PHS-SPCA Animal Behavior Assistant

Title: Animal Behavior Assistant

FLSA Status: Part-Time (20 hrs./wk.), Non-exempt, Non-Union

Salary: $21.22- $23 per hour (DOE)

Excellent Benefits Package Available

Who we are: Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is a local, private, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to animal welfare. It is our mission is to build healthy relationships between people and animals. PHS/SPCA, an open-door shelter which accepts all animals, has placed 100% of healthy (physically and behaviorally) dogs and cats into new homes. Our work means 6,300 lives saved each year. Our Behavior Department always uses positive-only reinforcement. To learn more about us, visit www.phs-spca.org.

Who you are: You believe in the humane treatment of all animals and ready to make an impact in lives of the sheltered cats and dogs by determining their potential for adoption. You enjoy interacting with the public and educating them about animal care and behavior.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following (other duties may be assigned):

o Update the TLC boards as assigned

o Perform behavior modification for selected shelter dogs & cats on a daily basis

o Assist in training department volunteers

o Work in conjunction with Department managers to determine the disposition of animals for euthanasia or adoption due to behavior reasons.

o Maintain a positive, educational approach with a willingness to listen when dealing with the public, the staff and volunteers

o Counsel and work with the public on issues related to responsible animal care, i.e. spaying/neutering, vaccinations, vet care, identification, animal behavior, adoptions, etc.

o Lead the Enrichment program as assigned

o Field Animal Behavior Helpline calls, always maintaining a customer-friendly approach

o Adhere to the department’s philosophy to only use positive reinforcement methods for training

o Conduct one-on-one behavior consultations for recent adopters

o Effectively manage emotionally charged situations with customers, volunteers and staff

o Work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced and often emotionally challenging environment.

o Help prepare program reports as needed

o Actively collaborate with other departments

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise volunteers in behavior programs.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Upon hire, must pass a background check.

Must be highly motivated toward the welfare and humane treatment of all animals.

Must have customer service and previous animal handling experience.

Must be able to work afternoons, Tuesday – Saturday.

Ability to work well with and communicate effectively both orally and in writing with the public, staff and volunteers.

Must be highly motivated toward the welfare and humane treatment of all animals.

One to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Animal behavior experience would be a plus.

Knowledge of Chameleon Database software; Internet, MS Outlook Internet software; some report writing Spreadsheet software and MS Word, Word Processing software.

Excellent Benefits Package Available

Medical /Dental /Vision/Life/ Flex Spending

Sick, Vacation and Holiday pay

Employee Assistance Plan

Retirement plan & employer matching

Available to all employees with pets:

Free vaccines, spay/neuter, microchipping, and two pet adoptions

Discounted euthanasia services/cremation, bloodwork, urinalysis, prescription food, and discounts at our retail stores.

For more information about our available job opportunities and how to apply, please visit our website at www.phs-spca.org/careers

The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO