Methuen Adoption Center - Behavior Specialist

Posting Details

• Posted on February 27, 2026

Methuen ACAC, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844, USA

• Rate: $22 USD per hour
• Animal Shelter
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: METHU
  003979
• Match Score:

This is a full time 40 hour a week position.

The pay range is $22.00-$26.00 per hour, dependent on skill level and experience.

THE POSITION:

We have an exciting opportunity at our Methuen Animal Care and Adoption Center for an Behavior Specialist
. The Behavior Specialist will work closely with our shelter team to ensure the behavioral wellbeing of animals in our adoption center. This position plays a vital role in supporting animal welfare, increasing adoptability, and setting both animals and adopters up for long‑term success. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working directly with several species of animals (primarily dogs and cats) to develop and implement individualized behavior modification and enrichment plans
• Supporting intake processes by reviewing behavioral histories and conducting evaluations
• Participating in euthanasia discussions and decision‑making
• Providing hands‑on training and guidance to staff and volunteers on low‑stress handling, body language, behavior plans, and safe animal interactions
• Assisting with dog playgroups, socialization, and targeted interventions for animals experiencing more significant behavioral challenges
• Supporting successful adoptions through pre‑adoption counseling with families on best training practices as well as post‑adoption guidance
• Collaborate cross‑departmentally with adoption, medical, foster, law enforcement, and outreach teams to ensure continuity of behavioral care

ABOUT NEVINS FARM:

The MSPCA at Nevins Farm, in Methuen, Massachusetts, is a unique 55‑acre animal care complex that provides shelter and adoption services for both farm and companion animals as well as a low‑cost community clinic and community outreach. In 2024, the MSPCA at Nevins Farm took in a total of 3,035 animals and had a live release rate of 92%. Take a virtual tour!

Education:

• High School Diploma required
• Fear Free Certification within 6 months or hire or promotion date
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to drive an MSPCA vehicle

Skills:

• Exceptional people skills and the ability to converse compassionately without judgement with people under difficult and stressful circumstances, including the public, coworkers and volunteers
• Physically able to work with and walk large breed, high arousal and sometimes aggressive or fearful dogs in variant temperatures and weather including extreme heat, extreme cold and inclement weather
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast paced, high stress environment

WHO WE ARE:

The MSPCA is one of the oldest and most venerable humane organizations in the world. We work together as a community to deliver on our mission of advancing the health and welfare of animals. Sharing in this vision provides meaning to our employees and adds an important dimension to our work.

The MSPCA‑Angell believes that the lives of all creatures –human and non‑human–are inextricably intertwined; that our actions impact all; and that our fate is linked to theirs as interdependent inhabitants of the same planet. We believe that our shared commitment to our organizational values of Compassion, Collaboration, Integrity, Service, Positivity, and Excellence contribute to a compassionate and just society in which all people and animals are treated with care and respect.

OUR BENEFITS:

Our compensation package includes health, dental and life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, sick, and vacation time, employee discounts for pet health care, and free on‑site parking.

If you are experienced in animal behavior and would like to work for an organization where your work is an important part of a respected and caring non‑profit, apply today.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.