Animal Behavior and Health Technician

Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animal welfare organization in Pasadena is seeking Health Technicians to enhance animal care through behavior modification and medical support. Applicants with animal behavior certifications and experience in challenging environments are encouraged to apply. This role requires collaboration with veterinarians and various teams to optimize placement opportunities for shelter animals. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong interpersonal and organizational skills while maintaining a commitment to the organization's mission.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience with animals in a medical/shelter environment.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Certification in animal behavior enhances development and application of skills.

Responsibilities

• Support behavioral treatment and address the health and behavioral needs of animals.
• Collaborate with veterinarians and various teams to ensure efficient animal placement.
• Handle animals safely and recognize behaviors that may lead to aggression.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Organizational Skills

Defensive Handling Skills

Knowledge of LIMA Training Methods

Behavior Recognition Skills

Education

Behavior Certification from CCPDT, IAABC, or Karen Pryor Academy

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 are looking for professionals who learn quickly, have strong interpersonal skills, and feel passionate about our mission.

As a Health Technician specializing in behavior, 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 multiple teams, including animal control officers, customer care associates (adoptions, the animal resource center, the SNiP clinic), and volunteer services, to ensure animals are available for placement 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, ability to learn quickly, and capability to elicit cooperation and contribute tangibly.
• Comfortable with a dynamic work environment where tasks and pace change daily, and collaboration yields the best results.
• If you hold a behavior certification from CCPDT, IAABC, or the Karen Pryor Academy, we can support your career development and application of your skills in behavior modification, enrichment plans, and shelter playgroup programs.
• Experience in handling dogs safely, including defensive handling skills, is required.
• Knowledge of Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) training methods and enrichment plans for shelter animals.
• Ability to recognize 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, and smelling. Occasionally, employees must lift/move up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, as well as focus adjustment.