Part-Time Shelter Behavior & Training Specialist

Humane Society of Sonoma County; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Humane Society of Sonoma County in Petaluma, CA seeks a Part-Time Shelter Behavior Specialist to provide hands-on behavioral support, assessments, and interventions for shelter animals. You will train staff and volunteers, support adoption and foster efforts, and guide transfers between campuses as needed.

The role focuses on canine and feline behavior health, welfare, and humane handling, with supervision by the Shelter Behavior Manager. Part-time, on-site position.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of animal behavior, training techniques, and humane handling methods.
• Strong animal handling skills and ability to read animal body language.
• Professional certifications in animal behavior are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts initial behavior assessments and reassessments for shelter animals.
• Writes detailed adoption recommendations to support appropriate placements.
• Implements behavior modification plans and provides enrichment, training, and socialization.

Skills

Animal behavior knowledge

Training techniques

Handling skills

Observation & documentation

Education

Professional certification (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CDBC, or equivalent)

Job description

Humane Society of Sonoma County in Petaluma, CA seeks a Part-Time Shelter Behavior Specialist to provide hands-on behavioral support, assessments, and interventions for shelter animals. You will train staff and volunteers, support adoption and foster efforts, and guide transfers between campuses as needed.

The role focuses on canine and feline behavior health, welfare, and humane handling, with supervision by the Shelter Behavior Manager. Part-time, on-site position.