Shelter Animal Behavior Specialist

Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt Lake County is seeking an Animal Behavior Specialist to conduct behavioral assessments and develop training plans to improve adoptability of shelter dogs. You will mentor staff and volunteers, provide guidance to adopters and fosters, and maintain detailed records in the shelter database to ensure effective behavior programs.

The role emphasizes compassionate animal handling, daily enrichment, and collaboration with a team dedicated to serving the community.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in a customer service environment.
• Experience with small domestic animals, livestock, and exotic animals preferred.
• Must receive a verified negative drug test before starting.

Responsibilities

• Conducts behavioral assessments on impounded dogs based on shelter protocol.
• Creates behavior modification and training plans for dogs with behavioral challenges and follows up with staff and volunteers.
• Ensures daily enrichment is provided for all animals in the shelter.
• Provides instruction to adopters and fosters of dogs to increase awareness of behavior.
• Tracks and maintains detailed documentation of assessments and progress in the shelter database.

Skills

Customer service

Animal handling

Communication

Job description

Salt Lake County is seeking an Animal Behavior Specialist to conduct behavioral assessments and develop training plans to improve adoptability of shelter dogs. You will mentor staff and volunteers, provide guidance to adopters and fosters, and maintain detailed records in the shelter database to ensure effective behavior programs.

The role emphasizes compassionate animal handling, daily enrichment, and collaboration with a team dedicated to serving the community.