Career Opportunities

Animal Behavior & Training Specialist

PRIMARY FUNCTION: To facilitate life-long placements and lower relinquishments of pets through education and training of volunteers, staff and the general public. To enhance the life of our shelter animals through training, behavior modification and various activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop and maintain programs to increase the adoptability of shelter animals.
  • Assist with temperament assessments of shelter dogs for adoption suitability and proper placements as well as implementing Standards Testing in our shelters.
  • Maintain on-going behavior treatment programs for dogs & cats in our shelter. Work with the Director of Training & Behavior on meeting the behavioral needs of the animals in our shelters. Assist shelter personnel and volunteers in regards to behavioral sheltering and training for the animals in our care.
  • Set up and perform temperament and obedience testing of animals to be used in the AAT program.
  • Provide on-site counseling for potential adopters to help make successful placements in our shelters and Pet Adoption Centers.
  • Teach training classes for the general public and adopters. Our classes include: Puppy 101, Basic Obedience and good manners classes and agility.
  • Attend outreach events and special events which include distribution of printed educational materials made available to the public. Present career fair booths and presentations for youth.
  • Continued upgrading of skills and education by attending seminars, workshops & professional conferences.
  • Perform office work including: filing, organizing, maintaining supplies, copying, etc.
  • Maintain a high level of communication and work collaboratively with all personnel in a manner that is consistent with agency policy.
  • Perform other duties, as necessary to improve the functioning of Companion Animal Services, the Training Department and the Society as a whole.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to:

  • Work well and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with the public, fellow employees and volunteers.
  • Work well with all types of domestic animals including but not limited to Dogs and Cats.
  • Prepare reports and maintain an efficient records system.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
  • Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
  • Operate a two-way radio in a professional manner.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with all personnel in a manner that is consistent with agency policy.
  • Show maturity and good judgment, perform the job in a professional manner and work efficiently under pressure.
  • Originate and execute projects with little supervision.
  • Manage multiple priorities.
  • Keep statistical data on the frequency of behavior issues for future planning and predictability of frequency.

Knowledge of:

  • Teaching, training, & Behavior Modification techniques.
  • Basic domestic animal care.
  • Computer applications (Word, Excel, Email,).
  • Usage of office equipment (typewriter, copier, fax machine, telephone, etc.)
  • Knowledge of the human/animal bond and relationships.
  • Digital Video Recording equipment

Other Essential Qualifications:

  • License Required - Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver’s License will be required prior to employment. License must be maintained in the course of employment. Applicant must be insurable to drive company vehicles.
  • Physical Demands - While performing this job the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers; handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk loudly and clearly; and hear. Requires the mobility to stand, walk, sit, kneel, crouch and crawl. Perform work which includes walking large dogs, lifting, carrying and/or pushing of 25 lb. or more.
  • Working Conditions - Dealing with an office environment in which the noise level is generally moderate, but on occasion will be high. This position requires the ability to deal with a variety of animals and people including dealing with dangerous or hostile animals, youth and/or general public, operation of a vehicle under all types of weather and road conditions. In the shelters there is often a very high noise level and possible exposure to parasites and infectious diseases. Must be willing work a flexible schedule as well as the ability to work some overtime. Must also be willing to travel occasionally.

EXPERIENCE & TRAINING

  • High school degree or equivalent mandatory. Attendance at a variety of animal training and behavior classes, workshops & seminars. Understanding of learning theory helpful.
  • Practical experience in training and handling both dogs and cats.
  • Ability to instruct groups diverse in age, culture, and socioeconomic status, in varied settings.
  • Have strong oral and written communication skills including the ability to author/edit various written materials and to speak in public. Understanding of the Spanish Language beneficial.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and the ability to work well with people of all ages and backgrounds.
  • Be highly self-motivated and well organized.
  • Able to function independently.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Salary Range:
$14.00/hr. This is a full time non-exempt position w/ benefits.

Employment Location:
P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village & Education Center
7700 E. Spring Street
Long Beach, CA 90815

Please email resume with cover letter to Jobs@spcaLA.com or fax to 323-730-5335.