Canine Behavior Coordinator

## Overview **EXAMPLES OF DUTIES** - Provides both mental and physical enrichment to the dogs in KCAS’ care, including leading playgroups and behavioral assessments, providing behavioral and environmental enrichment, socialization, and behavior modification. - Maintains accurate, objective, and thorough records. - Maintains equipment, building, and grounds in a clean and orderly condition and reports needed repairs to the supervisor. - Work collaboratively with leadership on creating and implementing enrichment strategy. - Lead playgroups daily: learn safe management techniques for monitoring play sessions and coach Shelter Technicians through the process including safety tools and protocols. - Work with shelter staff and volunteers to identify particular animals that may need ongoing behavioral support to ensure safety for staff, volunteers, and the public. - Collaborate with and offer support to other departments to ensure animals’ success and team safety. - Provide post-adoption support for Kenton County residents who are encountering difficult in-home behaviors from adopted dogs. - Create and implement an assessment plan in collaboration with leadership to ensure all canines are assessed for behavior before being eligible for adoption. - Clean up after animals as needed. This includes picking up after dogs during walks, spot cleaning kennels as needed, and cleaning of the play yard and all enrichment supplies. - Remain proactive and enthusiastic on continuing education on animal behavior and industry best practices. - Regularly document animals’ progression throughout the stay by keeping accurate written records to identify what was done each day for each animal and to monitor progress. - Record training session in Shelter Buddy. - Update records as new information becomes available. - Participate in regular team meetings to discuss animals’ behavioral status and overall prognosis in shelter and out. - Uses suitable equipment and discretion to safely handle animals as needed. - Assists in answering in-person and phone inquiries and solving problems as necessary. - Assists with the intake of difficult animals, including administering vaccinations and other routine medical treatments. - Assists the Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) with administering medications and performing blood-draws for difficult animals. - May assist with euthanasia for incurable and unadoptable animals when all other resources have been utilized. - Assist in shelter as available and as needed. - Other tasks/duties as needed. **DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES** - Ability to make sound judgments and work independently in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle competing tasks and demands. - Ability to foster a cooperative, encouraging and positive work environment with staff and volunteers. - Flexibility with daily tasks as well as hours depending on operational needs. - Must be able to handle all types and breeds of dogs with varying behaviors and energy levels, including those showing fearful and aggressive behaviors. - Basic knowledge of learning theory and positive reinforcement/reward-based training. - Strong understanding of canine body language and behavior. - Basic knowledge on how to utilize appropriate training tools to assist in behavior modification. - Knowledge and use of exceptional customer service techniques. - Knowledge of safe work practices and ability to apply them in work day situations. - Ability to work effectively on a daily basis with limited supervision. - Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. - Ability to comprehend basic written or verbal directives and perform directed tasks. - Work efficiently in high demand, stressful situations. - Ability to multitask effectively. - Basic math, reading and writing skills. **DESIRABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE** ● Graduate of a standard high school or equivalent. ● Experience in canine handling, ideally in a shelter environment. The above…