Behavior Specialist

Summary:

Are you interested in companion animal behavior and want to learn more about providing high-quality care while optimizing welfare for animals in need? Do you thrive in a dynamic and complex environment, where colleagues from all skill levels work together to continually advance the animal behavior field? If so, the role of Behavior Specialist at the ASPCA’s Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC) might be right for you!

The Cruelty Recovery Center (CRC), located in Columbus, OH, is part of the Rehabilitation Services Group, which also includes the Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in Weaverville, NC, and the Recovery and Rehabilitation Center (R&R) in Pawling, NY. All three facilities provide opportunities for animals to heal after rescue. As they engage in hands‑on care, teams prioritize the elevation of our work through ongoing learning, advancing the animal welfare field through research, developing effective, efficient interventions, establishing new best practices and sharing innovations with other organizations nationwide through the ASPCA’s Learning Lab, ASPCApr o, publications, and professional and academic conferences.

At the CRC, a dedicated team of sheltering, veterinary and animal behavior staff work together to serve animals rescued in ASPCA national cruelty cases and disaster responses.

Behavior Specialists provide compassionate care for the dogs at the CRC 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 shelter animal behavior experts, all dedicated to collaborating with each other to provide balanced, holistic care to all dogs in the care of the CRC.

Ideal candidates for Behavior Specialist will have a keen understanding of applied animal behavior, a solid understanding of animal learning principles, strong low‑stress animal handling skills, and exceptional interpersonal skills, including experience successfully coaching people. Success will hinge on the ability to collaborate effectively with behavior, operations and veterinary teammates at the CRC, as well as staff in other departments across the organization.

• The Behavior Specialist reports directly to the Senior Manager, Shelter Animal Behavior and hasnodirect reports.

• This position reports to the CRC in Columbus, OH.
• Schedule will include at least one weekend day, and times available to work a flexible schedule when needed including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% of the time, as needed, is required for this position.

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 range this position is $28.80 - $31.02

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  benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer‑paid dental and optional vision coverage.
• Flexible time…