Dog Behavior & Enrichment Specialist - Shelter

City of Columbia SC; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Dental

Vision

Retirement

Deferred compensation plans

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Holidays

Vacation

Sick leave

Job summary

City of Columbia SC seeks a Behavior and Enrichment Coordinator to lead behavioral plans and enrichment for dogs in our shelter. You will develop and implement behavioral protocols, oversee play groups, and train kennel staff and volunteers.

The role requires physical activity and experience in shelter behavior/enrichment, with a commitment to humane care; you will work under supervision and contribute to shelter-wide programs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of shelter or related environment experience.
• Minimum 1 year of professional dog training or shelter behavior/enrichment experience.
• Experience with organized dog playgroups, preferably Dogs Playing for Life.
• Valid South Carolina Class D Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with management to create, update, and implement behavioral protocols for individual animals.
• Assist with training of kennel staff in animal handling and enrichment.
• Assist with training of volunteers in behavior and enrichment programs.
• Identify dogs that could benefit from rescue or foster placement rather than adoption.
• Oversee daily play groups for enrichment and ensure daily enrichment occurs.
• Create individualized enrichment plans and observe animals for kennel stress or behavioral decline.
• Maintain records, perform clerical duties, and participate in training and meetings.

Skills

Dog handling

Enrichment program development

Staff training

Volunteer training

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

South Carolina Class D Driver’s License

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

City of Columbia SC seeks a Behavior and Enrichment Coordinator to lead behavioral plans and enrichment for dogs in our shelter. You will develop and implement behavioral protocols, oversee play groups, and train kennel staff and volunteers.

The role requires physical activity and experience in shelter behavior/enrichment, with a commitment to humane care; you will work under supervision and contribute to shelter-wide programs.