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Assistant Animal Behavior Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conduct playgroups, recording play styles and other behavior notes into shelter software * Assist ... Willingness to learn about animal behavior and training and to attend continuing education ...

Conduct playgroups, recording play styles and other behavior notes into shelter software * Assist ... Willingness to learn about animal behavior and training and to attend continuing education ...

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Assistant Animal Behavior information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Animal Behaviorist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Animal Behaviorist, you typically need a background in animal science or psychology, with experience in animal handling and observation. Familiarity with data collection tools, animal behavior assessment software, and sometimes certifications like ACAAB (Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist) are valuable. Strong communication, patience, and attention to detail help build rapport with animals and accurately report behavioral findings. These skills ensure effective support for behavior modification plans and contribute to the well-being and safety of both animals and handlers.

What are some typical challenges faced by Assistant Animal Behaviorists in their daily work?

Assistant Animal Behaviorists often work with animals that display stress, anxiety, or aggressive behaviors, which can present safety challenges and require patience and strong observation skills. Additionally, they may need to adapt to unpredictable animal responses and keep detailed records for behavior analysis. Collaboration with senior behaviorists, veterinarians, and animal care staff is common, as is educating pet owners or handlers on behavior modification techniques. This role is both rewarding and demanding, requiring flexibility and strong communication skills.

What does an Assistant Animal Behaviorist do?

An Assistant Animal Behaviorist supports animal behaviorists in observing, assessing, and modifying the behavior of animals, often in shelters, clinics, or research settings. Their duties may include collecting behavioral data, assisting with training or enrichment programs, and helping to develop behavior modification plans. They also work closely with animals to implement these plans and monitor progress, ensuring animal welfare and safety. This role often involves working with veterinarians, trainers, and animal caregivers to address behavioral issues and improve the well-being of animals.

What is the difference between Assistant Animal Behavior vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectAssistant Animal BehaviorAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certifications in animal behavior preferredHigh school diploma; basic animal care certifications often required
Work EnvironmentAnimal training centers, research facilities, veterinary clinicsAnimal shelters, zoos, veterinary clinics
Employer & Industry UsageBehavioral training, research, animal rehabilitationAnimal husbandry, shelter care, zoo operations
Common Search & ComparisonBehavioral training, animal behavior jobsAnimal care jobs, shelter technician roles

The main difference is that Assistant Animal Behavior focuses on training and modifying animal behavior, often requiring knowledge of animal psychology and behavior techniques. In contrast, Animal Care Technicians primarily handle daily animal care, feeding, and health monitoring. Both roles are essential in animal-related industries but serve different functions based on skills and responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Assistant Animal Behavior jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Animal Behavior job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs? The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Animal Behavior jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Animal Behavior jobs include:
Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA

Other

Posted 3 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

211th of 530 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Clinical Animal Behavior Coordinator

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536272
Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: School of Animal Sciences
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science

Job Description

The School of Animal Sciences (SAS) at Virginia Tech is searching for a coordinator to lead in the provision of clinical animal behavior services with owners and their pets, mentor students in this service, and assist in the development of a research line that would include but not be limited to the study of companion animal behavior, training, and welfare.
The coordinator in this position will be expected to provide behavior consultation and training services to owners and their pets; provide classroom and experiential learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students; and carry out research that explore companion animal problem behaviors as informed by the clinical service. This position will be involved in community outreach through the provision and dissemination of evidence-based practices as well as collaborating with veterinarians, animal trainers, and other industry professionals.
As such, applicants must have a strong understanding of learning theory/behavior analysis and its application with companion animals, a robust comprehension of applied animal research, and awareness of relevant issues in the field of companion animal behavior and welfare.
Responsibilities
Provide clinical animal behavior services to owners and their pets, including consultations and training sessions (60%)
Mentor and train students in clinical animal behavior (15%)
Help create, assemble and deliver companion animal behavior curriculum (15%)
Conduct research related to companion animal behavior, particularly problematic behaviors (10%)

Required Qualifications

Master's or PhD in Animal Behavior, Biology, Psychology, Veterinary Science or related field; Experience providing companion animal consultation and training services and conducting applied animal research; Mentorship of undergraduates and/or graduate students; Evidence of instructional abilities with undergraduate and/or graduate students. Strong organizational and collaborative skills

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise in addressing complex companion animal behavior problems (e.g., fear, anxiety, and aggression); Experience carrying out companion animal behavioral and/or welfare research; Interest in wearable animal technologies for collection of physiological data.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

05/29/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Lisa Gunter at lisagunter@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: April 28, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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