Behavior & Enrichment Supervisor

Behavior and Enrichment Supervisor

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Summary*

The Supervisor oversees Brooklyn Animal Care Center’s canine enrichment program, including daily playgroups, canine behavior assessments, socialization, and environmental enrichment, with a goal of meeting the behavioral needs of the full canine population at Animal Care Centers (ACC) and facilitating adoption matches. This position directly supervises six (6) canine behavior team members. The Supervisor is expected to act as a leader for the team in work ethic, efficiency and attitude both within the team and when interacting with other staff and volunteers.

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Responsibilities*

Program development (45%)

• Monitor all dogs in ACC’s care to maintain optimal behavioral care and to promptly address dogs needing pre-assessment socialization.
• Monitor behavior changes, add notes to Shelter Buddy records, and adjust overall behavior determinations as appropriate.
• Facilitate collection of playgroup videos for Shelter Buddy records and social media communications.
• Develop and explore new enrichment ideas and programs.
• Work with Behavior and Animal Care staff to maintain the animals’ mental health, improve the dogs’ social skills, and facilitate placement.
• Determine daily tasks and assignments for the Enrichment team, including written records of daily enrichment.
• In conjunction with the overall enrichment plan, utilize positive reinforcement to build positive associations in the care center and to reward desired behaviors in order to improve adoption potential.
• Coordinate and prioritize enrichment for dogs unable to participate in playgroup.

Supervision & training (45%)

• Directly supervise the Enrichment Coordinator, Canine Behavior Assessor, and Canine Behavior Specialists. This includes, but is not limited to, setting their work schedule; providing training, resources and support;

establishing goals and objectives; and providing frequent feedback regarding their work performance.

• Participate in staff hiring, evaluations, and disciplinary action in cooperation with the Senior Manager.
• Train and integrate new staff members.
• Establish, monitor, and measure staff performance goals.
• Work with Behavior and other staff to improve skill and knowledge of dog behavior.
• Complete incident reports, post-incident team debriefs, consistent team meetings, and conflict resolution as needed.

Administrative (10%)

• Order supplies, track inventory, maintain warehouses.
• Develop, implement and monitor staff schedules and daily attendance records. Review time and attendance database and complete staff payroll.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry. Maintain and report statistics that accurately reflect the effectiveness of enrichment and behavior programs and use that data to seek ways to increase effectiveness.

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Qualifications*

Ability to make sound judgments and work independently in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands. Ability to foster a cooperative, encouraging and positive work environment with staff as well as volunteers. Must be able to handle all types and breeds of dogs with varying behaviors and energy levels, including those showing fearful and aggressive behaviors. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills. The ability to remain pleasant, calm and objective in all situations. Solid knowledge of dog behavior and general training principles based on experience compatible with ACC goals and philosophy. Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds.

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Education and Work Environment*

Bachelor Degree preferred; high school diploma required. Equivalent of three (3) years’ experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience working in the area of development and management of animal training programs, shelter experience required. Experience conducting playgroups and training staff to oversee playgroups. Previous supervisory experience is required.

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Work Environment*
At ACC it's all hands-on deck. We work together as a team, which means you may be asked to help with tasks that involve working outside in all sorts of weather. As a busy animal shelter in one of the biggest cities in the world it can get noisy inside. Employees should have the ability to remain calm yet professional in stressful situations involving animals and/or members of the public. ACC houses hundreds of animals in its facilities at any given time and with that comes fur, odors and other airborne particles in abundance.

ACC offers many low-cost services to pets and people in need. This includes compassionate end-of-life services for people who cannot afford to go to a private veterinary office but still want to provide a professional and peaceful transition for their beloved pet.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required. New hires must have one dose of a single-dose vaccine (J&J) or a first dose of a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) by their first day of employment. For Pfizer or Moderna, you must provide proof your second dose within one month of your start date. Reasonable accommodations will be considered.

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Reports To: * Senior Manager, Behavior & Volunteer Programs

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Overtime: *This position is not exempt from overtime.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $48,000.00 per year