Hybrid Behavior & Training Associate bei St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center

Conduct out-of-kennel enrichment activities and use training methodology aligned with humane, science-based dog training practices to provide behavior modification for shelter animals (largely dogs). Teach dog training classes and private sessions, including private sessions for adopters. Provide phone and email support to adopters and foster communities when behavior-related questions and concerns arise about companion animals. Weigh in on shelter behavioral placement decisions. The candidate must be able to work one weekend day, as determined and assigned by the Shelter Behavior Manager. A highly motivated team player with a positive, can-do and proactive approach, who can hit the ground running, and likes working in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

· Conduct out-of-kennel enrichment activities and use training methodology aligned with humane, science-based dog training practices to provide behavior modification for shelter animals.

o Track progress and accurately record behavior observations in PetPoint, the recordkeeping database.

o Conduct daily checks of all shelter animal behavior concerns.

o Document and report any behavior abnormalities in shelter animals.

o Report findings of behavioral assessments through oral and written communication.

· Always represent St. Hubert’s in a professional and courteous manner.

· Provide quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees recognizing their individual contributions to the success of the organization.

· Work with Chief Operating Officer, VP, Managers and other associates within and outside the Shelter Behavior department to identify shelter animals who are behaviorally appropriate for adoption, foster, transfer and euthanasia

· Identify shelter animals for behavior modifications protocols and conduct out-of-kennel enrichment and behavior modification protocols on identified shelter animals, working with Animal Care staff when needed.

· Assist in the training of new department members.

· Conduct a daily check of all shelter animal behavior concerns, documenting and reporting behavioral abnormalities.

· Conduct canine behavior and training classes and private sessions for adopters, fosters, and other community pet owners.

· Follow proper cleaning and sanitation of training and observation areas.

· Act as representative of organization for humane education shelter behavior activities as requested.

· Assist various departments with organizational events and significant adoption events.

· Occasional travel may be required.

· Perform other assigned duties and projects.

· Ability to work one weekend day per week regularly.

Qualifications and Requirements:

· Knowledge of animal health, breed behavior and training techniques aligned with humane, science-based dog training practices.

Education and Experience:

· Minimum 2 years of experience working at an animal shelter, boarding kennel, or other facility where animals are housed

· Minimum of one-year lead training experience using training methodology aligned with humane, science-based dog training practices.

· Certification by an independent third-party certifying body such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), or other equivalent organizations, or being in the process of obtaining such certification(s) are a plus but not required. Once employed, the candidate must be open and motivated to obtain such certification(s) within an agreed-on timeframe

· Knowledge of canine and feline behavior.

· Knowledge of enrichment in animal shelter settings, including concepts and interventions that will improve or maintain physical and psychological well-being of shelter animals.

· Knowledge of restraint, handling techniques, and general animal safety practices.

· Excellent oral and written communication, presentation, organizational, time management and problem-solving skills.

· Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Ability to communicate effectively, courteously, and professionally with a variety of audiences, such as the public, board members, volunteers, donors, and employees.

· Computer literacy with proficient use of programs including Microsoft Office programs, email, Internet and database management software to efficiently accomplish work.

· Ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures. Ability to be flexible, detail-oriented and able to prioritize.

· Ability to manage the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment in a positive professional manner, including providing input on euthanasia decisions.

· Passion for the St. Hubert’s mission, and for caring for all animals regardless of age, breed, temperament, or species, and supporting and educating members of the public, free of judgment or bias

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

· Ability to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted regularly, 50+ pounds assisted.

· Ability to be comfortable working with cats and dogs.

· Ability to perform strenuous physical activity daily, including but not limited to lifting and carrying, reaching, stooping, squatting, standing, and bending. Regularly moves about the facilities to coordinate work.

· Ability to handle large, strong dogs and potentially fractious cats.

· Due to the nature of shelter work, employees may be exposed to deceased, fractious, or aggressive animals; hostile or irate persons; zoonotic or other diseases; unpleasant noises, odors, or sights; and extreme temperatures.

· Consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alterations available.

· Ability to work one weekend day regularly. May be required to attend/travel to special events or locations during regularly scheduled time off.

· Be available occasionally during a regular day off to answer staff questions on an "on call" basis.

St. Hubert's is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them