Canine Behavior Specialist

Schedule

Friday – Tuesday, 10 AM – 6:30 PM with Wednesday and Thursday off.

About the organization

ACC is one of the nation’s largest open‑admission animal shelters, whose mission is to End Animal Homelessness in NYC. We touch the lives of nearly 20,000 animals each year. ACC is more than an animal shelter; we are a resource to the community, always seeking ways to keep the human‑animal bond intact. With a 90 % placement rate, our progressive, life‑saving initiatives contribute to the successful placement of our animals. We strive to find loving homes for homeless and abandoned cats, dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits, both by adopting animals directly to the public and by partnering with more than 200 dedicated animal placement organizations (our New Hope partners). We also help keep NYC communities safe and rescue animals in need, responding to emergencies that involve animals as well as keeping our doors open 24/7 for people and animals in need.

Summary

The Canine Behavior Specialist provides behavioral enrichment to the dogs in Animal Care Centers of New York City’s (ACC) care, including assisting with playgroups and behavioral assessments, providing exercise, behavioral and environmental enrichment, socialization, and basic training.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 6 months previous experience interacting with and caring for dogs in a private or shelter setting.
• Ability to handle all types and breeds of canines with varying behaviors and energy levels, including those showing fearful and aggressive behaviors.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Fear Free certification required within 30 days of hire.

Benefits

• Generous paid‑time‑off (PTO) package that includes vacation time, birthdays off, personal days and sick pay.
• Open‑access Cigna medical, dental, and vision insurance at a low premium.
• 401(k) and pension plans.
• Life insurance.
• On‑the‑job training for 2‑4 weeks and periodic all‑staff trainings (safety, DEI, cross‑training, and other growth opportunities).
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct individual socialization sessions with specific dogs and record observed behaviors.
• Support the enrichment program by distributing enrichment items.
• Aid specialized behavior roles in daily responsibilities, including behavioral assessments, playgroup, and training assistance.

Other Responsibilities

• Work with the Behavior and Enrichment Supervisor to maintain and support programs that provide behavioral and environmental enrichment, exercise, socialization, and care for dogs housed at ACC.
• Participate in daily playgroups: run dogs to the yard and apply safe management techniques for monitoring play sessions.
• Implement enrichment plans for dogs at the care centers.
• Teach basic manners during exercise and in the kennel as appropriate.
• Collaborate with behavior staff, animal care staff, and volunteers to identify animals that are shy, long‑term residents, or need special attention.
• Assist with canine handling evaluations as needed.
• Monitor and communicate behavior and body language during assessments to ensure assessor safety.
• Keep accurate written records of daily activities for each animal and update observation logs as new information becomes available.
• Clean up after animals, including picking up after dogs during walks, spot‑cleaning kennels, and cleaning the play yard and enrichment supplies.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity and strong understanding of canine body language and experience working in playgroup settings.
• Ability to make sound judgments and work independently in a fast‑paced environment while juggling multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Ability to foster a cooperative, encouraging, and positive work environment with staff and volunteers.
• Flexibility with daily tasks and hours depending on operational needs.
• Ability to remain pleasant, calm, and objective in all situations.

Work Environment

ACC operates with an all‑hands‑on‑deck approach. Staff may be asked to work outdoors in all weather conditions and inside a noisy, busy shelter environment. Employees must remain calm yet professional in stressful situations involving animals or members of the public. The facility houses hundreds of animals, resulting in abundant fur, odors, and airborne particles.

Reports To

Behavior and Enrichment Supervisor

Overtime

This is a non‑union position and is eligible for overtime.