POSITION SUMMARY: The relief behavior modification technician conducts pre-adoption behavior support sessions with shelter dogs and cats that are enrolled in a behavior support program. The relief behavior modification technician maintains organized and concise documentation pertaining to program sessions, provides recommendations for counseling conversations with adopters, and conducts dog introductions and oversees introductions and play sessions.

DEPARTMENT: Behavior & Sheltering
REPORTS TO: Associate Director of the Animal Experience
STATUS: Part-time (relief), hourly, non-exempt
SCHEDULE: Scheduled only as needed and as employee is available to work, 8-10 hour shifts, weekend availabilitiy required

MISSION

Foothills Animal Shelter’s mission is: Providing support to our surrounding community through education, services that strengthen the human-pet bond, and humane care for the animals we serve.

VALUES

All employees and volunteers are expected to embody the Shelter’s Values which are to have honesty and integrity in all that we do, with the following values as our guide:

• Stewardship: Assume responsibility and ownership for our actions within our shelter and our community.
• Positive Culture: Create a safe, supportive environment for the health, wellbeing, and development of staff and volunteers.
• Openness: Nurture an innovative, inclusive, and creative environment that cultivates conversations and relationships that actively work towards the future.
• Team Oriented: Build relationships, embrace teamwork, and foster collaboration in pursuit of our Mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the animal behavior manager, provides sessions for animals enrolled in a behavior support program, including fearful or anxious behavior, dog/dog interactions and/or reactivity, resource guarding, and impulse control.
• Alerts the department manager or director of concerns or changes in animal behavior that may preclude their continued participation in a behavior program. Actively participates in daily rounds and case studies, provides recommendations and timely updates.
• Under the direction of the animal behavior manager, administers medication to animals on behavioral pharmaceuticals. Acts as primary observer of impact of medication on an animal’s behavior and performance and provides timely feedback to the animal behavior manager and/or the associate director of the animal experience to support appropriate dosage and maximized benefit.
• Strives to minimize length of stay of shelter animals and works creatively with behavior team members to maximize impact of sessions for behavior support enrolled animals.
• Identifies and coordinates enrichment opportunities for long-term residents including court hold and protective custody animals, animals under bite quarantine, and those housed in administrative offices.
• Models and fosters a supportive, inclusive, and judgement-free environment within the shelter’s adoption and behavior programs.
• Supports special projects as requested including data collection, photography, adoption descriptions, and other efforts to promote FAS.
• Works closely with advanced volunteer dog and cat handlers in a group setting.
• Coordinates and supervises dog/dog interactions for enrichment, session support and behavior change.
• Using the Shelter’s animal management database, create animal profiles, document behavior progress and evaluations, and document pre- and post- adoption counseling support.
• Adheres to, and supports compliance with, the Shelter’s procedures, policies and standard operating procedures.
• Serve as a positive role model to staff and volunteers.

Other Duties

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

• One or more of the following certifications in animal training and behavior counseling is required: Certified Trainer and Behavior Counseling through Jean Donaldson’s Academy of Dog Trainers (CTC); Karen Pryor’s Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP); or Certified Animal Behavior & Training Counselor Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA). Current enrollment in a certification program will be considered.

EXPERIENCE

• Professional and educational expertise in animal learning theory, animal behavior scientific behavior modification strategies, and positive-based, force-free animal training, including strong clicker skills.
• Minimum of one year experience conducting one-on-one behavior consultations with written follow-up to clients preferred.
• Experience observing, assessing, and/or modifying animal behavior in shelters preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task and maintain composure in a fast paced, environment while providing courteous service to potentially difficult, emotional, or frustrated clients.
• Actively contributes to a supportive team environment by demonstrating resilience and optimism while undertaking challenging tasks to accomplish our mission.
• Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality when dealing with proprietary information and sensitive situations.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office including word processing, spreadsheets, meeting software, and email; proficient with animal management software and shelter databases.
• Working knowledge of animal sheltering practices; highly supportive of open admissions practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with volunteers within an animal care environment and communicate in a respectful, appreciative manner.
• Advanced understanding of animal learning theory with emphasis on positive reinforcement and force-free training.
• Clear understanding and implementation of Fear Free sheltering philosophies.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to work 8 to 10-hour shifts spent standing, walking, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting, and lifting.
• Noise, odors, chemical fumes, animal hair/dander are encountered due to equipment and animals.
• Subject to animal bites and scratches.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent standing on hard floors, bending, and stooping.
• Ability to be outdoors in all weather conditions year-round.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Animal handling equipment and assessment tools: slip leads, catch poles, etc.
• Animal and shelter management software.
• Vehicle use (company provided and personal).
• Chemicals and cleaning tools to provide care for the animals.

About Foothills Animal Shelter: Foothills Animal Shelter is an open admission shelter serving the Jefferson County community. We are a Fear Free Certified Shelter, adhering to force free and positive reinforcement philosophies, and are a Socially Conscious Animal Shelter, seeking the best possible outcomes for the animals at our shelter and our community. Each year, we shelter almost 9,000 dogs, cats, and small animals with the help of our skilled and experienced teams of staff and volunteers. In addition to adoptions, we offer a wide range of services including lost and found pet reunification, pet licensing for Jefferson County, and supportive programs like Better Together, which helps keep pets and families together during times of hardship. Foothills Animal Shelter operates under an intergovernmental agreement between Jefferson County and the cities of Arvada, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood, Westminster, and Wheat Ridge.

Benefits: Relief employees accrue sick leave at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.