Shelter Behavior Associate

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Summary:

The ASPCA’s Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in Weaverville, NC, is the first and only facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and study of extremely fearful, undersocialized dogs, such as those confiscated from puppy mills and hoarding situations. The goal of the entire BRC team is to work together to improve these dogs’ quality of life and prepare them for adoptive homes—an impossible outcome without intensive, structured behavioral interventions and the use of an integrated care model that prioritizes physical and psychological well-being. 

 

The Shelter Behavior Associate role at the BRC offers a unique opportunity to jump-start or accelerate your career as a shelter behavior expert. The role starts off with an intensive, 10-week paid training program called the Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship. The only program of its kind, the Apprenticeship provides a deep dive into the science of animal behavior, coached hands-on learning, and critical knowledge about how to apply behavior expertise in a shelter environment. Following completion of the Apprenticeship, graduates join their team as Shelter Behavior Associates and continue to develop their skills, guided by their managers. Associates then transition into the Behavior Specialist role, typically within a year of employment.  

 

Behavior Rehabilitation Specialists play a critical role on the BRC team, supporting several primary responsibilities, including behavior monitoring, modification, evaluation and data collection, as well as coaching for a variety of visitors and animal welfare professionals. One of the most critical functions of the Behavior Rehabilitation Specialists is to serve as part of a harmonious, united team of shelter operations, shelter medicine and animal behavior experts, all dedicated to collaborating with each other to provide balanced, integrative, holistic care to ensure all work supports the dogs in treatment. 

 

Ideal candidates for the Associate role have a keen interest in the science of animal behavior, a passion for animal welfare, exceptional people skills, some coaching/teaching skills, and, after Apprenticeship training, solid shelter behavior skills and knowledge. Success will hinge on the ability to collaborate well with behavior, operations and veterinary teammates at the BRC, fellow animal behavior experts in other ASPCA departments and visiting professionals from other organizations.  

 

The BRC is part of the Rehabilitation Services Group, which also includes the Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) in Columbus, OH, and the Recovery and Rehabilitation Center (R&R) in Pawling, NY. All three facilities provide opportunities for animals to heal after rescue. As they engage in hands-on care, teams prioritize the elevation of our work through ongoing learning, advancing the animal welfare field through research, developing effective, efficient interventions, establishing new best practices and sharing innovations with other organizations nationwide through the ASPCA’s Learning Lab, ASPCApro, publications, and professional and academic conferences.  

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following: 

 

Behavior Modification, Behavior Assessment, Animal Handling & Data Collection (85%)  

  • Conduct daily treatment sessions: perform behavior modification protocols and collect data after each session using the BRC behavior database 

  • Conduct behavior evaluations and collect data to track dogs’ progress through the program 

  • Assist in reviewing surveys for graduated and adopted dogs to evaluate successes or opportunities of the program 

  • Monitor behavioral health and communicate observations and concerns to the appropriate BRC staff member(s); make recommendations to support outcome decisions 

  • Serve as “team captain,” first with supervision, planning treatment sessions for the day and ensuring efficient workflow, as assigned by Managers of Behavior Rehabilitation 

  • Assist with the handling and movement of fearful/aggressive dogs during cleaning, intake, exercise, grooming, exams and humane euthanasia as appropriate/assigned 

  • Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, by using low-stress handling techniques 

 

Coaching, Consultation & Behavior Support (10%) 

  • Participate in continuing education to develop coaching and consultation skills to be able to: 

  • Provide hands-on coaching for BRC Care and Enrichment Technicians, visitors, interns, associates, and professionals from other organizations 

  • Provide follow-up support for placement partner organizations and adopters, both in-person and virtual 

  • Facilitate graduate introductions to placement partners, foster parents and potential adopters 

  • Facilitate Learning Lab collaborative teaching modules 

  • Give talks for professional and public audiences 

  • Monitor the activities of volunteers interacting with BRC dogs during individual treatment sessions and provide basic guidance/coaching as appropriate/assigned 

  • As assigned, serve in a shadowing role during Learning Lab collaborative teaching modules to prepare for future participation as a subject matter expert 

  • Produce draft behavior-related paperwork for graduates for placement partners and adopters as assigned 

 

Deployment & Travel (5%) 

  • When assigned, deploy to support Behavioral Sciences Team (BST) field work (handling for animal removal, handling for intake and performing forensic behavior evaluations) and in a behavior role to Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) and/or temporary shelters  

  • Transport animals to and from the BRC when necessary 

 

Behavior Rehabilitation Specialist Responsibilities: 

 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

 

Behavior Modification, Behavior Assessment, Animal Handling & Data Collection (65%)  

  • Conduct daily treatment sessions: perform behavior modification protocols and collect data after each session using the BRC behavior database 

  • Conduct behavior evaluations and collect data to track dogs’ progress through the program 

  • Assist in reviewing surveys for graduated and adopted dogs to evaluate successes or opportunities of the program 

  • Monitor behavioral health and communicate observations and concerns to the appropriate BRC staff member(s); make recommendations to support outcome decisions 

  • Serve as “team captain,” planning treatment sessions for the day and ensuring efficient workflow, as assigned by Managers of Behavior Rehabilitation, 

  • Assist with the handling and movement of fearful/aggressive dogs during cleaning, intake, exercise, grooming, exams and humane euthanasia 

  • Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, by using low-stress handling techniques. 

 

Coaching, Consultation & Behavior Support (25%) 

  • Monitor the activities of volunteers interacting with BRC dogs during individual treatment sessions and provide guidance/coaching 

  • Under the direction of the Managers of Behavior Rehabilitation and the Sr. Director, Behavior Rehabilitation, provide hands-on coaching for BRC Care & Enrichment Technicians, visitors and interns 

  • Participate in Learning Lab collaborative teaching modules to share BRC protocols, providing coaching for professionals from partner organizations 

  • Facilitate Learning Lab collaborative teaching modules as needed 

  • Produce behavior-related paperwork for graduates for placement partners and adopters 

  • Provide follow-up support for placement partner organizations and adopters, including virtual and in-person consultations as necessary. Facilitate on-site graduate introductions to receiving placement partners, foster parents and potential adopters 

  • As appropriate, give talks for public and professional audiences 

  • Give media interviews via email, via phone and on camera as needed 

 

Deployment & Travel (10%) 

  • Deploy to support Behavioral Sciences Team (BST) field work (handling for animal removal, handling for intake and performing forensic behavior evaluations) and act as Behavior Lead in temporary shelters 

  • Transport animals to and from the BRC, providing guidance for receiving organizations 

  • Other duties as assigned 

 

Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values: 

  • Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals 

  • Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes 

  • Believes in Team – that we are stronger together 

  • Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible 

  • Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals 

Qualifications: 

  • Solid natural animal handling skills 

  • Basic understanding of animal learning, training and behavior modification preferred 

  • Animal welfare knowledge preferred 

  • Good low-stress animal handing and restraint skills preferred 

  • Excellent communication skills (spoken and written); a flexible communicator able to interact with diverse personalities and groups 

  • Maintains a positive attitude, enjoys collaborating and working directly with people, and respects team members at all levels 

  • Always treats people and animals with care and respect; must be a compassionate caregiver for animals and have a genuine interest in leading others 

  • Effective problem-solving abilities; likes to troubleshoot and find solutions when facing challenges 

  • Meticulous data collection and reporting skills 

  • Good organizational skills 

  • Fluent in internet usage and research 

  • Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint 

  • Must be flexible and easily adapt to frequent changes to plans/protocols 

  • Able to thrive in a fast-paced, potentially stressful environment 

  • Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds 

  • Able to work standing for 8 or more hours and bend, crouch, kneel and move freely to perform responsibilities that include handling potentially dangerous animals in stressful conditions 

  • Able to occasionally work in physically challenging conditions and able to wear appropriate protective gear, including a protective mask; job responsibilities may entail exposure to chemical and biological hazards, such as feces and blood, exposure to sharp objects, working in noisy environments and working in areas with uneven, wet and slippery surfaces 

 

Education & Work Experience: 

  • High school diploma or GED required 

  • Minimum of 6 months’ doing hands-on work with dogs as an employee or volunteer required 

  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in animal shelters strongly preferred 

  • Some experience in teaching and/or coaching strongly preferred 

  • Low-Stress Handling® University Silver-Level certification is required within six months of hire 

 

Additional Information: 

  • Must provide a valid driver’s license upon hire and pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating a safe driving history 

  • In the Specialist role, must be able to travel at least once per quarter to transport animals, liaise with placement partner organizations and deploy to provide support for the Behavioral Sciences Team in the field or temporary shelter environment

  • Must feel comfortable seeing animals suffering from extreme fear and anxiety on a daily basis; must feel comfortable participating in humane euthanasia procedures for behaviorally unhealthy animals 

  • Available to work a flexible schedule when needed including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays 

 

Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Requirements: 

  • Actively participate in shelter behavior online, classroom and hands-on experiential learning activities throughout the Apprenticeship 

  • Practice application of acquired skills and knowledge in a busy animal shelter setting, with coaching and supervision by Apprenticeship staff  

  • Perform basic handling of dogs and cats under the supervision of Apprenticeship staff 

  • Demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills via periodic, practical learner assessments throughout the Apprenticeship to assist Instructors in providing personalized coaching 

  • Assist ASPCA facility staff as necessary, providing care for animals participating in Apprenticeship activities (e.g., cleaning, feeding, providing enrichment/exercise) 

  • Provide periodic, practical feedback on the experience, activities, content and flow of the Apprenticeship to help inform program improvement and iteration 

  • Travel for up to 3 weeks at a time for learning activities at ASPCA facilities (all associated costs covered by the ASPCA) 

  • Attend Winter 2025 cohort during the following dates:   

  • Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Program Begins  

  • March 24-28: remote learning   

  • April 1-16: Location TBD 

  • April 24 – May 2: Location TBD 

  • May 12-22: Weaverville, NC 

  • June 3-12: Columbus, OH 

  • June 16: remote learning   

  • Following the Apprenticeship program, Associates will begin regular work schedules at the Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in Weaverville, NC  

 

Compensation and Benefits:  

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.     

  • The target hiring range for the initial Behavior Associate role is $25.95 - $27.40  
  • The target range for promotion to Behavior Specialist is $28.37 - $30.77  

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.   

  

Stay Connected – Join Our Talent Community   

If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please visit our website to join our Talent Community and stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.   

Qualifications:

See above for qualifications details.

  

Language:

English

Education and Work Experience:

High School Diploma

  

Our EEO Policy:

The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.  A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA.  Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status,  or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).

About Us:
The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.

Applicants that are residents of Colorado: Per CO Senate Bill 23-058, we cannot generally request or require any age-related information (i.e., age, DOB, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution) on an initial employment application; this includes any age-related inquiries in the initial interview. We are permitted to require/request additional application materials; if those materials contain any age-related information, an applicant may redact the information before submitting an initial employment application.

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