Animal Behavior and Health Technician

University of New Mexico Hospitals (UNMH); Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

PASADENA HUMANE seeks dedicated Health Technicians to join their Veterinary Health Department. In this role, you will work directly with animals, applying your knowledge of behavior and treatment methods while collaborating with veterinary teams to ensure each animal's needs are met. Ideal candidates will possess experience handling animals in shelters and a passion for improving the lives of animals in care.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in a medical and shelter environment.
• Knowledge of Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive training methods.
• Experience working directly with animals.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with veterinarians to address behavioral needs of animals.
• Support behavioral treatment to reduce fear and stress.
• Ensure animals are ready for adoption efficiently.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Defensive handling skills

Understanding of behaviors leading to aggression

Job description

Do you love animals? Did you know you could have an exciting, rewarding career helping animals living in shelters? PASADENA HUMANE is a donor-supported, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting humane treatment, compassion, and care for all animals. We’re looking for passionate professionals to join our team.

JOIN US!

OUR MISSION

To lead the way toward a compassionate and caring community for all animals.

OUR VISION

All companion animals to reside in loving homes and for our community to respectfully coexist with wildlife.

OUR VALUES

• LEARNING: We commit to best practice and professional development through continuous education.
• INTEGRITY: We value honest and transparent communication and decision making using evidence-based practices.
• COLLABORATION: We value teamwork within our organization and partnerships with our community to deliver exceptional service.
• KINDNESS: We show compassion, care, respect, and empathy to all animals and humans without prejudice or discrimination.

JOB TITLE: Health Technician, Behavior Technician

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FT/PT: Full Time

THE POSITION

PASADENA HUMANE is currently hiring Health Technicians with experience and certifications in animal behavior (IAABC, KPA, or CPDT-KA) in our Veterinary Health Department.

We seek professionals who learn quickly, possess strong interpersonal skills, and are passionate about our mission.

As a Behavior Specialist, you will partner with veterinarians to address the husbandry, medical, and behavioral needs of each animal, supporting behavioral treatment, reducing fear, anxiety, and stress, and maximizing placement opportunities. You will collaborate with teams including animal control officers, customer care associates, and volunteer services to ensure animals are ready for adoption as efficiently as possible.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 2 years of experience working directly with animals in a medical and shelter environment.
• Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to cooperate and contribute tangibly.
• Experience handling dogs safely, including defensive handling skills.
• Knowledge of Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) training methods and enrichment planning.
• Understanding of behaviors that may lead to aggression.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Fast-paced environment with exposure to numerous animals, including those with uncertain dispositions. Employees must act safely and responsibly.

The physical demands include frequently standing, walking, sitting, handling objects, reaching, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking, hearing, smelling, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.