Behavior Coordinator - Dallas

This position is supervised by: Behavior Supervisor
This position supervises/manages: None

Job Summary: The Behavior Coordinator is responsible for behaviorally assessing animals and determining a behavior plan of action, providing enrichment, and recommending placement and movement of animals. This role will primarily focus on cat behavior while continuing to support overall needs of the behavior department.

Summary of Essential Job Tasks:

• Ability to identify behavior modification needs and perform training tasks with shelter animals.
• Implement behavior modification protocols for any animal that is under the behavior modification program.
• 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.
• Perform animal behavior evaluations (BVALs).
• Comprehensive behavioral knowledge of cats and dogs.
• Strong focus on safety during animal handling and training; especially Fear Free ™ techniques.
• Communicate clearly with employees, pet owners, and foster volunteers verbally and in writing.
• 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.
• Provide enrichment to dogs and cats, particularly focusing on behavior modification animals and other long-term residents.
• Must be eligible to be a “driver” for the SPCA of Texas and must perform “driver” duties as directed by the immediate Supervisor.
• Must 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 Supervisor or Director of Animal Care and Behavior.
• Keep current inventory of necessary program supplies and report shortages to Behavior Supervisor.

Major Responsibilities this position will be held accountable for:

1. Safe animal handling.
2. Skilled teaching about animal behavior, training, safety, and handling.
3. Use of approved training procedures.
4. Maintaining communication with manager.
5. Working well both with supervision and independently.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the essential functions of this position:

1. Must demonstrate the Core Values of the SPCA of Texas on and off the job.
2. Must have a strong understanding of modern animal behavior and training principles.
3. Must have strong animal training experience.
4. Must be organized.
5. Must be able to work independently.
6. Must have good people skills.
7. Must have good coaching and teaching skills.
8. Must be able to work with cats, dogs, and other pet species.

Required professional licensing or certifications:

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

Normally scheduled 5 days per week, 8 hours per day between the hours of 7am and 7pm.