Animal Training & Behavior Specialist

The Animal Training/Behavior Specialist is responsible for providing training and behavioral support to animals while they are at Pasado’s Safe Haven’s (PSH) and supporting adopters via pre- and post-adoption counseling. The Animal Training/Behavior Specialist works closely with the Sanctuary and Medical Operations staff to ensure that all animals are set up for success and provides hands-on training to caregivers and volunteers. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct timely initial behavior assessments for all companion animals and create appropriate individualized behavior plans for animals with behavior challenges.
• Monitor animal behavior throughout stay at PSH and adjust behavior plans and training schedules as needed to help facilitate their placement into a forever home.
• Train-to-adopt: provide direct dog and cat training to help animals get adopted and make their care easier. Training will be based on specific animals’ training and behavioral needs. For dogs, there will be an emphasis on providing basic skills training and socialization (for example, training and behavior work with dogs who are reactive to other dogs or who are fearful of new people). Introducing animals to stimuli and environments to assist with a smooth transition into their adoptive situation.
• Provide training, resources, and support to care staff and volunteers for farmed animal enrichment.
• Work with the Sanctuary care team and Medical Operations staff to create and implement training for farmed animals that will increase safety for the animals and assist the veterinary and care staff in exams and procedures. This includes but is not limited to the following training: familiarize and work with halters on large farmed animals, train the cows and large farmed animals to go through the chute comfortably, and train the goats to go into the stand for hoof care comfortably.
• Work with Sanctuary staff to establish emergency procedures and staff training for animal encounters when an animal poses a danger to other animals or humans.
• Provide general training in behavior modification, basic skills training and safe handling to staff and volunteers by way of regular in-person classes, webinars and training materials.
• Be available to provide general and case-specific hands-on training to caregivers and volunteers to help with animal care and behavioral issues.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive behavior and training records for every animal coming into and leaving the sanctuary.
• Effectively communicate with animal caregivers to coordinate appropriate behavior care.
• Effectively communicate with the Clinical Care Manager and Veterinary Medical Director to coordinate appropriate behavior medication needs.
• Support the Sanctuary goal of reaching Fear Free organizational status.
• Support the Investigations & Rescue team with cases of animal cruelty by documenting behavior and conducting needed assessments and court notes. This includes the potential to testify in court if the need should arise.
• Support adoptions processes by being present at Meet & Greets whenever possible to provide behavior information and support to new adopters.
• Assist with on-site events to promote animal adoptions, including training and behavior support to prepare animals for on-site events.
• Assist with off-site adoption events as needed.
• Provide pre-and-post adoption counseling to adopters with training and behavior resources.
• Assist with or consult on behavior needs of new adopters and fosters, once animals are in the home, via phone or computer.
• Support all PSH programs by providing any needed behavior information for media, fundraising, etc.
• Maintain good working relationships with established partners and provide behavior information as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Employee Benefits:

• Medical and vision (100% employer paid premium) and dental (50% employer paid premium)
• 401(k) + Company match up to 2% - Fully vested on day 1
• Paid Time-off (PTO) (14 days year one and increased annually according to schedule, up to 22 days in year 5)
• Paid Holidays (9 Holidays per year)
• Supplemental Insurance Benefits available
• At cost veterinary care, medications and pet food
• Pawternity leave and animal family member bereavement
• Opportunities for Advancement

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years dog training experience
• Experience with and commitment to training using rewards-based, positive reinforcement and cooperative care techniques.
• Experience evaluating dog and/or cat behavior.
• Experience creating companion animal behavior protocols and behavior modification plans.
• Experience working in a shelter or sanctuary environment.
• Preference given to Fear Free certified, PPG, and IAABC credentialed members.
• Preference given to those with multispecies (cats, pigs, chickens etc.) training experience.
• Desired qualifications, one or more: UW-AAB, CTC, KPA-CTP, PCBCA, CBCC-KA

Employment:

• Full-time hourly (40 hours per week)
• Onsite at our Sanctuary in Monroe, WA
• Salary range: $24-$40, Starting range: $24-$28

Pasado’s Safe Haven provides equal employment opportunity. At Pasado’s Safe Haven, we believe compassionate action is fundamental to dismantling systems of oppression for all living beings. We courageously live this belief every day through our work to end animal cruelty and our commitment to respect and kindness. We can only be successful by embracing the diversity and power of each individual's lived experience as we all work together toward an expanded circle of compassion.