs (including large breeds); ability to lift and move supplies such as large dog crates and 50lb dog food bags.
• Positive attitude with the ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relations with the public, partner organizations, and other employees; aptitude and experience maximizing collegiality and teamwork among co-workers.
• Flexibility, adaptability, aptitude for effectively prioritizing multiple tasks, and a strong work ethic. •
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Working Conditions
• Primary work location in an animal shelter environment.
• Exposure to loud noises in the kennel areas.
• Potential for exposure to animal feces, blood, and zoonotic diseases.
• Potential for exposure to animal bites and scratches.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to tolerate the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of euthanasia.
Compensation
• $30-$44/hour depending on experience. Thirteen paid holidays plus accrued vacation and sick time based on hours worked. Partial health benefits and a 401k retirement plan also offered.

This is a full time job