MSPCA-Angell Northeast Animal Shelter - Behavior Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

This is a full time 40 hour/week position.

MSPCA is currently seeking an experienced animal behavior training professional with excellent teamwork skills to join our Northeast Animal Shelter. This is a unique opportunity to work on a team of behavior professionals, committed to using science based approach to changing animal behavior.

If you have experience in Animal Behavior/Training and would like to work for an organization that works to improve our community, this may be the career move you have been looking for.

THE POSITION:

Working under the direction of the Associate Director of Behavioral Services at the MSPCA, the Behavior Coordinator will advise adoption center staff on facilitating appropriate matches for animals with challenging behavior.

The Behavior Coordinator will be responsible for creating and implementing behavior modification plans for dogs in the adoption center, and instructing adoption center staff on the creation of appropriate adoption recommendations. This position will lead training for our animal adoption staff and volunteers in animal behavior.

The Behavior Coordinator will provide pre-adoption counseling and hands-on training for prospective adopters, alongside post-adoption support to families who are struggling at home. The Coordinator will also provide surrender-prevention support to members of the community to help keep pets with their loving families.

The Behavior Coordinator will provide advice and direction to staff on behavior related tasks in the adoption center, including but not limited to daily dog walking, low-stress handling for vaccines, administration of medication, and low-stress euthanasia

QUALIFIED APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal candidate will be an organized, creative problem solver who has fantastic people skills.

EDUCATION

• High School Diploma required
• CCPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC or other accredited professional dog training certification preferred, or 2 years equivalent experience training dogs under the supervision of a certified dog trainer and in accordance with the MSPCA training philosophy required.
• Fear Free Certification within 6 months or hire or promotion date.

EXPERIENCE

• One year working or volunteering directly with animals, ideally of different species, sizes, and temperaments, under the supervision of a behavior professional.
• One year working in animal welfare or related field.
• One year training/behavior modification experience in accordance with the MSPCA’s philosophies.

As this position requires excellent attention to details, as well as verbal and written communication skills, we require applicants to include a cover letter with your application which showcases your writing skills.

WHO WE ARE:

The MSPCA is one of the oldest and most venerable humane organizations in the world and the largest animal welfare organization in New England- caring for and placing over 11,000 animals annually across our four adoption centers. At our Northeast Animal Shelter location we care for over 4,000 animals each year with a 98% live release rate. Take a virtual tour of our adoption center! A large part of the work of Northeast involves animal relocation - we transport thousands of cats and dogs from overpopulated animal shelters across the country to Massachusetts, where each animal receives medical care, enrichment, and behavior training prior to adoption. Our animal relocation network, combined with the MSPCA-Angell’s veterinary and adoption center resources, works to protect the largest number of animals possible.

OUR BENEFITS:

Our values-based, dynamic culture is one of the most unique cultures you will find in the nonprofit industry, offering high engagement roles with flexibility and growth opportunities. We provide opportunity for continuing education both in animal welfare and in behavior sciences.

We have created a work environment with a balance of independent work, collaboration with behavior team and management team, and working alongside animal care staff and volunteers to ensure a high level of consistency in animal handling and training skills, ultimately resulting in consistent interactions for the animals that allow them to be the most successful.

Our compensation package includes BCBS health insurance, dental and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, sick and vacation time, employee discounts for pet health care, pet food and free on-site parking!

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

We believe that a diverse workforce is integral to our organizational culture, and that employing a workforce with varied and unique perspectives that emerge from racial, gender, sexuality, religious, linguistic, neurological, physical and other differences fuels our ability to fulfill our organizational mission, surpassing our goals and visions. The MSPCA-Angell needs a diverse, well-supported workforce of staff and volunteers to best understand and serve our patients, clients, and communities. We are committed to attracting and retaining a highly talented diverse workforce for our future and appreciate your interest in pursuing a career at the MSPCA-Angell.

If you are experienced in animal behavior and would like to work for an organization where your work is an important part of a respected and caring non-profit, apply today.