Halifax Humane Society is looking for versatile and, quite frankly, AMAZING, Open Paw & Animal Behavior staff to join our team. This is an opportunity to be part of the team that helps to take our shelter and adoption program to a new level of caring, compassion and hope for the animals we serve.
Our perfect candidates are caring, motivated, hard-working, a little scrappy, and willing to jump in to help where needed. We promise a great group of colleagues and friends ready to team up with you to advance lifesaving across the state.
Summary:
The Open Paw & Animal Behavior Team is responsible for assisting with implementation, adjusting, and monitoring all programs connected with Open Paw, the manners and skills training program for shelter pets. This includes conducting public dog training classes, animal behavior helplines, shelter behavior enrichment programs, and intake evaluations for shelter animals. Responsible for training and counseling animal care staff and volunteers regarding training and enrichment. Directly responsible for the quality of animal enrichment and training programs that result in manners and skills training for shelter dogs and cats. Champion the culture that Halifax Humane Society is “the best place for great pets” for internal and external stakeholders. Seeking people with integrity, loyalty, and a capacity for hard work, perseverance, and resiliency.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Required to support and advocate for the philosophy, programs, and policies of the Halifax Humane Society.
- Becoming the shelter expert in Open Paw disciplines is required, as this is the shelter's training and care standard.
- Implement and oversee the day-to-day requirements of the Open Paw enrichment, manners, and skills training program for resident dogs and cats onsite at the shelter and at offsite locations.
- Responsible for delivering Minimum Mental Health Requirements for all onsite and off-site shelter dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens under Halifax Humane Society's care.
- Design individual training programs for shelter animals to improve behavior and increase the chance of adoption.
- Provide support in the absence of animal care staff.
- Work closely with the Intake Manager and Animal Shelter Manager to understand the organization's capacity at any given time so intake is in alignment with the organization’s resources. (Analyze available space, capacity for medical care, and availability of behavior resources.)
- Participate in the process of behavior evaluations for adoption and euthanasia outcomes.
- Implement off-site programs like Running Buddy, Animal Ambassadors, and off-site adoption activities to increase the visibility of shelter pets in a positive light and increase adoptions.
- Responsible for documenting behavior programs and concerns for all resident animals in Pet Point shelter management software.
- Teach animal handling and Open Paw procedures to shelter staff and volunteers.
- Oversee staff and volunteer trainers as they work with individual animals. Design and conduct canine behavior and training classes for adopters and other community pet owners through Bark University.
- Develop training class curriculum to ensure consistency.
- Inspect, maintain, order, and store shelter training and behavior supplies.
- Maintains an exceptional level of organization and cleanliness throughout the animal areas.
- Represents the organization as one of its principal spokespersons and develops community contacts with government officials, agencies, civic groups, veterinary organizations, and the media.
- Attends workshops, conferences, and seminars, maintaining memberships in professional organizations and networking with other animal behavior and training professionals.
- Ensures that the organization operates within legal and regulatory requirements.
- Other duties as required or directed.
Required Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and ability. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- A bachelor's degree in animal science, animal behavior, or related fields is highly desirable.
- At least three to five years in an animal welfare setting.
- Animal training and behavior knowledge, including theory of positive reinforcement, animal training techniques, and temperament testing; CPDT-KA® or CASBM is preferred.
- Must be able to work with people from various backgrounds who may not be familiar with positive training methods and have the patience to work with them and their animals.
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Above-average interpersonal skills are a must.
- Must possess a valid and unrestricted Florida driver’s license with a clean DMV record for the past three years and proof of personal automobile liability insurance.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Superior verbal and written communication skills, including articulating the Society’s mission and needs to diverse groups.
- Demonstrated teaching and public speaking ability.
- Adherence to deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability for strategic analyses and experience designing, implementing, and directing multiple complex projects, setting deadlines, and ensuring program accountability and compliance.
- Sound judgment and ability to exercise complete discretion when dealing with confidential information.
- Extreme flexibility and adaptability, a strong work ethic, and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate broad responsibilities and shifting priorities.
- Computer skills in a Windows environment, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and shelter management software like PetPoint, are preferred.
Mental Demands:
Must be able to multi-task, prioritize, and handle high-stress levels. The position requires excellent organizational skills, high accuracy, and attention to detail. Must be dependable and have proven ability to meet deadlines. Self-starter with the ability to work independently and follow detailed instructions without constant support.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch, and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
- CPDT-KA Certification (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Daytona Beach, FL 32124 (Required)
Work Location: In person
