Canine Behavior Assessor

Canine Behavior Assessor

Summary:

The Canine Behavior Assessor is a member of the Canine Behavior Team who focuses on performing handling assessments and completing behavior evaluations on all dogs in Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)’s care, and on providing in- and out-of-kennel enrichment to maintain a high quality of life and to meet each dog’s behavioral needs. 

The Canine Behavior Assessor position will work hands-on with dogs in our care to complete in-shelter handling assessments and to synthesize all known and observed behaviors to make final behavior determinations. You will be responsible for learning and performing ACC’s handling assessment, daily record keeping and reporting, thorough evaluation write ups, and identifying potential challenges and recommendations for rehoming. 

You will also participate in daily playgroup, in-kennel enrichment, socialization sessions, cue training, and behavior modification opportunities. Our ideal candidate is comfortable handling dogs showing a range of behaviors, including aggression and high levels of fear, while keeping yourself, your colleagues, and the dogs safe. You understand the concept of behavioral thresholds and trigger stacking, and you feel comfortable exploring behavioral repertoires to see what a dog will offer without pushing a dog into aggressing.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct multiple-item handling assessments and keep track of updating assessment as needed
• Synthesize all known and observed behaviors to make final behavior determinations based on scientifically sound methods
• Identify potential challenges and recommendations for rehoming
• Accurately and thoroughly complete Behavior Assessment write ups in Shelter Buddy

Salary and Benefits:

$22.75/Hour

ACC values work/life balance and offers a generous paid-time-off (PTO) package that includes vacation time, birthdays off, personal days and sick pay. We also value physical and mental health by offering a great open access Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance at a low premium to our employees as well as 401K and Pension, Life Insurance. We also have on-the-job training for 2-4 weeks, periodic all staff training to include safety, DEI, cross training, and other growth opportunities.  

Because ACC is a nonprofit, employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness, cancellation, and/or consolidation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). Created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, PSLF allows borrowers who work full time for nonprofits and government agencies to have their outstanding debt forgiven tax-free on Federal Direct Loans, after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. 

Please see the attached Job Description and Benefits Flyer for more details. 

Qualifications:

Familiarity with and understanding of in-shelter behavior assessments. A thorough understanding of positive reinforcement and a training methodology rooted in a scientific understanding of how dogs learn. 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. Strong communication skills. The ability to remain pleasant, calm and objective in all situations.

Education and Work Experience:

Bachelor’s degree or comparable work experience preferred. Experience working with dogs in a shelter environment is mandatory. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

This position will begin at our Brooklyn Animal Care Center and will be moved in 2024 to our new state of the art facility in Ridgewood Queens.