Behavior Training Assistant

NOTE TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS: INTERNAL CANDIDATES IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION AND/OR PAY GRADE AS THE POSITION POSTED WILL NOT RECEIVE A PAY ADJUSTMENT IF SELECTED.
Under general supervision, the purpose of the position is to provide assistance conducting shelter behavior enrichment programs, intake evaluations for shelter animals, and behavior counseling pre and post adoption.   Responsible for triaging incoming animals into our facility. Conducts behavior assessments to help determine adoptability and documents observations in our database. Coordinates and engages in dog play group activities. Ensures animals at our facility are provided with daily enrichment.   Position may assist with various animal services efforts and veterinary treatments/procedures to include providing a safe, clean shelter with adequate food and water for animals housed in our shelter and livestock facilities because of neglect, cruelty, aggression, or stray and owner surrender. Employee functions at an advanced level to assist citizens in the adoption of animals and with medical forms and associated paperwork as needed. Position may be assigned to Intake/Rabies Control.The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Supports Supervisor in providing the day-to-day requirements of the Department’s enrichment, manners and skills training program for resident animals (primarily dogs and cats but can include livestock such as horses) onsite at shelter location and at offsite locations.
• Responsible for documenting behavior programs and behavior concerns for all residents of the Department’s animal software system. 
• Facilitates dog play groups multiple times a week.
• Provides customer service to the public as relates to animal interaction and adoption process; and advises citizens on the responsibility of animal ownership.
• Assists the public in finding lost pets by having a thorough knowledge of shelter animals and escorting owners through shelter areas.
• Assists other areas within Animal Services, as needed, including by not limited to, providing for the general health and welfare of housed animals in the kennel including ensuring proper quality and quantity of food, sanitation (cleans / disinfects animal cages and equipment) of all animal holding facilities, shelters, and grounds, and administer basic medications as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Monitors animals closely to aid in early detection of illness, injury, or changes in behavior. Immediately reports any abnormalities or changes in status to the veterinarian. 
• Monitors safety and security of the holding facilities and ensure all quarantined animals are maintained in designated areas.   Prevent unauthorized access to animals being held for aggression or biting, monitor animals under quarantine and immediately report any changes in medical status, behavior, or physical condition in accordance with procedures.
• As assigned by supervisor, process incoming animals into the shelter by conducting a basic physical examination / evaluation of the animal, including those seized in cruelty cases, and noting any abnormalities on the veterinary examination form.
• Assists in the evaluation and care of animals seized in cruelty and dog fighting cases.
• Maintains a working relationship with County personnel, government agencies, law enforcement, volunteers, civic groups, and the public.
• Assists with public education, including events the Department participates in.
• Performs duties as assigned/necessary which are related, or logical in assignment to the position

Education:  High School Diploma or GED.

Experience: Five (5) years’ experience working and/or volunteering in a veterinary clinic, animal boarding, day care, or shelter environment and demonstrated experience in ability to provide for the general welfare of animals or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training and/or experience. Some public sector experience preferred.

 Miscellaneous:  

• Must be vaccinated against rabies upon hire.
• Must be Fear Free shelter certified.
• Attendance or participation in Dogs Playing for Life (DPLF) mentorships, shadow program and or seminar are preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish a plus.

• Ability and willingness to follow oral and written instructions.
• Broad knowledge of proper techniques utilized in the handling of animals.
• Broad knowledge of proper care, feeding and handling of various types of domestic and exotic animals, livestock, and wildlife.
• Knowledge of a wide variety of species of domestic and exotic animals, livestock and wildlife, and their habits and typical diseases (including rabies) and the symptoms.  
• Knowledge of local animal code related to rabies vaccination and quarantine procedures and public health threats associated with animal services staff and citizen exposure.
• Ability to assist with animal services functions including veterinary treatments/procedures, e.g., restraining animals for vaccinations, euthanasia and perform euthanasia.
• Ability to operate County vehicles including pulling various types of trailers.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of customer service skills; ability to deal diplomatically with sensitive circumstances.
• Ability to render quick, responsible decision making, under stressful and emotional circumstances.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment, e.g., computer terminals, printers, copy machines, telephone systems, facsimile machines, etc..
• Ability to read, update and maintain various records and files; ability to access, operate and maintain various software applications.
• Skill in clearly communicating information both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read and comprehend written materials (e.g., emails, correspondence, instructions, memos, reports, regulations, policies) to apply information and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with County government agencies, laws enforcement, volunteers, civic groups, and the public and to assist with the public education program.

• 50 pounds maximum lifting.
• Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Physical demand requirements are in excess of medium work.
• Requires physical ability in lifting animals.
•  Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching.