Head of Animal Behavior & Enrichment

Washington Humane Society; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 43,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) seeks a Behavior & Enrichment Lead to guide animal behavior and enrichment initiatives, ensuring welfare, safety, and successful placements. The role provides behavior support, training resources, and consultations to staff, volunteers, fosters, and the community, aiming to reduce returns and relinquishments.

The position oversees daily animal care, supervises staff and volunteers, conducts intake assessments, and ensures all practices align with force-free,

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of canine and feline behavior and enrichment strategies.
• Familiarity with safe handling, restraint, and general animal care practices.
• Proficiency in behavior modification techniques using force-free, science-based methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including clear documentation and behavior reporting.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict-resolution skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office, email, internet, and shelter software (e.g., PetPoint).
• Ability to train, coach, and deliver educational content to staff, volunteers, and community members.
• Ability to troubleshoot concerns and provide leadership support when supervisors/managers are unavailable.

Responsibilities

• Always represent HRA in a professional and courteous manner, providing quality service to the public, volunteers, and employees.
• Supervise/delegate animal care tasks to ensure effective completion within SOPs and best practices.
• Maintain an accurate euthanasia list and schedule for timely euthanasia.
• Provide behavior support, training resources, and consultations to reduce returns and relinquishments.
• Conduct revenue-generating behavioral consultations as determined by leadership.
• Conduct intake interviews for canines and felines with behavior concerns.
• Coach and train staff through onboarding and professional development.
• Develop advanced volunteer training programs and related protocols.
• Design and provide enrichment and behavioral interventions for shelter animals.
• Design, implement, and evaluate daily enrichment and behavior programs.

Skills

Behavior knowledge

Safe handling

Force-free methods

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Training ability

PetPoint software

Tools

PetPoint

Job description

Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) seeks a Behavior & Enrichment Lead to guide animal behavior and enrichment initiatives, ensuring welfare, safety, and successful placements. The role provides behavior support, training resources, and consultations to staff, volunteers, fosters, and the community, aiming to reduce returns and relinquishments.

The position oversees daily animal care, supervises staff and volunteers, conducts intake assessments, and ensures all practices align with force-free,