MISSION AND VISION STATEMENT

Our mission is to provide animals with loving care and lasting homes, to partner with communities striving to do the same, and to advance our no-kill legacy. Our vision is for animals to live in welcoming communities where they and their human companions are treated with care and compassion.

SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Behavior Manager and the Behavior Specialist, the Assistant Behavior Specialist is responsible to ensure stress reduction for animals and make recommendations for animals showing signs of kennel stress. This position coordinates daily enrichments activities, maintains documentation to measure effectiveness, and monitors supplies and serves as a mentor and resource for staff, fosters, and volunteers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • Serves as the primary assistant for the Behavior Specialist and the Behavior Manager.
  • Assists in enrichment, training, exercise, socialization, and care programs for animals with the approval from the Behavior Specialist and the Behavior Manager.
  • Provides training and assistance for staff and volunteers on PIN approved animal enrichment, training, care, socialization (facilitating shelter play groups), and exercise programs.
  • Prepares consulting/counseling for adopters and fosters about behavior and care post-adoption.
  • Under the direction of the PIN Redwood City Shelter Operations Manager, coordinates and completes rescue runs, which will include evaluating animals based on PIN developed evaluation protocol.
  • Monitors, records and documents behavior observations, training progress, exercise and care of PIN animals.
  • Assists ins, workshops, webinars, and other areas that will require public speaking and communication.
  • Collaborates with the Behavior Specialists, Adoptions, Foster, PIN managers and others to determine appropriate adoption and foster matches for PIN animals.
  • Assists in development of flyers, handouts, and other materials.
  • Supports the coordination of animals coming into the shelter or going out to fosters, as required.
  • Assists in presenting to spring/summer camp participants, as required.
  • Assists in Adoptions and Kennel, as required.
  • Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • High School diploma and one year of experience at an animal shelter, companion animal behavior, care, an internship, or volunteer hours (2,000 hours), or a combination of education and experience.
  • Comfortable working with and experience with a multitude of species. This may include different breeds and sizes of dogs, cats, birds, small animals, and wildlife.
  • A deep understanding of animal communication and ability to interpret vocal, visual, tactile, and olfactory signals by animals in multiple species in both conspecifics and human interaction.
  • A commitment to positive and force free training and handling techniques.
  • Must have excellent time management and organizational skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking skills.
  • Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite and shelter management software.
  • Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
  • Maturity, good judgment, and professional personal appearance.
  • Excellent record keeping and observational skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Comfortable and skilled in working with a culturally diverse staff, volunteers, and community.
  • Motivated to participate and seek continuing education in animal training, care, and behavior.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • This position is considered moderately to highly physical and requires a lot of standing, bending, lifting, and walking.
  • Must be able to bend, twist, stoop, push and pull, ascend/descend stairs, reach and lift up to 80lbs.
  • Occasionally perform desk-based computer tasks and sitting.
  • Ability to see, hear, and speak.


WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Must be available to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
  • Works remotely, on-site, and outdoors in various settings and weather within the community.
  • Ability to travel between locations.
  • Working with potentially dangerous and fractious animals.


This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Pets In Need will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

This position has been filled.