Job Description

Since 1984, Asheville Humane Society has dedicated itself to ensuring every animal has the quality of life they deserve—a life worth living. Now, we go beyond our walls to help create a more humane community for pets and the people who love them.

As the only open-intake animal shelter in Buncombe County, we're always here for the animals in our community.

The Behavior Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Director of Behavior and Training. This position is responsible for conducting behavior assessments, following and maintaining behavior modification plans, assisting and teaching group training classes, and managing playgroups. The Behavior Assistant will also assist in the teaching and training of staff and volunteers in behavior and training techniques utilized at AHS.

This position will report directly to the Director of Behavior and Training but will also work closely with the Operations Department and Medical Department staff to help ensure the highest quality of behavioral care for animals in the care of AHS. This position should maintain a high standard of service to the animals and provide excellent customer service to the public.

Schedule: The Behavior Assistant position is a full-time (40 hours per week) position located on the Animal Care Campus. This position has fluctuating working hours depending on scheduling and organizational needs, and may require weekend availability.

Compensation & Benefits: The compensation for the Behavior Assistant starts at $18.00/hour. AHS is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance, a Simple IRA plan with up to 3% company match, 18 days of PTO in the first year, paid holidays, pet prescription discounts, and more! Benefits are available after 60 days of employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Behavior and Training in developing the Behavior Program in ways that benefit the animals in our care and the community at large.
• Assist the Director of Behavior and Training in maintaining Low-Stress Handling Techniques for both cats and dogs on the Animal Care Campus.
• Work with the Director of Behavior and Training to establish training and enrichment policies and procedures, educate staff and volunteers on the procedures, and ensure that procedures are followed.
• Document and oversee behavior plans for all animals in need of behavior treatment.
• Perform behavior assessments and maintain accurate and up-to-date records concerning initial behavior assessment, treatment plan, and progress.
• Responsible for addressing behavior issues with the Director of Behavior and Training that are beyond the scope of the Assistant’s expertise and following through with any prescribed behavior modification plan.
• Serve as a resource for adopters seeking help for behavior issues with their new pet.
• Responsible for reporting observed animal health concerns to the appropriate department.
• Assist and lead group training classes focusing on obedience, behavior modification, and socialization using the curriculum created by the Director of Behavior and Training
• Continue to grow an understanding of animal behavior and the most humane and minimally aversive methods offered by the applied behavior analysis and animal behaviorist professions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Intermediate computer knowledge.
• Previous experience working with animals in shelters, vet offices, boarding/daycare, or other training facility required.
• Ability to apply proper animal handling skills and knowledge of individual animal temperament.
• Knowledge of Learning Theory is highly preferred.
• CPDT-KA certification is preferred but not required.

The position requires work outside, with exposure to extreme temperatures and rain. This position requires standing for long periods. It requires the ability to stoop, bend, reach, and lift items weighing up to 50 pounds to a level of 4 feet high, and the ability to handle dogs weighing up to 150 lbs. This position also requires exposure to loud noises.