Boston Adoption Center- Behavior Coordinator

About the role

The Behavior Coordinator will advise adoption center staff on facilitating appropriate matches for animals with challenging behavior. The Behavior Coordinator will also be responsible for creating and implementing behavior modification plans for dogs in the adoption center, and instructing adoption center staff on the creation of appropriate adoption recommendations. This position will lead training for our animal adoption staff and volunteers in animal behavior. The Behavior Coordinator will also provide advice and direction to staff on behavior related tasks in the adoption center, including but not limited to daily dog walking, low-stress handling for vaccines, administration of medication, and low-stress euthanasia. The Behavior Coordinator will provide pre-adoption counseling and hands-on training for prospective adopters, alongside post-adoption support to families who are struggling at home.

Qualifications

• CCPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, IAABC or other accredited professional dog training certification preferred, or 2 years equivalent experience training dogs under the supervision of a certified dog trainer and in accordance with the MSPCA training philosophy required
• Fear Free Certification within 6 months of hire or promotion date
• One year working or volunteering directly with animals, ideally of different species, sizes, and temperaments, under the supervision of a behavior professional
• One year working in animal welfare or related field
• One year training/behavior modification experience in accordance with the MSPCA's philosophies
• Excellent attention to details, as well as verbal and written communication skills
• Applicants must include a cover letter showcasing writing skills
• Organized, creative problem solver with fantastic people skills

Who we are

The MSPCA is one of the oldest and most venerable humane organizations in the world and the largest animal welfare organization in New England—caring for and placing over 11,000 animals annually across our four adoption centers. At our Boston Adoption Center, we care for over 2,000 animals each year with a 92% live release rate. The MSPCA also has the largest animal relocation program in New England—transporting thousands of cats and dogs from overpopulated animal shelters across the country to Massachusetts, where each animal receives medical care, enrichment, and behavior training prior to adoption. Our animal relocation network, combined with the MSPCA-Angell's veterinary and adoption center resources, works to protect the largest number of animals possible. We value our connections to communities and organizations, and serve as a resource to protect the largest number of animals possible.

Benefits

• BCBS health insurance, dental and life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid holidays, sick and vacation time
• Employee discounts for pet health care and pet food
• Free on-site parking
• Opportunity for continuing education both in animal welfare and in behavior sciences
• Work environment with a balance of independent work, collaboration with behavior team and management team, and working alongside animal care staff and volunteers