Canine Behavior Specialist

Canine Behavior Specialist

Job Description

Class: Full Time, Non - Exempt

Location: Merriam

Reports to: Animal Behavior Manager


Salary: $18-$21 hourly

Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area that serves 7,000 animals and 500,000 residents annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.

• Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically?
• Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?
• Are you as consistent as a dog's enthusiasm for every walk, every day?
• Want to make a daily difference for community pets?

Position Summary: This position functions independently within the Behavior Team while collaborating closely with the greater GPSPCA team to advance the organization's mission. The role is responsible for supporting the mental and physical well-being of dogs and all animals at GPSPCA, with a primary focus on behaviorally challenging and at-risk animals. Key responsibilities include advocating for animals, providing enrichment and training, implementing and enforcing safe-handling practices, maintaining clear and effective signage, facilitating organization-wide communication, and delivering staff training. This role requires the ability to safely, confidently, and effectively work with GPSPCA's most at-risk animal population.

Key Responsibilities and Competencies:

• Conduct behavior assessments for dogs upon intake and through their shelter stay.
• Create and implement individualized behavior modification plans to reduce stress and improve overall welfare for shelter pets, collaborating with staff and volunteers to ensure consistent follow-through.
• Perform dog-to-dog (D2D) introductions and communicate results and recommendations to relevant departments.
• Assist in coordinating and running canine playgroups, ensuring sessions are safe, structured, and supportive of animal well-being.
• Conduct behavior consultations for adopters and foster families to ensure successful matches.
• Assist with onsite and offsite behavior consultations, as well as staff, volunteer, and public training classes.
• Assess bite risk and participate in safety planning for animals and people.
• Assist with humane euthanasia decisions and procedures for animals with significant behavioral challenges, in accordance with organizational policies and ethical standards.
• Manage the Behavior Team inbox, ensuring timely, professional, and clear communication with internal and external inquiries.
• Support the Behavior Manager with data tracking, communication, and project follow-through as assigned
• Participate in end-of-day pet help and support daily shelter operations as needed.
• Other duties as needed

Key Skills

• Key Competencies - Integrity, Problem Solving, Action Oriented, Detail Oriented
• Demonstrated organizational and multitasking abilities, with capacity to manage and prioritize duties across multiple departments.
• Ability to safely handle dogs and cats and other pets of all sizes, ages, temperaments and needs safely and appropriately
• Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent customer service and professionalism
• Compassion and empathy for animal and human clients
• Ability to remain calm and empathic in stressful situations

Education/Experience:

• High School diploma or GED preferred
• 2-3 years of experience in animal welfare
• Prior experience of handling animals of various temperaments

Work Conditions

• Standard Schedule: Sunday - Thursday 9:00am-6:00pm or 10:00am-7:00pm
• Flexible and available to work non-traditional hours when required to meet operational demands and ability to cover holiday rotation coverage
• Possess a Valid driver's license
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. to waist height and handle/ walk animals up to 100 lbs. safely.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Comfortable working in environments with noise, odor, and potential exposure to zoonotic disease.
• Carries out duties and job assignments as delegated by appropriate supervisor, manager, or director.

At Will Employment

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause.


Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.


Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.

GPSPCA is an engaging, mission-driven workplace where our team and the animals we serve come first. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous PTO, Days of Significance, and 9 paid holidays
• 100% employer-covered mental health support
• Disability and life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Discounts on veterinary care, retail store items, and GPSPCA event tickets