Description
Expertise, Innovation, Collaboration and Endurance - these are our core values at Columbus Humane. If you are looking to advance your career in animal welfare, we have an amazing position for you! We are seeking a Behavior Manager to ensure our animals emotional, physical, and mental needs are met and that we are providing outstanding experiences for our furry friends.
What You Will Be Doing ...
- Thinks, communicates and acts in the best interest of Columbus Humane and our human and animal clients at all times; models our mission and values in all job-related functions.
- Ensures our animals’ emotional, physical, and mental needs are met and that we are providing outstanding experiences for our residents.
- Conducts behavior evaluations and makes treatment and/or outcome recommendations.
- Develop and implement canine behavior modification program.
- Monitors and reports changes or concerns in animal health or behavior to Columbus Humane management and Veterinary Services staff, as necessary.
- Follows proper safety protocols for people and animals and sets a high standard for quality animal handling.
- Assists in counseling prospective adopters and conducts dog-dog introductions when needed.
- Schedules and conduct daily canine playgroups. Partners with other operations team members to staff playgroups as needed.
- Coordinates and conducts regular animal handling and behavior training seminars for Columbus Humane staff and volunteers.
- Manages and teaches public dog training classes.
- Partners with animal care team to maintain enrichment programming.
- Responsible for maintaining cleanliness and sanitizing the behavior room on a regular basis.
- Maintains inventory for behavior program supplies and equipment.
- Works in partnership with the Volunteer Programs Manager to train new and existing volunteers.
- Works with Foster Care Coordinator to develop behavioral foster program.
- Serves as member of Operations Leadership team, including acting as Manager-On-Duty as needed (includes weekend/evening and/or holidays).
- Participates in euthanasia decision making and activities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises and coaches Behavior Specialist(s). Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training and coaching employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; payroll; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Supervises assigned volunteers as necessary.
Physical Demands
At times required to lift up to 50 pounds with reasonable accommodation. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The Work Environment
Work is performed in a normal shelter setting including exposure to hazardous chemicals and potential of exposure to parasites and infectious diseases that can be carried and transmitted by animals. Some work is performed outdoors in inclement weather. Subject to animal bites and scratches while handling animals of questionable temperament.
The Puurrrrks
- Generous PTO policy (vacation, sick and personal) and 7 holidays (can be floating holidays).
- Medical, dental and vision insurance.
- Flexible Spending Account (medical/dependent care).
- Life Insurance and Long Term Disability fully paid by Columbus Humane.
- Simple IRA with 3% company match.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Employee Wellness Program (through BWC) with incentives.
- Adoption discounts & access to staff clinics for vaccinations.
- Employee referral bonus.
- A shelter experience like no other, working with over 30 species in our sparkling clean facility.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required, BS/BA in animal-related field, behavior/cognition preferred.
- 3+ years working with animals in a professional capacity, 3+ years working in an animal shelter environment preferred.
- 3+ years managing paid staff
- Fluent and supportive of Columbus Humane decision-making philosophies.
- Passionate belief in Columbus Humane’s vison, mission and values.
- Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
- Ability to foster a collaborative team approach to solving challenging situations.
Certifications/Licenses
Valid Ohio Drivers License
CPDT-KA or equivalent required.
Euthanasia By Injection (EBI) certification preferred.
Fear-Free Shelters™ Certified, or within 30 days of hire.
Dr. Sophia Yin’s Low Stress Handling™ required within 6 months of hire.