Behavior & Training Lead

East Bay Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 33,062 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits fully covered

401(k) plan with 3% company contribution

Paid time off starting at 120 hours per year

Job summary

East Bay Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals is seeking a Behavior & Training Lead at their Oakland Adoption Center. The successful candidate will provide behavioral care, implement training plans, and train staff and volunteers to improve the quality of life for animals in our care.

This position requires strong interpersonal skills, experience in positive reinforcement training, and the ability to handle a variety of animal behaviors. The role is full-time, with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year working in an animal shelter, preferably in a behavior position.
• Experience with humane training tools required.
• One year of supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent behavioral care for cats and dogs to improve adoptability.
• Implement training plans for animals to enhance quality of life.
• Train staff and volunteers in behavior evaluation techniques.
• Oversee behavior volunteer program and coordinate with volunteers.

Skills

Positive reinforcement methods

Behavior evaluation skills

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Leadership

Organizational skills

Education

CPDT-KA, CTC, KPA-CTP or equivalent credentials

California State Euthanasia Certification (or ability to obtain)

Job description

Job Overview

Job Details: Behavior & Training Lead
Location: Oakland Adoption Center - Oakland, CA 94621 (primary site), work at Dublin campus as needed
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $24.00 - $26.00 Hourly
Reports to: Behavior & Training Manager
Category: Full-time; Non-exempt

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent behavioral care for cats and dogs to reduce stress, maintain behavioral health, and improve adoptability.
• Work closely with Animal Care staff to maintain consistently high-quality evaluations, efficiently identify animals’ needs, and create pathway plans to meet those needs.
• Create and implement training plans for animals to improve quality of life and adoptability.
• Conduct secondary behavior evaluations with animals enrolled in behavior modification programs and long-term animals to assess continued adoptability.
• Provide training to staff and volunteers about animal handling, behavior evaluation and modification techniques, and other behavior tasks.
• Provide information regarding animal adoptability and discuss euthanasia outcomes when appropriate.
• Assist in onboarding, training, and day-to-day supervision of Shelter Behavior Coordinator (SBC). Recognize opportunities to assist SBC in their growth in the organization.
• Communicate SBC questions and concerns to supervisors, participate in problem solving, and provide input for performance reviews.
• Oversee and continually develop specialized behavior volunteer program including delivering trainings, continuing education, and performance feedback.
• Coordinate with volunteers to improve handling skills, provide consistent handling for animals in our care, and implement training plans.
• Create plans for animals going into foster care and communicate with foster volunteers to provide ongoing behavior support.
• Coordinate and implement regular playgroups for dogs in our care.
• Enter plans, notes and other necessary information in Trello, our online tracking and volunteer communication system.
• Enter necessary information in Shelter Buddy, our shelter software program.
• Maintain and update behavior evaluation processes to be in line with best practices within the industry.
• Assist in internal behavior and training program development.
• Track data to evaluate performance of internal behavior programs. Work closely with Manager to ensure behavior programs are meeting departmental goals.
• Provide information and education to staff, volunteers, and the public on behavior issues based on departmental guidelines.
• Provide client education and support as needed.
• Provide post-adoption support for behavior cases by conducting post‑adoption check‑in calls, helpline calls, and private training sessions for adopters.
• Document and appropriately report on animal behavior and health concerns.
• Provide support to other behavior department positions.
• Occasionally perform humane euthanasia in accordance with established laws and East Bay SPCA policy; ensure timely and accurate maintenance of euthanasia records.
• Provide support for Transfer & Relocation Specialist.
• Create and provide or oversee the delivery of daily enrichment to felines and canines in our care.
• Participate in the daily feeding, cleaning and care of the animals when staffing calls for assistance.

Qualifications

• CPDT‑KA, CTC, KPA‑CTP or equivalent credentials required.
• Minimum of one year working in an animal shelter, preferably in a behavior position.
• Experience in the use of positive reinforcement methods, including appropriate use of humane training tools is required.
• One year of supervisory experience preferred.
• Requires well‑developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people of varying backgrounds and cultures by adapting style and tactics to fit the audience.
• Must be proficient speaking with members of the public, in front of groups, over the telephone, and communicating via email.
• Proven organizational skills and effective communication.
• Excellent animal behavior observation skills and notetaking.
• Ability to work well as part of a cross‑functional team, as well as independently.
• Comfortable overseeing, training, and supporting other staff members and volunteers.
• Competent in behavior evaluations, both feline and canine.
• Comfortable and competent in handling animals with a wide range of behaviors, including fractious or fearful animals.
• Familiar with considerate approach and low‑stress handling techniques.
• Must have California State Euthanasia Certification, or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.
• Pre‑employment background check and drug screening required.
• Must have a clean driver’s license and reliable transportation (position works at both our Oakland and Dublin facilities as needed).

Benefits

• Medical and dental benefits fully covered, with optional vision coverage.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 3% company contribution.
• Life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off starting at 120 hours per year, increasing to 160 hours after 5 years and 200 hours after 10 years; 80 paid holiday hours annually plus an additional personal holiday after one year.
• Waived pet adoption fees, discounted veterinary care, behavior and training classes, up to $75/month public transit/van‑pool reimbursement.

Working Conditions

• Work performed primarily in an animal shelter environment with exposure to detergents, cleaning products, wet and humid environments, and seasonal outdoor conditions.
• Competent handling of dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, and temperaments; able to leash, walk, and maintain control of large and extra‑large dogs (including those over 90 pounds).
• Weekend work required; must be available for evenings, holidays, and occasional overtime as needed.
• Possible animal contact and associated injuries, including bites and scratches.
• Noise exposure from uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations.
• Exposure to animal waste, smells, and visual hazards.
• Frequent handling of industrial cleaning supplies.
• Frequent walking, bending, and stooping in kennel areas.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 30 lbs. alone and >50 lbs. with assistance, if necessary.