Shelter Behavior Specialist

The Shelter Behavior Specialist is responsible for providing behavioral support and implementing behavior modification programs. This position’s key responsibilities include completing behavior exams, placing animals as appropriate in behavior modification programs, and recommending placements and outcomes. 

Pay:  Ranges from $23.00-$25.00 hourly

Requirements

Behavior Modification: 

• Complete behavior examinations for animals that need behavior support to identify behaviors for intervention. 

• Place animals as appropriate in behavior modification programs and provide recommended placements and outcomes. 

• Implement behavior modification programs for the selected behavioral concerns to enrich the animal’s environment, prevent problem behaviors, and improve their adoptability. 

• Respond to questions and concerns about shelter animal behavior, placement and outcomes.

• Escalate complex cases and questions to higher level support.

• Maintain detailed records of animal behavior and progress. 

• Work closely with veterinarians to address behavioral issues that may have a medical basis, ensuring a comprehensive approach to animal welfare. 

• Ensure the safety and welfare of animals, adhering to ethical standards and promoting humane treatment at all times.

Support: 

• Assist in program evaluation, including data collection, entry, and analysis as needed.
• Assist with research initiatives to improve the understanding of animal behavior. 
• Assist with on-going training for volunteers as well as other shelter staff. 
• Serve as a member of the Critical Response Team; deploy on Humane Investigations cases as needed state-wide. 

Communication and Culture: 

• Communicate in a positive and professional manner with customers, other employees, and volunteers. 
• Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to make AHS a welcoming environment for all. 

Technology: 

• Accurately update animal records in PetPoint. 
• Monitor department inbox and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
• Clock in and out of shifts using ADP. 
• Monitor AHS email and other messaging software. 

Other duties as assigned.

Schedule and Attendance: 

• Regular, predictable attendance, punctuality, and availability to work during operational hours. 

• Attend and participate in regular team meetings, all staff meetings, and one-on-one meetings with direct leader. 

• Must be able to travel to a different work site based on department needs. 

• Must be able to travel to Humane Investigation sites state-wide as needed. 

• May be required to attend occasional off-site meetings and events. 

Work Environment: 

• Environment can be dirty, wet, warm, and humid. 

• Exposure to zoonotic diseases and pests such as fleas and ticks. 

• Possibility of being bitten or scratched. 

• Exposure to unpleasant odors, chemicals, and noises, including barking. 

• May be exposed to extreme weather conditions including but not limited to cold, heat, rain, and snow when outside. 

Qualifications: 

Experience: 

• 2+ years of experience in behavior modification required.

• Experience with low-stress and advanced animal handling techniques, including LIMA, Fear-Free, capture and restraint preferred.

Skills: 

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills 

• Ability to accurately assess and document animal behavior across different species. 

• Proficient with computers, specifically a working knowledge of Microsoft products. 

Physical Demands: 

• Must be able to lift, carry, and handle animals and other items up to 50 lbs. unassisted. For animals and other items over 50 lbs., assistance from another team member is required.

• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing and walking. 

Emotional Demands: 

• Must be comfortable with the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of humane euthanasia. 

• Must be able to work effectively in situations where animals are gravely ill or injured, neglected, abused, aggressive, or in distress. 

Transportation: 

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Benefits

About AHS

Every year, Animal Humane Society provides direct care and services to help thousands of animals in need across Minnesota. 

As one of the nation's leading animal welfare organizations, AHS is transforming the way shelters care for animals and engage their communities. From innovative medical and behavior programs to investments in outreach and advocacy, we’re advancing animal welfare and creating a more humane world for animals everywhere. 

Why Work Here

• Make a difference in the lives of animals and people.
• Join a team of coworkers who love animals as much as you do.
• Work-life balance.
• Unique animal adoption benefits and discounts on veterinary care and pet supplies.
• Health insurance coverage for full time staff includes the following: medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account for health care expenses and dependent care, voluntary accident insurance; critical illness insurance; hospital indemnity insurance; employee- paid supplemental life; employee-paid accidental death & dismemberment; and long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid benefits for full time staff includes the following: basic life insurance, basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance. 
• Support for student loans: we are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
• Mental Health and Counseling Support: all employees have access to our Employee Assistance Program with 3 free counseling sessions per year.
• 401k with company match for both part-time and full-time staff.
• Nine paid holidays for full-time staff.
• Paid floating holidays for part-time and full-time staff (up to 4 days per year based on start date).
• Paid Time Off for part time and full-time staff (amount is based on hours worked and FTE status).
• Paid parental leave for full-time staff

Our Organizational Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 

As an organization dedicated to making the world a more humane and compassionate place for animals, we know that people are at the heart of all that we do. Animal Humane Society’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is essential to our mission and shapes our culture, our work, and the services we provide. 

At AHS we embrace and honor the inherent dignity and diverse experiences of our team members, volunteers, board members, partners, clients, and visitors, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, or income. Working together to instill equity and inclusivity within our organization will allow us to better serve the people and animals of Minnesota and ultimately have a positive impact on animals in our care.