Animal Behavior Manager

The QTI Group is partnering with Dane County Humane Society (DCHS)to hire an Animal Behavior Manager. In this newly created role, the Animal Behavior Manager will manage the Behavior Department and oversee the behavioral care of animals in residence at DCHS. Ensure the proper assessment of shelter dogs and cats and oversee recommendations for placement, foster, rescue or euthanasia as appropriate. Design in-house behavior modification plans for individuals in need of behavioral adjustment during their stay. Ensure that the shelter populations are provided with daily stress reduction, enrichment, training and behavior modification as needed and collaborate with other departments to ensure proper flow of the animals.Supervision of DCHS Animal Behavior Team Build alignment, engagement and commitment within the Behavior team to new strategies, processes, and goals Foster a high-performance culture through effective coaching, clear expectations, accountability, and development of team membersMonitor and ensure success of Behavior team in identification, treatment, planning and prevention of behavior issues for shelter dogsEnsure that all behavior protocols, policies and procedures are properly implementedPromote teamwork, communication, and cooperation between all departmentsAnimal Behavior Assessment Review behavior profiles for incoming animalsCollaborate cross-departmentally on pathway planning for new intakesOversee evaluation processes for shelter dogs and collaborate with team on recommendations for placement, foster, rescue or euthanasia as appropriate for shelter dogsIdentify animals in need of additional behavioral supportAnimal Behavior Management and Interventions Attend daily population rounds for dogs and catsCreate and implement standardized SOPs for managing common behavior concerns in dogsCreate individualized plans to meet the needs of individual dogs and catsCreate systems for tracking individual dog and cat progress and establish benchmarks for successEnsure that partnerships with rescue groups are created and maintained Provide enrichment opportunities for shelter animals within the shelter environmentMonitor behavior information shared by staff and volunteers on interaction sheets and via behavior boards in shelter database.Training and Consultations Oversee dog training classes for the public and supervise the training class staffDevelop and provide volunteer and staff training opportunities to A) provide enrichment and improve the adoptability of DCHS animals, and B) ensure safe handling in the shelter environmentCreate and implement positive reinforcement training protocols Direct and support to volunteers and staff on the basics of positive reinforcement training protocolsOversee training and behavior support to foster parentsProvide surrender, adoption, foster and post-adoption counseling as needed in coordination with other departmentsQualifications/Requirements:B.A. or B.S. required, with specialized education in an animal behavior field; M.Sc. or M.A. preferred.Certification in animal behavior/training from a nationally recognized certifying body (ex: ABS, IAABC, CCPDT) is required.5+ years’ experience working with animals in captivity such as in animal shelters or zoos.2+ years’ management experience, preferably in an animal-related industry; experience managing a behavior team in a shelter strongly preferredExpertise in dog behavior is particularly required.Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, influence and motivate teams through changeDemonstrated success leading teams with a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performanceExcellent written and verbal communication skillsSincere desire to make a positive difference in the lives of animals by using only positive, science-based training and behavior modification methodsMust possess or acquire a thorough understanding and dedication to the philosophies of animal welfare and DCHS