Behavior Technician Ii

Description

Purpose of Position: Conducts behavior modification sessions for shelter canines and felines. Provides quality adoption counseling to clients as well as conducts staff and volunteer training. Supports staff and volunteers in efforts to understand complex animal behaviors in order to provide appropriate counseling to clients. Maintains organized and concise documentation pertaining to the job and provides administrative support for the department.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of all Behavior Technicians:

• Answer patron, staff and volunteer inquiries and questions regarding animal behavior and provide information resources to address concerns
• Provide individualized hands-on behavioral training for shelter patrons
• Conduct animal behavior assessments and perform hands-on delivery of animal behavior programs
• Record assessment and program related information and perform data entry to update animal records
• Participate in the implementation of behavior programs, including documentation and program evaluation
• Support positive reinforcement as the primary training method employed by the Dumb Friends League
• Contribute to initiatives to improve processes and procedures
• Determine animal outcomes based on their behavior and other relevant information
• Perform euthanasia and related tasks
• Schedule and direct department volunteers

Responsibilities specific to Behavior Technician II:

• Actively suggest and lead initiatives to improve practices
• Deliver staff and volunteer trainings pertaining to animal behavior
• Develop educational materials pertaining to animal behavior for internal and external use
• Develop, mentor, and train new Behavior Technicians
• Approve behavior releases in support of behavior leadership
• Apply critical thinking to address problems and make decisions when leadership is unavailable and/or in the absence of an SOP
• Safely handle and teach others to handle behaviorally challenging animals
• Effectively de-escalate patron conflict

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and League business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions. Additional definitions for competencies may be obtained from Human Resources

Organizational Key Competencies

• Integrity and Ethics
• Adapting to Change and Ambiguity
• Customer and Community Focus
• Emotional Intelligence
• Excellence

Position Key Competencies

• Analytical thinking
• Conflict management
• Innovation

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility

• Volunteers

Travel

• This position may require travel to different work sites 

Work Conditions and Physical Requirements

Handle and restrain animals of various sizes, weights, and temperaments. Subject to animal bites or scratches. Work performed in high noise level areas. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Physical efforts require constant bending, stooping, standing, climbing stairs, and walking. Frequent lifting of animals and objects with reasonable accommodation.

Full Time Benefits - Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits.

• Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)
• Flexible spending accounts
• League-paid Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Holiday Pay
• 401(k)
• And more!

Compensation: Starting at $20.80 - $22.35 per hour (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)

Requirements

Position Qualifications 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• General knowledge of animal behavior
• Excellent organizational skills with high level of attention to detail
• Proficient verbal and written communication and customer service skills
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to initiate and accomplish multiple tasks and maintain flexibility in a dynamic work environment
• Committed to maintaining the integrity of DFL's adoption program and the mission of the Dumb Friends League

Required

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Work Experience: Current or previous employment as a Behavior Tech I at DFL and experience working with animals in a professional environment

Desired

• Bachelor's degree in animal science or related field
• Experience working in a zoological facility or shelter
• History of creating animal behavior protocols
• Experience working professionally with cats and knowledge of cat behavior
• Certification in dog training and behavior counseling or active enrollment in a certification program
• Professional and educational expertise in animal learning theory, scientific behavior modification strategies, and positive based, force-free animal training including strong clicker skills