Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter
Job Description
Job Title:
Behavior Assistant
Date: February 9, 2016
Work Hours: Full time - 40 hours per week, schedule as needed
Starting Wage: $10
Qualification Requirements: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each
essential duty and task satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge,
skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.)
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High School education or GED
Must be able to lift a minimum of 50lbs
Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather
Must be able to work comfortably with dogs and cats of all breeds and ages
Must be well versed in canine and feline behavior and safe animal handling
Must be able to write and communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and members of the
community
BRIEF JOB SUMMARY: Primarily responsible for ensuring canine behavior evaluations take place in a
timely fashion and in accordance with HOV policies and procedures. Supports Behavior Consultant by
assisting with training for staff and volunteers. Assists Behavior Consultant with implementation of
behavior modification, enrichment, adoption and intake counseling for dogs and cats. Works as a kennel
technician with both dogs and cats as needed. Assists with educational outreach opportunities, and acts
as an ambassador for HOV operations. Other duties as assigned.
Reports directly to the Behavior Consultant.
THE OVERALL STRENGTH LEVEL OF THIS JOB IS: MEDIUM – HEAVY
(Medium – Heavy duty is considered 50lbs. or more)
Essential Job Functions: (Other duties may be assigned by the Operations Director per training and
qualifications.)
Behavior Evaluations and Enrichment:
1. Perform canine behavior evaluations in conformance with HOV policies and procedures.
2. Identify and report to the Behavior Consultant any dogs deemed questionable/unsuitable for
adoption based on behavioral characteristics outlined by HOV policies and procedures.
3. Assist with behavioral modification training to be performed by staff or volunteers where necessary
to assist in improving the adoptability of dogs or cats as prescribed by the Behavior Consultant.
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4. Identify dogs or cats with quality of life issues and report those to the Behavior Consultant.
5. Work with the Behavior Consultant to appropriately designate dogs and cats with handling levels in
accordance with volunteer program guidelines.
6. Create dog play groups with appropriate dogs.
7. Create enrichment programs for both dogs and cats.
Customer Service Duties:
8. Maintain positive customer relations and public visibility, and act as a professional ambassador for all
public interfaces in a manner upholding the mission and goals of HOV.
7. Answer phones and inquiries, take lost and found reports, and appropriately re-direct calls.
8. Provide quality adoption counseling, including behavioral consultations and home checks, and
complete all relevant paperwork to standard.
Training & Educational Outreach:
9. Work with Behavior Consultant to implement training programs for HOV staff, to include basic to
advanced dog and cat handling, behavior and training skills, and adoption and intake counseling.
10. In conjunction with the Volunteer Manager and Behavior Consultant, conduct training programs for
HOV volunteers, to include basic to advanced dog handling, behavior and training skills.
11. In conjunction with the Behavior Consultant, assist with education and outreach programs for the
public, to include seminars, training classes, appearances in schools, and media campaigns focused
on pet training and ownership.
Animal Care Duties:
1. Responsible for cleaning, feeding, exercise, enrichment, and health care of all shelter animals.
2. Responsible for communicating animal health and welfare concerns to appropriate supervisor and/or
shelter veterinarian.
3. Maintains accurate records in hard files and in the database with regard to medical care, stage, location
and other status changes for all animals.
4. Assists in medical procedures and medication protocols as needed.
Adoption and Compassion Care Counseling Duties:
1. Provides quality adoption counseling and completes all relevant paperwork.
2. Offers compassionate counseling for individuals surrendering a pet, while accurately documenting
pertinent information according to written protocols.
Special Machines, Tools, and Equipment Used: Power washer, industrial size washer/dryer, computers,
standard office equipment, shelter vehicle.
Submit application material to: ben@heartofthevalleyshelter.org
I understand the requirements of this position. I also understand that the duties listed above may not be
all inclusive of the duties I will be required to perform.
Signature:
Date:
Employment Disclaimer: This job description is not a contract – management reserves the right to change its contents at any time. This
organization complies with the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability or status as a disabled veteran of the Vietnam era. This organization is an Equal
Opportunity Employer.
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