Behavior and Training Manager at Humane Animal Rescue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

​General Description

The Behavior and Training Manager administers animal behavior and enrichment programs, trainings, and assessments. Work includes conducting animal training and activities to include positive reinforcement; developing animal training techniques; determining canine play groups; performing canine temperament testing; assessing and evaluating new animal training methods and equipment; teaching proper methods to others; developing curriculum; and, designing training aids.

Principle Accountabilities 

• Determine and design individual training programs (Behavior Modification Programs) for shelter animals to improve behavior.


• Develop and Instruct group dog and cat training classes to the public as well as shelter staff and volunteers. 


• Provide oversight and coaching of contract trainers.


• Evaluate behavior of shelter animals for adoptability as family pets in conjunction with the Director of Shelter Programs and the Shelter Management Team.


• Oversee, recruit and work in conjunction with volunteers for enrichment, socialization and training of shelter animals.


• Assure all operational staff and volunteers are trained to properly identify and assist with problem behavior, modification and/or prevention.


• Design, schedule and oversee animal socialization for staff and volunteers including canine play groups and proper times for socialization.


• Provide referral information and advice on animal behavior issues, training methods, training equipment and animal trainers.


• Assisting clients needing to enroll in training classes and maintain accurate rosters.


• Use shelter database system to keep accurate animal inventory, write animal behavior and other memos, submit medical exam requests, place holds on animals, and keep up-to-date with all staff communication.


• Assist, train and oversee shelter staff and volunteers with safe animal handling, behavior basics and breed identification.


• Assist in behavior foster care education for the proper training of foster animals.


• Maintain excellent knowledge of all shelter standard medical procedures, vaccines, preventatives, and common diseases and their symptoms, transmission, prevention.


• Monitor health of animals and rapidly identify any health issues and report to Medical Team and to the Shelter Management Team.


• Assure all operational staff and volunteers are trained to properly identify and assist with problem behavior, modification and/or prevention.


• Develop and/or direct behavior seminars and workshops for staff, volunteers and the public to help them better understand animal behavior.


• Prepare articles for shelter publication and serve as animal behavior resource for local media (press, print and social media).


• Develop and provide behavior action plans and daily enrichment plans to the animals and monitor staff and volunteers to make sure plans are being implemented correctly.


• Practice outstanding customer service for all customers, including people seeking behavioral guidance with their adopted animals. Actively follow-up with dogs with behavior consults.


• Assist staff by properly administering or restraining for vaccinations, microchips, blood draws, medications, and restraining for exams.


• Actively engage members of the public from the moment they arrive, assist and answer any questions.


• Facilitate good adoption matches through conversation and help set realistic expectations of time, care, and financial commitment.


• Maintain excellent knowledge of and communicate all standard shelter medical procedures, vaccines, preventatives, behavior and training of both dogs and cats, retail products and why/how they are helpful in adjusting a new dog or cat.


• Works with other departments to develop, improve, and maintain programs within the shelter that are up-to-date with current behavior recommendations.


• Treats all animals humanely, properly, and with compassion at all times, regardless of the situation or circumstance and promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals.


• Participate in the Committee Review Process.


• Supervises and performs euthanasia in accordance with best practices through HSUS, ASV guidelines and humane principles. Trains personnel in preparation of euthanasia certification.

 Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee could be exposed to hazards associated with aggressive animals; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; and possible exposure to contagious diseases.  The employee will primarily be working in the shelter environment.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk, listen, hear; use hands to finger, manipulate, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  This role routinely requires handling of animals in varying degrees of behavior and requires keen observational skills, as well as dexterity with a leash and other training equipment used with both cats and dogs.  May be required to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Travel

Travel between North Shore and East End locations will be required. Travel for special circumstances may be required on a case-by-case basis. 

Desired Degree
Associate's Degree

Desired Job Experience
·      Thorough knowledge of animal behavior modification and evaluation techniques.

·      Ability to handle or restrain large and sometimes dangerous animals.

·      Ability to train using positive reinforcement training techniques.

·      Ability to prepare and maintain records, data entry for reporting, and use of a computer.

·      Ability to pay attention to details, organize, and follow through on assigned tasks.

·      Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written communication.

·      Ability to remain patient and professional in dealing with customers and vendors, including communication with potential adopters and pet owners with behavior concerns, by utilizing basic courtesy, tact, and effectiveness in dealing with others, including requesting or providing information, taking a behavior history, asking questions, or obtaining clarification.

·      Ability to use standard office equipment such as a personal computer using MS Word, Excel, and other related software; and animal restraint equipment.

·      Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving history.

Certifications Required
Must maintain certification through CCPDT, IAABC, KPA, PMCT, or other professional training organization.

Other Qualifications