Behaviour & Animal Care Support Associate - Full Time

Calgary Humane Society; Calgary; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & dental benefits for employees

Vision coverage

RSP contributions

Paid vacation, sick time, wellness and

Birthday day off

Professional development

Adoption discounts

Employee assistance program

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Calgary Humane Society is seeking an entry-level Behaviour & Animal Care Support Associate to help implement animal behaviour and enrichment plans while maintaining high standards of daily care. The role focuses on executing training and behaviour support strategies under supervision.

You will develop skills in animal handling, observation, and behavioural support within a shelter environment, with opportunities for mentorship and career growth into specialised roles.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma.
• KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, or IAABC accreditation preferred.
• Minimum one year of professional, volunteer, or hands-on animal care experience.
• Genuine concern for animal welfare and commitment to humane, evidence-based training methods.
• Proficiency in interpreting and analyzing animal behaviour.
• Strong communication skills, including verbal and written communication.
• Public speaking confidence and conflict management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Flexibility to work overtime as required.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License with a clean abstract and three years of driving experience.
• Able to pass police information/criminal record check.

Responsibilities

• Carry out individualized behaviour and training plans as outlined by the Behaviour Team.
• Observe and document animal behaviour during training and enrichment sessions.
• Assist in preparing and delivering daily enrichment, mental stimulation, and stress reduction strategies for animals in care.
• Participate in Behaviour Rounds and shadow assessments to learn foundational behaviour concepts.
• Monitor signs of stress, fear, frustration, and success in training plans and escalate concerns.
• Support safe, low-stress handling practices under supervision.

Skills

Animal handling

Observation

Behaviour analysis

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma

Certifications: KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, IAABC preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Title:

Behaviour & Animal Care Support Associate – Full Time

37.5 hours per week

The Behaviour & Animal Care Support Associate is an entry-level position designed to support the implementation of animal behaviour and enrichment plans while maintaining high standards of daily care. With the primary focus on executing training and behaviour support strategies under the direction of the Behaviour Team, this role also supports general animal care responsibilities. It provides a guided pathway for individuals with limited experience to develop skills in animal handling, observation, and behavioural support within a shelter setting.

Key Responsibilities:

Behaviour Support (approx. 60%):

• Carry out individualized behaviour and training plans as outlined by the Behaviour Team, including clicker training, enrichment routines, kennel routines, and behaviour modification exercises.
• Observe and document animal behaviour during training and enrichment sessions, reporting progress and challenges through established systems.
• Assist in preparing and delivering daily enrichment, mental stimulation, and stress reduction strategies for animals in care.
• Participate in Behaviour Rounds and shadow assessments to learn foundational behaviour concepts.
• Monitor for signs of stress, fear, frustration, and success in training plans, escalating concerns to Behaviour staff.
• Support safe, low-stress handling practices under supervision, using desensitization and positive reinforcement methods as trained.

Animal Care (approx. 30%):

• Assist with daily cleaning, feeding, and monitoring of assigned kennels and animals, particularly for those on behaviour plans.
• Ensure kennels are set up with appropriate enrichment and that housing supports the behaviour and welfare needs of the animal.
• Support animal moves and transitions that intersect with behavioural goals (e.g., reducing fear during transfers).
• Communicate welfare observations with the Animal Care Team and Behaviour Team to support holistic animal support.

Learning & Development (approx. 10%):

• Participate in structured mentorship and training from both the Behaviour and Animal Care departments.
• Attend onboarding and ongoing training in animal body language, fear-free handling, enrichment planning, and behaviour theory.
• Build a foundational skillset that prepares for advancement into Behaviour Technician, Animal Care Specialist, or Foster Support roles.
• Engage in regular development check-ins with assigned Behaviour mentors.

Position Requirements:

• Minimum high school diploma.
• KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, or IAABC accreditation preferred.
• Minimum one year of professional, volunteer, or hands-on animal care experience (e.g., veterinary clinic, shelter, boarding facility).
• Genuine concern for animal welfare and commitment to humane, evidence-based training methods that prioritize animal well-being and minimize stress.
• Proficiency in interpreting and analyzing animal behaviour.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Public speaking confidence and strong conflict management skills.
• Demonstrated resiliency and ability to remain professional in stressful and emotionally challenging situations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Flexibility to work overtime as required.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License with a clean abstract and a minimum of three years of driving experience.
• Successful candidate must be able to pass/provide a police information or criminal record check at their own expense, arranged by CHS.

Physical Requirements:

• Comfortable handling various species, including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, rodents, and reptiles.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform repetitive motions such as sitting, standing, walking, reaching, lifting, squatting, bending, and pulling.

Salary:

• $36,367.50 per year, increased to $40,170.00 upon successful completion of the probationary period

What We Offer:

• 100% employer-paid health and dental benefits for employees and their eligible dependants.
• Vision coverage and a Wellness Spending Account.
• Employer-matched RSP contributions.
• Paid vacation, sick time, wellness days and flex days, plus a paid day off for your birthday.
• Professional development and career-growth opportunities.
• Discounts on CHS products and services, including adoption fees.
• Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program and reduced-rate counselling services.
• Free on-site parking.
• A meaningful, mission-driven workplace where your work directly supports animals and people in the community.

Our Commitment to Inclusion:

The people and families we serve are diverse, and Calgary Humane Society is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the community around us.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from people who have historically faced barriers to employment. We are committed to an accessible and equitable recruitment process, and accommodation is available at any stage upon request.