Canine Behavior Evaluator – Main Shelter

Wayside Waifs, Inc.; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 25,485 - 26,863; Full time

Job summary

Wayside Waifs, Inc. in Kansas City, MO is seeking a Behavior Evaluator to test canines and enter data, delivering honest behavioral information to assess adoption suitability. The role emphasizes positive reinforcement education for volunteers, staff, adopters, and the public.

Responsibilities include coordinating behavior assessments for dogs 5 months+. You'll distinguish dogs needing extended assessment, ensure proper equipment, support adoptions and fostering, and work as part of CBC trainer

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• CPDT-KA or other positive reinforcement certification preferred.
• Dog handling experience, shelter handling preferred.

Responsibilities

• Carry out behavior assessments for all canines 5 months and older entering the shelter.
• Differentiate dogs ready for adoption from those needing extended assessment.
• Ensure signage, equipment, and directives accompany each dog when needed.
• Provide behavior recommendations to staff and volunteers as required.
• Support admissions with safety-focused notes and behavior at intake.
• Monitor dogs and adjust enrichment and support protocols as needed.
• Communicate daily updates of behavior-cleared dogs to relevant departments.
• Assist adoptions and fosters with behavior consults and meet-and-greet guidance.
• Collaborate with CBC Trainers on graduates and maintenance plans.
• Teach volunteer training classes as assigned.

Skills

Canine behavior

Dog handling

Teamwork

Public speaking

Customer service

Volunteer training

Education

High School diploma or GED

CPDT-KA certification

Shelter handling experience

Job description

Overview

Base hourly rate: $18.50

Spanish-speaking differential: Additional $1.00 per hour for employees who demonstrate and maintain Spanish language proficiency and are willing to use this skill for Wayside Waifs' business purposes.

Position Summary

The Behavior Evaluator is responsible for behaviorally testing all canines and entering test data in a timely manner. An important aspect of the job is to provide honest, objective behavioral information when evaluating an animal’s mental welfare and to help determine if the animal is a good adoption candidate. Other responsibilities include monitoring and creating strategies for maintaining graduates of Wayside Waifs Canine Behavior Center, and also ensuring our more challenging canine population have current directives and are monitored for signs of stress or regression. The Behavior Evaluator will help educate volunteers, fellow staff members, potential adopters, and the public by promoting positive reinforcement and displaying proper dog handling techniques.

Primary Accountabilities

• Work within a team to ensure a thorough behavior assessment is completed on all canines 5 months and older entering the shelter.


• Distinguish between floor ready canines and canines who may require an extended assessment period or behavior modification.


• Ensure each dog has proper signage, walking equipment, and walking directives when needed.


• Make recommendations to staff and volunteers regarding canine behavior issues when necessary.


• Support the admissions department with canines that pose a safety concern at intake, including entering notes gathered from surrendering or finding parties and notes about behavior on intake.


• Monitor the behavior of all dogs in the main building and adjust enrichment and support protocols as needed.


• Communicate daily updates of dogs cleared behaviorally to appropriate departments to ensure the best flow through the shelter.


• Provide support for adoptions and foster departments through behavior consults, meet and greet assistance, and further training/management recommendations for designated dogs.


• Maintain open communication with CBC Trainers about graduates of the CBC, and collaborate on behavior maintenance plans and best practices.


• Teach volunteer training classes as assigned.


• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions/Key Competencies

• Thorough understanding of canine behavior and body language, especially in a shelter environment


• Ability to use safe and humane dog handling techniques for both fearful, high arousal dogs and potentially aggressive dogs


• Ability to work within a team setting as well as independently, and provide and accept feedback in the moment


• Strong customer service background


• Ability to work with and train volunteers


• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast paced environment


• Ability to work under pressure


• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing


• Strong public speaking skills


• Ability to work in an emotionally charged environment, and have challenging conversations effectively and appropriately


• Understanding of humane euthanasia for medical and behavioral reasons as a component of responsible animal sheltering and the ability to cope with the associate stress in a professional manner

Position Requirements

Education

• High School diploma or GED


• CPDT- KA or other positive reinforcement-based certification preferred


• Dog handling experience required; shelter handling preferred; handling of dogs other than your own dogs preferred

Physical

• Ability to lift 50lbs


• Significant amount of standing and squatting during a typical day, exposure to fumes, animal smells, and airborne particles


• Noise level is moderate to high


• Exposure to animal waste


• Potential to be scratched or bitten