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Assistant Animal Behavior Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Solid understanding of animal behavior and healthcare * Experience with proper animal restraint and ... Compensation for the veterinary technician/veterinary assistant position is looking to start at $17 ...

Solid understanding of animal behavior and healthcare * Experience with proper animal restraint and ... Compensation for the veterinary technician/veterinary assistant position is looking to start at $17 ...

... * Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs. People Leadership * Train, coach, and develop partners in animal care, selling behaviors, and operational routines. * Provide ...

... * Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs. People Leadership * Train, coach, and develop partners in animal care, selling behaviors, and operational routines. * Provide ...

... * Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs. People Leadership * Train, coach, and develop partners in animal care, selling behaviors, and operational routines. * Provide ...

... * Assist with additional duties as needed to support business needs. People Leadership * Train, coach, and develop partners in animal care, selling behaviors, and operational routines. * Provide ...

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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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Animal Behavior jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Animal Behavior jobs in Minnesota are:

Shelter Behavior Specialist - Full-Time

Animal Humane Society

Golden Valley, MN • On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Animal Humane Society rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

397th of 759 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Description
The Shelter Behavior Specialist is responsible for providing behavioral support and implementing behavior modification programs. This position’s key responsibilities include completing behavior exams, placing animals as appropriate in behavior modification programs, and recommending placements and outcomes.

Requirements
Behavior Modification:
  • Complete behavior examinations for animals that need behavior support to identify behaviors for intervention.
  • Place animals as appropriate in behavior modification programs and provide recommended placements and outcomes.
  • Implement behavior modification programs for the selected behavioral concerns to enrich the animal’s environment, prevent problem behaviors, and improve their adoptability.
  • Respond to questions and concerns about shelter animal behavior, placement and outcomes.
  • Escalate complex cases and questions to higher level support.
  • Maintain detailed records of animal behavior and progress.
  • Work closely with veterinarians to address behavioral issues that may have a medical basis, ensuring a comprehensive approach to animal welfare.
  • Ensure the safety and welfare of animals, adhering to ethical standards and promoting humane treatment at all times.

Support:
  • Assist in program evaluation, including data collection, entry, and analysis as needed.
  • Assist with research initiatives to improve the understanding of animal behavior.
  • Assist with on-going training for volunteers as well as other shelter staff.
  • Serve as a member of the Critical Response Team; deploy on Humane Investigations cases as needed state-wide.

Communication and Culture:
  • Communicate in a positive and professional manner with customers, other employees, and volunteers.
  • Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to make AHS a welcoming environment for all.

Technology:
  • Accurately update animal records in PetPoint.
  • Monitor department inbox and respond to inquiries in a timely manner.
  • Clock in and out of shifts using Paycor.
  • Monitor AHS email and other messaging software.
Other duties as assigned.

Schedule and Attendance:
  • Regular, predictable attendance, punctuality, and availability to work during operational hours.
  • Attend and participate in regular team meetings, all staff meetings, and one-on-one meetings with direct leader.
  • Must be able to travel to a different work site based on department needs.
  • Must be able to travel to Humane Investigation sites state-wide as needed.
  • May be required to attend occasional off-site meetings and events.

Work Environment:
  • Environment can be dirty, wet, warm, and humid.
  • Exposure to zoonotic diseases and pests such as fleas and ticks.
  • Possibility of being bitten or scratched.
  • Exposure to unpleasant odors, chemicals, and noises, including barking.
  • May be exposed to extreme weather conditions including but not limited to cold, heat, rain, and snow when outside.
Qualifications:
Experience:
2+ years of experience in behavior modification required.
Experience with low-stress and advanced animal handling techniques, including LIMA, Fear-Free, capture and restraint preferred.

Skills:
Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills
Ability to accurately assess and document animal behavior across different species.
Proficient with computers, specifically a working knowledge of Microsoft products.

Physical Demands:
Must be able to lift, carry, and handle animals and other items up to 50 lbs. unassisted. For animals and other items over 50 lbs., assistance from another team member is required.
Prolonged periods of sitting, standing and walking.

Emotional Demands:
Must be comfortable with the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of humane euthanasia.
Must be able to work effectively in situations where animals are gravely ill or injured, neglected, abused, aggressive, or in distress.

Transportation:
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

What Animal Humane Society employees say

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