Behavior Associate
Behavior Associate
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Job Description
Summary:
Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare Do you thrive in a dynamic complex highly collaborative environment If so the role of Behavior Associate at the ASPCAs new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling NY might be right for you!
Behavior Associates attend the ASPCAs 9week paid Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship (SBA) that provides the foundations for a career in animal behavior. The SBA is a deep dive into the science of animal behavior and its application in shelter settings alongside handson coaching from behavior experts. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship Behavior Associates continue building skills and experience at the R&R Center. Behavior Associates whoconsistently demonstrate strong shelter behavior knowledge and skills and collaborate effectively within and across teams movein tothe role of Behavior Specialist after approximately one year of onthejob training.
Ideal candidates for Behavior Associate will have a keen interest in the science of animal behavior a passion for animal welfare and exceptional people skills.
Recovery & Rehabilitation Center Overview
The R&R Center in Pawling NY is a unique program dedicated to providing integrated sheltering behavioral and medical care for canine victims of cruelty. The R&R Center team works closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to helpanimals rescuedin partnership with the NYPD.
The target start date for this position will be 8/18. This position reports to the R&R Center in Pawling NY. The Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship combines online and handsonlearning andrequires travel (more information is listed below).
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Functional Duties 80
Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals and humans by using lowstress and defensive handling techniques
Carry out assigned behavior modification protocols conducting and documenting treatment sessions and providing data and observations to help inform intervention decisions
Assist with handling and data collection during behavior evaluations playgroups intake cleaning grooming exercise veterinary exams adoption and transfer and humane euthanasia as appropriate
Monitor behavioral health and communicate observations and concerns to appropriate staff members in a timely fashion
Provide handling and data collection in support of the organizations research agenda
Adhere to all protocols set forth by the ASPCA including behavior modification and training procedures enrichment animal handling as well as general medical and sheltering protocols
Administrative and Operational Duties 20
Meticulous collection of highquality data in support of behavior and veterinary needs as well as the organizations research agenda
Attend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings
Accurately track and report time worked time off and workrelated travel expenses
Responsibly steward R&R Center assets
Exemplifies the ASPCAs Core Values:
HasCommitmentand dedication to improving the lives of animals
DemonstratesOwnershipand feels responsible for outcomes
Believes inTeam that we are stronger together
Seeks toElevateothers and reimagine what is possible
Focuses onImpact specifically making change for animals
Education and Work Experience
High School Diploma or GED required B.S. or B.A. preferred
At least 6 months of experience in handson work with dogs; equivalent volunteer experience may be considered
Experience working or volunteering in an animal shelter preferred
Handson experience working with dogs in one or more of the following capacities
Animal Shelter
At least 6 months in a paid fulltime role
At least 1 year in a paid parttime role
At least 240 hours in an unpaid volunteer role
All other settings
At least 1 year in a paid fulltime role
At least 2 years in a paid parttime role
Sofia Yins Low Stress Handling University SilverLevel certification (approximately 18 hours) required within six months of hire
Qualifications
Valid drivers license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving
Ability and willingness to travel up to 20of the time
Able to work a flexible schedule including days evenings weekends and holidays
Fluent in the use of MS Word Excel PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally
Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice
Displays concern for the safety and wellbeing of self animals and others especially under stress
Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas
Builds strong work relationships based on trust respect and listening to understand
Freely and generously shares knowledge skills and expertise with others
Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts ideas and expertise of others
Proactively problemsolves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions
Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same
Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly
Work takes place in a variety of environments and weather conditions including indoor climatecontrolled spaces and outdoors where surfaces may be wet or uneven and extreme heat cold or precipitation is possible
Work may occur in noisy environments
Work involves exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications cleaning products urine feces blood and sharp objects
Ability to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing walking bending squatting and/or kneeling for extended periods of time
Ability to lift and carry animals 50 pounds unassisted 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment such as food bags bedding and cleaning supplies
Comfort and ability to handle and restrain animals safely and humanely particularly in stressful situations
Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment including but not limited to disposable coveralls respirators or face masks and booties
Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Requirements:
Actively participate in shelter behavior online classroom and handson experiential learning activities throughout theApprenticeship
Practice application of acquired skills and knowledge in a busy animal shelter setting with coaching and supervision by Apprenticeship staff
Perform basic handling of dogs and cats under the supervision of Apprenticeship staff
Demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills via periodic practical learner assessments throughout theApprenticeshipto assist Instructors in providing personalized coaching
Assist ASPCA facility staff as necessary providing care for animals participating in Apprenticeship activities (e.g. cleaning feeding providing enrichment/exercise)
Provide periodic practical feedback on the experience activities content and flow of theApprenticeshipto help inform program improvement and iteration
Travel for up to 3 weeks at a time for learning activities at ASPCA facilities (all associated costs covered by the ASPCA)
Shelter Behavior Associates must attend Fall 2025 cohort during the following dates (subject to change):
August 2529: Remote
September 218: Location TBD
September 22October 4: Weaverville NC
October 718: Location TBD
October 2223: Remote
October 2631: Location TBC
November 3: Remote
Following the Apprenticeship program Associates will begin regular work schedules at the R&R Center in Pawling NY
Compensation and Benefits:
Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors including but not limited to education training experience location business needs internal equity market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is fornew hireoffers only and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.
The target hiring range for the initial Behavior Associate role is $31.25 $32.69
The target range for promotion to Behavior Specialist is $34.62 $37.02
For more information on our benefits offeringsvisit our website.
Stay Connected Join Our Talent Community
If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests please join ourTalent Communityto stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.
Qualifications:
See above for qualifications details.Language:
EnglishEducation and Work Experience:
High School DiplomaOur EEO Policy:
The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color creed religion sex national origin ancestry gender gender identity or expression age marital or domestic partner status citizenship status sexual orientation disability genetic information military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local laws regulations or ordinances.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCAs standard application process which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCAs People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.
Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race color creed religion sex national origin ancestry gender gender identity or expression age marital or domestic partner status citizenship status sexual orientation disability genetic information military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local laws regulations or ordinances.
ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).
Required Experience:
IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
