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TheBehavior& TrainingLeadis responsible forproviding excellentbehavioralcare for thecatsanddogsat oursheltersas well asexceptionalservice toourclients.East Bay SPCA'sBehavior&Training department is a flagship shelter behavior program that works to keep animals in homes and to foster the human-animal bond by providing high-quality behaviorassistanceand educational resources both externally to the community and internally to shelter staff and volunteers. The Behavior and Training departmentis responsible forthe behavioral health of the animals at East Bay SPCA and conducts behavior evaluations, enrichment programs, behavior modification, adoption and foster support, and staff and volunteertrainings.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:overseeing our behavior evaluation process and conductingsecondary behavior evaluations for cats and dogs in our care;implementingbehavior modification andtrainingplansto increaseanimaladoptability;assistingin internal program development,creatingandprovidingongoing animal enrichment;coordinatingdog play groups;providinginformation and counselingto adopters during and after the adoption process;trainingstaff and volunteers in animal handling and training techniques;andtraining andoverseeing the Behavior Animal Care Coordinator.The person in this position will spenda majority oftheir time working hands-on with animals enrolled in behavior programs andcommunicating about behavior plans with volunteers, staff, and members of the public.

East Bay SPCA (EBSPCA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to the welfare of dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. We strive toeliminateanimal cruelty,neglect,and overpopulation by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals.EBSPCA is one of the nation's oldest humane organizations, in operation since 1874, and receives no funding from any national organizations. You can find more information about EBSPCA on our website atwww.eastbayspca.org

Category:Full-time; Non-exempt

Location:Primary job site is inOakland; work at Dublin campus as needed

Reports to:Behavior & Training Manager

Benefits:Benefits:East Bay SPCA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and future of our employees.Medical and dental benefits are fully covered, along with optional vision coverage. Employees can plan for their future with a401(K) Retirement Plan featuring a 3% company contribution, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. The company also providesgenerous paid time off, starting at120 hoursper year, increasing to160 hoursafter 5 years, and200 hoursafter 10 years, plus 80 paid holiday hours annually and anadditionalpersonal holiday after one year. Employees enjoy extraperkssuch as waived pet adoption fees,discounted veterinary care,behaviorand training classes, up to $75/month public transit/vanpool commuter reimbursement, and various industry discounts, including Pet Food Express

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent behavioral care for the cats and dogs in our shelters toreduce stress,maintainbehavioral health,and improve adoptability.
• Work closely with Animal Care staff tomaintainconsistently high-quality evaluations, efficientlyidentifyanimals' needs, and create pathway plans to meet those needs.
• Create and implement training plans for animals to improve quality of life and adoptability.
• Responsible for conducting secondary behavior evaluations with animals enrolled in behavior modification programs as well as long term animals to assess continued adoptability.
• Provide training to staff and volunteers about animal handling, behavior evaluation and modification techniques, and other behavior tasks.
• Provide information regarding animal adoptability and discuss euthanasia outcomes when appropriate.
• Assistin onboarding, training, and day-to-day supervision ofShelter Behavior Coordinator (SBC).
• Recognize opportunities toassistSBCin their growth in the organization.
• CommunicateSBCquestions and concerns to supervisors,participatein problem solving, and provide input for performance reviews.
• Oversee and continually develop specialized behavior volunteerprogramincluding deliveringtrainings, continuing education, and performance feedback.
• Coordinate with volunteers to improve handling skills, provide consistent handling for animals in our care, and implement training plans.
• Create plans for animals going into foster care andcommunicatewith foster volunteers to provide ongoing behavior support.
• Coordinate and implement regular playgroups for dogs in our care.
• Enter plans, notes and other necessary information in Trello, our online tracking and volunteer communication system.
• Enter necessary information in Shelter Buddy, our shelter software program.
• Maintain and update behavior evaluation processes to be in line with best practices within the industry.
• Assistin internalbehavior and trainingprogram development.
• Track data to evaluate performance of internal behavior programs. Work closely withManagerto ensure behavior programsare meetingdepartmental goals.
• Provideinformation and education tostaff, volunteers,and the public on behavior issues based on departmental guidelines.
• Provide client education and support as needed.
• Provide post-adoption support for behavior cases by conducting post-adoptioncheck incalls, helpline calls, and private training sessions for adopters.
• Documentand appropriately report on animalbehaviorandhealthconcerns.
• Provide support to other behavior department positions.
• Occasionally performshumaneeuthanasiain accordance withestablished laws and East Bay SPCA policy;ensuretimelyandaccuratemaintenance of euthanasia records.
• Provide support forTransfer & Relocation Specialist.
• Create and provideor oversee the delivery ofdaily enrichment to felines and canines in our care.
• Participate in the daily feeding, cleaning and care of the animals when staffing calls forassistance.

Qualifications

• CPDT-KA, CTC,KPA-CTPor equivalent credentialsrequired.
• Minimum of one year working in an animal shelter, preferably in a behavior position.
• Experience in the use of positive reinforcement methods, includingappropriate useof humane trainingtoolsisrequired.
• One yearofsupervisory experiencepreferred.
• Requires well-developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people of varyingbackgroundsand cultures by adaptingstyleand tactics to fit the audience.
• Must beproficientspeaking with members of the public, in front of groups, over the telephone, and communicating via email.
• Proven organizational skills and effective communication.
• Excellent animal behavior observation skills and notetaking.
• Ability to work well as part of a cross-functional team, as well as independently.
• Comfortable overseeing, training, and supporting other staff members and volunteers.
• Competent in behavior evaluations, both feline and canine.
• Comfortable and competent in handling animals with a wide range of behaviors, including fractious or fearful animals.
• Familiar withconsiderate approach and low stress handling techniques.
• Must have California State Euthanasia Certification, or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
• Proficiencyin Microsoft Office isrequired.
• Pre-employment background check and drug screeningrequired.
• Must have a clean driver's license and reliable transportation (position works at both our Oakland and Dublin facilities as needed).

Working Conditions

• Work isprimarily performed in an animal shelter environment with exposure to detergents, cleaning products, wet and humid environments, and seasonal outdoor conditions.
• Must becompetenthandling dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, and temperaments. Requires the ability to leash, walk, andmaintaincontrol over large and extra-large dogs, which can includedogs90 pounds and over.
• Weekend workrequired;must be availabletowork evenings, holidays, and occasional overtime as needed.
• Animal contact and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur.
• Must be comfortable handling dogs and cats on a daily basis.Willhandle sick, injured, or deceased pets.
• Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations.
• Animal waste contact,smellsand visual exposure is prevalent.
• Frequent exposure to and/or handling of industrial cleaning supplies.
• Frequent walking,bendingand stooping in kennel areas.
• Ability to lift a minimum of30 lbs. alone and >50lbs. withassistance, if necessary.