Job Title: Animal Behavior Technician

JACKSONVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY

JOB DESCRIPTION

Department: Shelter Operations

Reports To: Community Resource Manager

Position: Non-Exempt

Job Summary: The Animal Behavior Technician is an integral part of enriching the environment and improving the adoptability of all shelter animals.

Primary Responsibilities

· Monitor and complete behavior assessment requests assigned within 48 hours

· Work with shelter animals following B-mod program using least aversive means possible.

· Complete protocols approved by supervisor enabling staff, volunteers to work with the animals as appropriate

· Enter behavior information into shelter software program to help facilitate successful adoptions

· Document behavior activities and results in shelter software program and spreadsheets. Update stage and/or holds as necessary

· Oversee and participate in daily playgroups ensuring a participation rate of 70% or higher

· Participate in ongoing education opportunities for staff, volunteers and the community

· Assist with public requests for behavior assistance through helpline, classes, and in person

· Provide required training to volunteers, focusing on volunteer retention and safety

· Meet with adopters as needed to provide counseling and education on behavior challenged animals

· Ensure daily enrichment items are provided to shelter animals, coordinating with Animal Care Staff

· Assign animals for Peaches Pays program; update and track data

· Select animals that will benefit from Promote-a-Pet foster, track progress and outcome

· Aid in the selection of dogs to suites and cats to group rooms. Track and record any behavior changes once in new environment

· Assist with selection of animals for adoption events

· Assist with transport of animals from ACPS transport

· As requested track statistics and submit to supervisor

· Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

· Hands on experience with animals either in a shelter or clinic environment

· Knowledge of canine and feline body language

· Previous training in positive reinforcement dog training preferred

· Ability to follow JHS processes and protocols for animal handling, behavior assessments and modification programs

· Computer literate with data entry and Microsoft Works experience

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Attention to detail, good organization and follow-thru skills

· Ability to work independently and as a team, working well with others

· Patient and professional in dealing with customers, co-workers and volunteers

· Commitment to and representation of the JHS mission

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

· Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb and manipulate (lift, carry, move) up to 50 pounds

· Ability to work outdoors in varying temperatures and climates

· Ability to work with animals of varying temperament in noisy conditions

· Ability to work with cleaning materials

Work Schedule

· Position includes weekday, weekend and holiday hours requiring a flexible work schedule

· Hours and days are subject to change based on department demands

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job elated duties required by their supervisor. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.