Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, responsible for oversight of the training and behavioral modification programs of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.

• Conducts qualitative behavior evaluations on animals in the shelter and conducts interviews of staff, volunteers, and previous caretakers to gather behavioral information
• Prepares training plans, behavior modification plans, and documents progress by working hands-on with the animals
• Implements and oversees behavior modification plans, animal enrichment program, sociability testing, and playgroups
• Provides training to staff, volunteers, and fosters on animal training methods
• Assigns handling difficulty levels based on behaviors observed or known
• Creates and leads programs that emphasize positive-reinforcement based, force-free training, and increase quality of care
• Communicates with adopters and fosters on behavioral concerns and methods
• Schedules and leads various program meetings, to communicate behavioral developments, assign tasks and educate members, using various methods of communication
• Researches new training methods and collaborates with outside trainers and welfare organizations to ensure best practices
• Transports animals to other facilities or providers, as needed
• Utilizes shelter software to maintain information about animals
• Follows all safety measures and policies, including proper animal restraints and reading animal behavioral cues, and promptly reports any safety incidents to leadership
• Performs special duties as assigned

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports directly to – Operations Manager
• Direct Reports – No

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position involves prolonged standing, walking, twisting, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and other fine motor repetitive motions
• Position requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine motor coordination
• Position involves lifting and carrying of animals and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, or up to one hundred (100) pounds with assistance, and exertion of up to twenty-five (25) pounds of force to move objects
• Ability to hear and/or see alert cues regarding animal and staff security

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Work tasks are conducted indoors and outdoors
• May work outside in inclement weather, including extreme heat, cold and wet conditions
• Frequent handling of animals, including contact with waste and blood
• Exposure to unpleasant smells and a noisy and wet environment associated with a shelter
• Frequent exposure animals that are agitated or injured that may attempt to bite or scratch

IRREGULAR HOURS

• Work outside of the normal office hours (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) will be required
• Essential personnel for emergency situations; discretion of department director

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

• High school diploma and two (2) years of experience working with animals with varying degrees of temperament, including directly working with aggressive or fearful animals, with at least one (1) year of experience of conducting large dog playgroups, performing animal behavior evaluations, and teaching group training classes; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Extensive knowledge of animal behavior, learning theory and body language
• Knowledge of animal health and well-being, including nutritional needs, common animal diseases and behavioral issues, proper and safe handling and restraints, caring for sick/injured/fractious animals, and animal service programs

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required within thirty (30) days of employment

• Valid driver’s license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in animal behavior, animal science, veterinary science or a related field
• Two (2) years of experience working in animal welfare
• Demonstrated program management experience
• Professional Dog Trainer and/or Fear Free Shelter and/or Low Stress Handling and/or Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist certification(s)

EMPLOYMENT TESTING

• Employment is contingent on passing any post-offer pre-employment screening as listed below:
• Criminal background check: Yes
• Motor Vehicle Record check: Yes
• Drug screening: Yes
• Physical exam: No
• Psychological exam: No
• Additional: N/A

A Williamson County online application (resumes alone are not sufficient) must be received before the position is closed. Positions are open until filled, subject to close at any time after five (5) business days. The Human Resources Department is located at 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626. Phone (512) 943-1533 or visit our website at www.wilcotx.gov/hr.
 
Williamson County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). If you require an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please request assistance from the Human Resources Department.
TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE POLICY
Williamson County is a tobacco free workplace. The use of tobacco and non-tobacco products such as vapor, e-cigarettes and the use of chewing tobacco or like products is prohibited on all Williamson County premises. Employees who violate this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.