Behavior Specialist 1

FLSA: Non-Exempt (hourly) REVISED: 10/13/2026 REPORTS TO: Behavior Manager REVIEWED : 10/13//2026 SUPERVISES: None Position Summary: This position assists in developing, coordinating, and implementing training and enrichment plans for shelter animals; participates in daily training and enrichment activities; and observes, collects, records, and communicates animal behavior and information to increase adaptability to the shelter environment, provide mental well-being, and support appropriate positive placements for the animals in our care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Assists in enhancing and maintaining a culture of health and overall wellness for the animals in our care across the organization. Contributes to the development, coordination, and implementation of training and enrichment plans and programs for shelter animals, as needed. Participates in daily training and enrichment activities, including canine playgroups, as well as appropriate training and/or enrichment for all species of animals in our care.

Maintains a high volume of animal participation in training and enrichment activities every day. Provides guidance and support on the proper care, housing, handling, and enrichment of shelter animals to internal departments, as developed by the management team, when directed. Assists other departments in handling animals who are showing signs of stress or aggression in the shelter environment.

Supports the Organization to actively and continuously train, schedule, engage, supervise, and retain volunteers to ensure proper volunteer integration into the Behavior Team and provide the support/resources volunteers need to feel prepared and empowered in their roles. Objectively observes animal behavior in a timely manner to best support their physical and mental health in the shelter and assist in successful and appropriate animal placements.

Records and maintains detailed information for every animal in the animal database. Participates in reviewing animal observations, information, and history and contributes to discussions and decisions about appropriate animal placement, including adoptions, transfer, and potentially euthanasia, if necessary. Evaluates animals on the Behavior Alert report.

Prescribes behavior medications to animals displaying signs of FAS under the guidance of our Veterinary team. Performs administrative/clerical duties in a timely fashion as needed, including but not limited to: completing required documentation; provides information and assistance to internal departments and external guests, including communicating in person, by telephone, and through email; etc.

as required. Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Organization’s service to its guests by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team. Provides responsive, meaningful, and compassionate service to all guests Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

High School diploma/GED Two (2) years of full-time equivalent animal welfare or shelter enrichment experience Equivalent combination of formal education and appropriate related experience may be considered. License & Certification Requirements: The incumbent may be required to hold a valid driver’s license for a minimum of three (3) years and maintain an acceptable driving history.

Required Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of: General knowledge of companion animal care, welfare, behavior, breeds, and species. Humane euthanasia and its principles and practices. Principles and practices of guest service. Standard office administrative practices and procedures, including record-keeping systems and the operation of office equipment, computers, and associated software.

Effective soft skills or interpersonal skills for dealing with Team Members, volunteers, and the public, in person, in writing, and over the telephone. Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Skill in: Demonstrating concern for the welfare of people and animals and treating all of them with respect.

Interpersonal sensitivity and cultural competency/awareness for working with diverse populations while providing non-judgmental and compassionate guest services. Dealing tactfully and effectively with Team Members, volunteers, and the general public. Use of business software and associated computer hardware. Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.

Working without close supervision in standard work situations. Adhering to all established guidelines, protocols, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s). Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives, and activities. Gathering, compiling, and maintaining accurate information and records; preparing accurate reports and summaries.

Preparing clear and concise correspondence, instructions, and other written materials. Working Conditions and Physical Effort: Physical ability and mobility to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. Strength to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds frequently, 75 pounds occasionally.

Vision to read printed materials. Stamina to sit and work with a computer for an extended period of time. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation. Team members are continuously exposed to animals, animal waste, pet dander, peanut butter, cleaning chemicals, high noise and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites and occasional work outdoors for extended periods of time while exposed to cold and extremely hot temperatures.

All Team Members work in a culture of continuous improvement and are expected to support our mission. Team Members must be able to clearly articulate our goals, actively participate in outstanding customer service, and accept responsibility for maintaining our culture of philanthropy. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected of this position.

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive listing or description of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of incumbents in the job.