What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavior Specialist position at Great Plains SPCA?
Overview
Great Plains SPCA is searching for a Behavior Specialist for the Merriam, Kansas location. Great Plains one of the largest shelters in the Kansas City metro area. We provided quality shelter care for over 4,000 animals yearly. We provide daily care, medical care, and enrichment for our shelter animals. We provide foster and forever home placements, pet behavior training services, and HERO Community Outreach.
The Behavior Specialist must be comfortable and experienced working with a variety of behavioral issues in felines and canines to support the mental and physical health of our animals.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Assistant Manager of Animal Behavor and Training
- Perform behavior evaluations
- Support onsite adoption consultations
- Participate in playgroups and animal introductions
- Teach internal classes and public classes when needed
- Monitor behavioral health of animals and rapidly identify any issues that may require special action and report to the Assistant Manager of Animal Behavior and Training. Report any medical concerns to Shelter Medical Team
- Manage the Feline FAST Team program, behavior prescription development, and be the liaison for the volunteers working with animals with behavioral challenges
- Use PetPoint and employee communication systems to keep accurate animal inventory, write animal behavior and other memos, submit medical exam requests, place holds on animals, and keep current of all staff communication
- Maintain excellent knowledge of and communicate all standard shelter medical procedures, vaccines, preventatives, behavior and training of both dogs and cats
- Oversee strategic placement for feline and canines to minimize stress
- Fully supports in action, language, behavior and performance the priorities, decisions, of GPSPCA, and the Behavior team
Qualifications
- Competencies – Organization, Resilience, Integrity, Flexibility, Problem Solving, Accountability, and Customer focus.
- Uphold Great Plains SPCA's mission and culture.
- Schedule – Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (some 10 AM – 7 PM shifts)
- Compassion and empathy for animal and human clients
- Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills
- Good judgment and professionalism
- Ability to work individually and on a team, multi-task and self-start
- Possess a valid driver’s license
Education and Experience
- High school or GED
- Previous advanced experience working with and handling of animals
- Previous experience working in a fast-paced environment is preferred
- Previous experience with computer functions and programs such as Internet and web-based programs, Microsoft Office Suite of Programs
- Handle and restrain animals weighing up to 100lbs
- Lift 50lbs to waist height
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching
- Clean driving license
- Prefer strong feline behavior backgound
Work Conditions and Physical Requirements
- Must be comfortable working around all types of pets including dogs,cats etc.
- Physical requirements are those present in normal office environment conditions. Employee is required to sit at a desk and work at computer for long periods of time.
- Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs.
- Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, and high noise levels.
- Work schedule and hours may vary; evenings and weekends may be required.
GPSPCA offers a competitive benefits package including: Health, dental and vision insurance, generous PTO, disability benefits, life insurance, 403(b), discounts on veterinary care and retail store items, plus an energizing workplace where employee engagement is key.
OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers and seek diversity in candidates for employment. EEO Employer W/M/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.