Animal Behavior Manager: (Official Animal Behaviorist

THE POSITION

Do you enjoy working with animal behavior as much as working with people? The City of Fresno is looking for an Animal Behavior Manager (Official

Title:

Animal Behaviorist) to join the team at the Fresno Animal Center caring for the animal population and helping keep pets with their families.

Under direction, the Animal Behavior Manager is responsible for managing, developing and evaluating animal behavior policies, procedures and practices in the Animal Center. Responsibilities include developing, implementing and evaluating animal behavior policies and procedures consistent with best practices and guidelines including population management, investigations, and behavior medication treatment plans; supervising assigned staff and volunteers; developing animal behavior and temperament assessments for appropriate intake and kenneling;

identifying behaviors and underlying causes and working with the animals to train and correct the behaviors; developing animal enrichment activities including socialization and mental stimulation exercises such as playgroups and exercise plans; collaborating with Veterinary and animal care staff on monitoring animal behavior and temperament progress; working with staff and the public to maximize successful placements and outcomes for animals to remain in their homes and providing education on animal behavior approaches;

and performing related work as required.

Incumbents must demonstrate initiative, tact, and sensitivity in education and awareness of animal services resources and must be able to communicate effectively with diverse groups.

Incumbents will be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays and respond to after-hours emergencies as needed; will be exposed to a working environment with animals (primarily dogs and cats) which may lead to possible exposure of unpleasant odors and noises, allergens, interactions with animals, and possible exposure to zoonotic diseases; and will be required to handle and restrain animals humanely and safely using approved protocols and practices.

This is an unclassified position in which incumbents serve at the will of the Department Director.

One vacancy currently exists in the Animal Center Department. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for further consideration:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in animal behavior, animal science, animal education or a closely related field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Three (3) years of professional experience in the care, handling and assessing the behavior of various animals in an animal centric setting.

OR

Two (2) years of professional experience in creating and implementing Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA), fear-free, and evidence/science-based approaches to animal management, behavior modification, and training.

Private pet ownership is not qualifying experience. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis subject to approval by the Director of Personnel Services and the appointing authority.

If qualifying solely with experience, a High School diploma or GED equivalent is required at time of appointment.

A copy of degree or college transcripts must be uploaded and included in your on-line application for verification of requirement. Applicants lacking the documentation may be rejected if relying upon education to meet the Minimum Requirements.

Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Driver's License may be required at time of appointment. Candidates considered for hire must provide proof of a valid driver's license and current copy of their driving record.

The selected candidates will be required to successfully pass a department interview, and Department of Justice fingerprint.

Interested and qualified applicants must submit an official City of Fresno application on-line sno.gov/jobs. Be sure to include references and attach verification of education in your online application.

For more information on how to complete an on-line application, please view "Instruction Guide" on the City's website, Personnel Services Career Opportunities page, or call  for assistance. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed employment application. Candidates who demonstrate the most relevant experience, skills, and qualifications for the position will be chosen to proceed in the recruitment process.

Only a select group from the…