East Bay SPCA’s Behavior & Training department is a flagship shelter behavior program that works to keep animals in homes and to foster the human-animal bond by providing high-quality behavior assistance and educational resources both externally to the community and internally to shelter staff and volunteers. The Behavior & Training department is responsible for the behavioral health of the animals at East Bay SPCA and conducts behavior evaluations, enrichment programs, behavior modification, adoption and foster support, and staff and volunteer trainings. You can find more information about EBSPCA and our programs on our website at www.eastbayspca.org.

The Behavior Animal Care Coordinator (BACC) is a hybrid role that encompasses responsibilities for both the Animal Care and Behavior and Training teams and assists with the behavior-related tasks pertinent to the daily care of shelter animals. In addition to providing excellent care for the shelter animals (intake, behavior evaluations, vet treatments, feeding and cleaning, adoption services, etc), this role will assist the Behavior and Training team with secondary behavior evaluations, pathway planning, behavior modification plans, play groups, counseling adopters on behavior cases, and post-adoption support.

East Bay SPCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to the welfare of dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs by enriching the human-animal bond through respected and accessible expertise. Established in 1874, East Bay SPCA has a long history of compassionate care and receives no funding from any national organizations. You can find more information about East Bay SPCA on our website at www.eastbayspca.org.

Category: Full-time; Non-exempt

Location: Oakland

Reports to: Behavior & Training Manager

Benefits: East Bay SPCA offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and future of our employees. Medical and dental benefits are fully covered, along with optional vision coverage. Employees can plan for their future with a 401(K) Retirement Plan featuring a 3% company contribution, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. The company also provides generous paid time off, starting at 120 hours per year, increasing to 160 hours after 5 years, and 200 hours after 10 years, plus 80 paid holiday hours annually and an additional personal holiday after one year. Employees enjoy extra perks such as the Pets at Work Program, waived pet adoption fees, discounted veterinary care, behavior and training classes, up to $75/month public transit/vanpool commuter reimbursement, and various industry discounts, including Pet Food Express.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform initial behavioral evaluations of dogs and cats received by East Bay SPCA, including overall health and behavior evaluations of possible owner surrender animals.
• Assist in conducting secondary behavior evaluations with animals enrolled in behavior modification programs as well as long term animals to assess continued adoptability.
• Observe and document dog and cat behavior and health concerns and report to appropriate staff.
• Deliver excellent customer service, at all times, including while facilitating and processing adoptions, returns, surrenders, and during other client interactions whether from telephone/e-mail inquiries or in person for patrons visiting our facility.
• Work with potential adopters to identify suitable matches between families and animals and assist with all inquiries throughout the adoption process, including counseling potential adopters on behavior cases and their needs.
• Conduct dog meets with shelter dogs and potential adopters’ dogs to determine suitability of placement.
• Conduct return interviews to gather and document relevant behavior information.
• Assist in providing training to staff and volunteers about animal handling, behavior evaluations, and enrichment delivery
• Enter plans, notes and other necessary information into our online tracking systems and shelter software programs.
• Assist with regular playgroups for dogs in our care.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Initiate and maintain animal records (paper and electronic) in an organized, systematic manner.
• Provide feedback to supervisory staff regarding animal plans and potential pathway.
• Administer vaccines, treatments, medications, and perform antibody/antigen tests as needed using low stress handling techniques.
• Perform preliminary physical examinations for cats and dogs received by East Bay SPCA which includes properly completing necessary paperwork.
• Perform routine, animal husbandry (diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, housebreaking) for all shelter animals, including behavior cases.
• Assist with answering phone calls and replying to e-mail inquiries, as needed.

Qualifications

• Animal care knowledge of domestic animals including breeds, behavior, appropriate care and housing, common health problems, disease symptoms, and handling techniques.
• Minimum one year experience working with animals. Experience in an animal shelter setting preferred.
• Familiarity with positive reinforcement training techniques and Fear Free handling strategies strongly preferred.
• Must be competent handling dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, and temperaments. Requires the ability to leash, walk, and maintain control over large and extra-large dogs, which can include dogs 90 pounds and over.
• Competent in basic veterinary techniques/procedures, such as venipuncture and administering vaccinations and oral medications strongly preferred.
• Proven organizational skills and effective communication.
• Excellent animal behavior observation skills and notetaking.
• Comfortable and competent in handling animals with a wide range of behaviors, including fractious or fearful animals.
• Ability to work well as part of a cross-functional team, as well as independently.
• Ability to multi-task and thrive in an active, dynamic environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with Shelter Buddy shelter software and Trello digital communication system desired.
• Treats all animals humanely, with compassion and concern, both on and off the job.
• Reliable transportation required. A valid CA driver’s license and evidence of insurability strongly desired.
• Multilingual fluency preferred.
• Pre-employment background check and drug screening clearance required.
• High school graduate or equivalent.