Behavior Associate

Summary:

Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Behavior Associate at the ASPCA’s Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you!   

Who We Are 

The R&R Center is dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for dogs rescued from cruelty and neglect. The R&R Center works closely with other ASPCA sheltering and rehabilitation programs to maximize our capacity to care for these dogs and, when needed, to provide shelter and care for animals impacted by disasters and other emergencies. 

Beyond providing specialized care to help dogs overcome abuse, neglect, and disaster, the R&R Center partners across the ASPCA to bring learning opportunities to animal welfare professionals. By sharing what we learn about how to heal dogs’ psychological and physical wounds, we are able to have nation-wide impact. When you join us, you become part of this exciting and impactful work. 

In addition to their work as part of the R&R Center team Behavior Associates are part of the ASPCA’s larger Animal Behavior team, which includes the Behavioral Sciences Team (BST), the Learning Lab (LL), and the behavior teams at all other ASPCA sheltering facilities. Working within and across teams, ASPCA behavior staff share expertise, use aligned behavior practices, and help advance the ASPCA’s strategic priorities. 

What You’ll Do 

Behavior Associates attend the ASPCA’s paid Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship (SBA) that provides the foundations for a career in animal behavior. The SBA is a deep dive into the science of animal behavior and its application in shelter settings, alongside hands-on coaching from experienced behavior experts. Upon successful completion of SBA, Behavior Associates continue building skills and experience at the R&R Center. Behavior Associates who consistently demonstrate strong shelter behavior knowledge and application and collaborate effectively within and across teams are expected to move into the role of Behavior Specialist after approximately one year of on-the-job training.   

Behavior Associates & Specialists provide compassionate care for the dogs at the R&R Center by performing behavior evaluations, implementing behavior plans and protocols, providing socialization and enrichment, coaching others on safe handling, and maintaining clear records. 

They are part of a united team of shelter operations, shelter medicine and animal behavior experts, all dedicated to collaborating with each other to provide balanced, holistic care to all dogs in the care of the R&R. Ideal candidates for Behavior Associate will have a keen interest in the science of animal behavior, a passion for animal welfare, and exceptional interpersonal skills.    

• The Behavior Associate reports directly to the Senior Manager, Shelter Animal Behavior and has no direct reports. 

Where and When You’ll Work 

• This position reports to the R&R Center in Pawling, NY.   

• This position requires completion of the Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship which combines online and hands-on learning, and requires travel (more information is listed below).   

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed, is required for this position. Schedules are subject to change as needed by the ASPCA. 

• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time, as needed, is required for this position.  

What You’ll Get 

Compensation  

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.      

• The target hiring range for the initial Behavior Associate role is $31.25 - $32.69  hourly 

• The target range for promotion to Behavior Specialist is $34.92-$37.10 hourly 

Benefits  

At the ASPCA, you don’t have to choose between your passion and making a living. Our comprehensive benefits package helps ensure you can live a rewarding life at work and at home. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:  

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.  

• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays, and paid personal time off that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.  

• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar for dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.  

• Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field, and so much more.  

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.   

Responsibilities:

Responsibility buckets are listed in general order of importance. They include, but are not limited to:  

Functional Duties 

• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals and humans by using low-stress and defensive handling techniques     

• Carry out assigned behavior modification protocols, conducting and documenting treatment sessions, and providing data and observations to help inform intervention decisions    

• Assist with handling during behavior evaluations, playgroups, intake, cleaning, grooming, exercise, veterinary exams, adoption and transfer, and humane euthanasia as appropriate   

• Monitor behavioral health and communicate observations and concerns to appropriate staff members in a timely fashion   

• Support the organization’s research projects by collecting high-quality data as needed.  

• Deploy to support the ASPCA’s field work, handling animals and supporting forensic behavior evaluations as needed   

• Adhere to the Incident Command System (ICS) on deployment   

• Adhere to all behavioral, veterinary, and sheltering protocols set forth by the ASPCA   

Administrative and Operational Duties 

• Meticulously maintain behavioral health records, including but not limited to treatment notes, playgroup notes, and evaluations 

• Attend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings   

• Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses    

• Responsibly steward ASPCA assets   

Qualifications  

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving   

• Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus    

• Excellent written and oral communication skills   

• Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and/or behaviorally   

• Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice    

• Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress   

• Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas   

• Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand   

• Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others    

• Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others    

• Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions    

• Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same    

• Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly   

• Work takes place in a variety of environments and weather conditions, including indoor climate-controlled spaces and outdoors where surfaces may be wet or uneven and extreme heat, cold, or precipitation is possible    

• Work may occur in noisy environments    

• Work involves exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects    

• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and/or kneeling for extended periods of time   

• Ability to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies   

• Comfort and ability to handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations    

• Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties   

• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies 

Language 

• English (required) 

Education and Work Experience 

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience 

• Minimum of 6 months of hands-on experience working with dogs; equivalent volunteer experience may be considered 

• Experience working or volunteering in an animal shelter environment is preferred. 

• Demonstrated hands-on dog handling experience in one or more of the following settings: (1) Animal Shelter: At least 6 months in a full-time paid role, or At least 1 year in a part-time paid role, or At least 240 hours in an unpaid volunteer role (2) All Other Animal Care Settings: At least 1 year in a full-time paid role, or At least 2 years in a part-time paid role 

• Sofia Yin’s Low Stress Handling® University Silver-Level certification (approximately 18 hours) required within six months of hire    

• Fear Free Shelter certification is required within 60 days of hire 

• Must complete the Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship program required dates within 1 year of hire 

Additional Information - Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Requirements:   

• Actively participate in shelter behavior online, classroom and hands-on experiential learning activities throughout SBA 

• Practice application of acquired skills and knowledge in a busy animal shelter setting, with coaching and supervision by SBA staff   

• Perform basic handling of dogs and cats under the supervision of SBA staff   

• Demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills via periodic, practical learner assessments throughout SBA to assist Instructors in providing personalized coaching   

• Assist ASPCA facility staff as necessary, providing care for animals participating in SBA activities (e.g., cleaning, feeding, providing enrichment/exercise)   

• Provide periodic, practical feedback on the experience, activities, content and flow of SBA to help inform program improvement and iteration   

• Travel for up to 3 weeks at a time for learning activities at ASPCA facilities (all associated costs covered by the ASPCA)   

• Shelter Behavior Associates must complete the SBA program within 1 year of hire. SBA dates for this role are below (subject to change). Associates will typically work a Monday-Friday schedule most weeks only during SBA:      

• Learning Theory (February 10-11 Remote & February 15-19 in New York, NY) 

• Canine Essentials (March 10-11 Remote & March 15-26 in Methuen, MA) 

• Canine Arousal (April 14-15 Remote & April 18-24 in Pawling, NY) 

• Playgroup (May 12-13 Remote & May 16-22 in Pawling, NY) 

• Feline Essentials (Q4 2027, exact dates TBD) 

• Shy & Fearful Canines (Q4 2027, exact dates TBD) 

• While not participating in SBA program, Associates will have regular work schedules at the R&R Center in Pawling, NY   

Language:

English (Required)

Education and Work Experience:

High School Diploma, GED, or Equivalent Experience (Required)