Dog Behavior Team Assistant Manager

• Work directly with dogs dailyparticularly those with moderate to highlevel behavior needsproviding training behavior modification socialization enrichment and emotional support.
• Create and implement individualized behavior modification plans using evidencebased techniques (LIMAaligned).
• Provide daily enrichment and decompression activities including scent work agility interactive feeding and structured outings.
• Facilitate playgroups and socialization activities tailored to the needs of each dog.
• Lead dogdog introductions behavior consults and adoption/foster matchmaking sessions.
• Ensure that each dog receives consistent thoughtful exposure to new people environments and stimuli to build resilience and confidence.

• Participate in behavior evaluations at intake and throughout each dogs shelter stay identifying training needs stress levels and placement potential.
• Collaborate in case review meetings to develop or adjust behavior strategies placement options or transfer opportunities.
• Work with external behavior professionals trainers rescues and sanctuaries to facilitate specialized placements.
• Participate in behaviorrelated euthanasia decisions when necessary ensuring all humane alternatives and intervention pathways have been thoroughly explored.

• Act as a bootsontheground leader for the Behavior Team supporting the Dog Behavior Manager in overseeing daytoday operations.
• Provide realtime mentorship and handson coaching to staff volunteers and fosters on handling techniques enrichment practices and behavior plan implementation.
• Help recruit train and supervise volunteers involved in training playgroups and enrichment.
• Promote a culture of safety and humane handling modeling best practices at all times.

• Identify opportunities to improve the daytoday experience of the dogs in our care.
• Contribute to the development of new programs protocols and tools that directly improve behavioral outcomes.
• Help track behaviorrelated data and key metrics to support program improvement.
• Assist with the creation and evolution of SOPs volunteer training and behavior curriculum.

• Attend and participate in all required training sessions and meetings
• Maintain open and consistent communication with Program Manager or designee supervisor and other colleagues
• Partner with Volunteer Managers to learn about the volunteer programs and manage volunteers interested in your department on an ongoing basis
• Able to react to change productively and perform other related duties as assigned
• Able to work evenings weekends and holidays as needed
• Able to work in a highvolume fastpaced highstress environment

• Must embody APA!s core values of innovation respect drive resourcefulness and inclusion
• Commitment to APA!s customer experience expectations
• Willing and committed to working well with volunteers and staff in all roles
• 3 years of professional handson experience working with dogs in a training behavior or shelter/rescue setting.
• Confident and comfortable working with dogs presenting challenging behaviors.
• Experience handling assessing and implementing behavior plans for a wide variety of dog temperaments and needs.
• Leadership or mentoring experience with staff volunteers or interns in a training or animal care context.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments and with the public.

• Certification in canine behavior or training (CPDTKA CBCCKA KPA CTP IAABCADT etc..
• Experience working with behaviorally complex or atrisk shelter dogs.
• Familiarity with shelter behavior programs dog enrichment protocols and behavioral euthanasia decisionmaking.
• Experience developing and implementing SOPs training plans and data tracking tools.

• Must be able to routinely lift 4050 pounds.
• Must be able to work around animals (including diseased injured and/or potentially aggressive animals) loud noises chlorine or other chemicals and inclement weather.
• Must be able to comfortably interact with dogs of various health levels including those who may carry zoonotic diseases such as ringworm scabies intestinal parasites etc.
• Must be able to handle big dogs that pull and jump for multiple hours a day.
• Must be able to be on your feet for long periods of time.
• Must be able to visually observe people and animals from up to 150 feet away.
• Ability to hear normal speech at close contact and shouting up to 150 feet away with the ability to hear and discern dog vocalizations both soft and loud.
• Must be able to pass all required dog handling training required for this position.
• Must be able to focus in a loud and busy environment despite distractions.
• Must be able to walk around shelter as needed uneven ground keeping a safe distance from dogs and handlers.
• If reasonable accommodations are requested reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job absent undue hardship to the organization.

• Uses own transportation to travel and transport.
• Occasional afterhours or weekend work may be required to support program needs.
• Possible exposure to contagious diseases.
• Rapid pace with exposure to potential hazards including animal waste disinfectants and high levels of noise.
• Potential for animal bites and scratches and diseases that can be transmitted from animals to people

• This is a fulltime exempt position with an average of 40 hours per week.
• Shift and schedule flexibility is required as weekly schedule is subject to change.
• Able to work evenings weekends and holidays as needed.

• APA! Main Town Lake Animal Center 1156 West Cesar Chavez Austin TX 78703
• May travel to offsite locations as needed.

Required Experience:

Manager