Behavior Associate, Recovery & Rehabilitation Center

ASPCA; Town of Pawling (NY); On-site; USD 43,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan (401k)

Job summary

The ASPCA’s Recovery & Rehabilitation Center in Pawling, NY seeks a Behavior Associate to contribute to dog behavioral care, evaluation, and enrichment. You will participate in the Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship (SBA) and advance toward a Behavior Specialist role with on-the-job training across shelter teams.

The role requires flexible scheduling, travel up to 20%, and collaboration within the Animal Behavior team to improve welfare and outcomes for rescued dogs.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English is required.
• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent experience.
• Experience with MS Word, Excel; Salesforce a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, low-stress handling for dogs.
• Document treatment sessions and observations.
• Assist with behavior evaluations, playgroups, intake, grooming, and veterinary exams.
• Maintain behavioral health records accurately.
• Support ASPCA field work and shelter operations.

Skills

English fluency

Strong communication

Driver's license

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Salesforce

Job description

Summary:

Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Behavior Associate at the ASPCA’s Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you!

Who We Are

The R&R Center is dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for dogs rescued from cruelty and neglect. The R&R Center works closely with other ASPCA sheltering and rehabilitation programs to maximize our capacity to care for these dogs and, when needed, to provide shelter and care for animals impacted by disasters and other emergencies. Beyond providing specialized care to help dogs overcome abuse, neglect, and disaster, the R&R Center partners across the ASPCA to bring learning opportunities to animal welfare professionals. By sharing what we learn about how to heal dogs’ psychological and physical wounds, we are able to have nation-wide impact. When you join us, you become part of this exciting and impactful work. In addition to their work as part of the R&R Center team Behavior Associates are part of the ASPCA’s larger Animal Behavior team, which includes the Behavioral Sciences Team (BST), the Learning Lab (LL), and the behavior teams at all other ASPCA sheltering facilities. Working within and across teams, ASPCA behavior staff share expertise, use aligned behavior practices, and help advance the ASPCA’s strategic priorities.

What You’ll Do

Behavior Associates attend the ASPCA’s paid Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship (SBA) that provides the foundations for a career in animal behavior. The SBA is a deep dive into the science of animal behavior and its application in shelter settings, alongside hands‑on coaching from experienced behavior experts. Upon successful completion of SBA, Behavior Associatescontinuebuilding skills and experience at the R&R Center. Behavior Associates whoconsistentlydemonstratestrong shelter behavior knowledge and application and collaborate effectively within and across teams are expected to moveintothe role of Behavior Specialist after approximately one year of on‑the‑job training.

Behavior Associates & Specialists provide compassionate care for the dogs at the R&R Center by performing behavior evaluations, implementing behavior plans and protocols, providing socialization and enrichment, coaching others on safe handling, and maintaining clear records. They are part of a united team of shelter operations, sheltermedicineand animal behavior experts, all dedicated to collaborating with each other to providebalanced,holistic care to all dogs in the care of the R&R.

Ideal candidates for Behavior Associate will have a keen interest in the science of animal behavior, a passion for animal welfare, and exceptional interpersonal skills.

Behavior Associate reports directly to the Senior Manager, Shelter Animal Behavior and has no direct reports.

Where and When You’ll Work

This position reports to the R&R Center in Pawling, NY. This position requires completion of the Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship which combines online and hands‑onlearning, andrequires travel (more information is listed below). Ability toworka flexible schedule including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed, isrequiredfor this position.Schedules are subject to change as needed by the ASPCA.Ability and willingness to travel up to20%of the time, as needed, isrequiredfor this position.

What You’ll Get

Compensation Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is fornew hireoffers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may bemodifiedin the future. The target hiring range for theinitialBehavior Associate role is $31.25 - $32.69hourly The target range for promotion to Behavior Specialist is $34.92-$37.10 hourly

Benefits

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer‑paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time offthat includes vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays, and paid personal time off that allows you even more flexibility toobservethe days that mean the most to you.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savingsincluding a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollarfor dollarup to 4% and provide anadditional 4% contribution toward your future each year.
• Robust professional development opportunitiesincluding classes, on‑the‑job training, coaching and mentorship with industry‑leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field, and so much more.
• For more information on our benefits offerings,visit our website.

Responsibilities:

Functional Duties

• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals and humans by using low‑stress and defensive handling techniques
• Carry out assigned behavior modification protocols, conducting and documenting treatment sessions, and providing data and observations to help inform intervention decisions
• Assistwith handling during behavior evaluations, playgroups, intake, cleaning, grooming, exercise, veterinary exams, adoption and transfer, and humane euthanasia as appropriate
• Monitor behavioral health and communicate observations and concerns toappropriate staffmembers ina timelyfashion
• Support the organization’s research projects by collecting high‑quality data as needed.
• Deployto support the ASPCA’s field work, handling animals and supporting forensic behavior evaluations as needed
• Adhere to the Incident Command System (ICS) on deployment
• Adhere to all behavioral, veterinary, and sheltering protocols set forth by the ASPCA

Administrative and Operational Duties

• Meticulously maintain behavioral health records, including but not limited to treatment notes, playgroup notes, and evaluations
• Attend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings
• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work‑related travel expenses
• Responsibly steward ASPCA assets

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving
• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Able to regularlywitnessanimals suffering medically and/or behaviorally
• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice
• Displays concern for the safety and well‑being of self,animalsand others, especially under stress
• Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas
• Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand
• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, andexpertisewith others
• Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, andexpertiseof others
• Proactively problem‑solves and takesappropriate initiativeto implement solutions
• Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same
• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly
• Work takes place in a variety of environments and weather conditions, including indoor climate‑controlled spaces and outdoors where surfaces may be wet or uneven and extreme heat, cold, or precipitation is possible
• Work may occur in noisy environments
• Work involves exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds withassistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies
• Comfort and ability to handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations
• Ability to wearappropriate PersonalProtective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties
• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies
• Language English (required)
• Education and Work Experience High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 6 months of hands‑on experience working with dogs; equivalent volunteer experience may be considered
• Experience working or volunteering in an animal shelter environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated hands‑on dog‑handling experience in one or more of the following settings: (1) Animal Shelter: At least 6 months in a full‑time paid role, or At least 1 year in a part‑time paid role, or At least 240 hours in an unpaid volunteer role (2) All Other Animal Care Settings: At least 1 year in a full‑time paid role, or At least 2 years in a part‑time paid role
• Sofia Yin’s Low Stress Handling® University Silver‑Level certification (approximately 18 hours)requiredwithin six months of hire
• Fear Free Shelter certification is required within 60 days of hire
• Must complete the Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship programrequireddateswithin 1 year of hire
• Additional Information - Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Requirements:
• Activelyparticipatein shelter behavior online, classroom and hands‑on experiential learning activities throughout SBA
• Practice application ofacquiredskills and knowledge in a busy animal shelter setting, with coaching and supervision by SBA staff
• Perform basic handling of dogs and cats under the supervision of SBA staff
• Demonstrateacquiredknowledge and skills via periodic, practical learner assessments throughout SBAtoassistInstructors in providing personalized coaching
• Assist ASPCA facility staff as necessary, providing care for animalsparticipatingin SBA activities (e.g., cleaning, feeding, providing enrichment/exercise)
• Provide periodic, practical feedback on the experience, activities,contentand flow of SBAto help inform program improvement and iteration
• Travel for up to 3 weeksat a time for learning activities at ASPCA facilities (all associated costs covered by the ASPCA)
• Shelter Behavior Associates must complete the SBA program within 1 year of hire. SBA dates for this role are below (subject to change). Associates will typically work a Monday‑Friday schedule most weeks only during SBA:
• Learning Theory (February 10-11 Remote & February 15-19 in New York, NY)
• Canine Essentials (March 10-11 Remote & March 15-26 in Methuen, MA)
• Canine Arousal (April 14-15 Remote & April 18-24 in Pawling, NY)
• Playgroup (May 12-13 Remote & May 16-22 in Pawling, NY)
• Feline Essentials (Q4 2027, exact dates TBD)
• Shy & Fearful Canines (Q4 2027, exact dates TBD)
• Language English (Required)
• Education and Work Experience: High School Diploma, GED, or Equivalent Experience (Required)

The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not‑for‑profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full‑service animal hospital, spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers. The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on‑the‑ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA’s vision – that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.