Care & Enrichment Technician

Summary

The ASPCA’s Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in Weaverville, NC is the first and only facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and study of extremely fearful, under socialized dogs, such as those confiscated from puppy mills and hoarding situations. The goal of the entire BRC team is to improve these dogs’ quality of life and prepare them for life in adoptive homes through intensive, structured behavioral interventions and integrative holistic care.

This key role at the BRC includes providing daily care, cleaning and enrichment for the animals in treatment at our facility in Asheville, NC.

• Provide daily care and support for the dogs in treatment, adhering to the BRC standard operating procedures and low‑stress handling approach.
• Ensure the comfort and cleanliness of shelter animal population on a daily basis.
• Monitor and help maintain the medical and behavioral health of shelter animals; documenting all concerns and observations on a daily basis.
• Ensure adherence to nutrition, sanitation and infectious disease‑prevention protocols established by the ASPCA’s Shelter Medicine Services team and BRC Operations Management.
• Comply with specific feeding programs established by the Senior Director of Medical.
• Support the behavioral growth of the dogs in treatment, in coordination with the Behavior Branch and treatment paradigms of the program.
• Assist as requested in behavior treatments and interventions.
• Take inventory, restock supplies and put away deliveries as needed.
• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, by using low‑stress handling techniques.

• Follow guidelines to ensure that animal holding areas include appropriate music and/or auditory stimulation for shelter animals.
• Manage play groups and graduate activities as directed by Senior Manager of Care and Enrichment.
• Prepare and distribute enrichment as directed; being open to specific needs based on treatment status or special needs.
• Assist in onboarding and integrating volunteers into daily care, setting clear expectations, providing guidance as needed and always communicating respect and gratitude for volunteer support.
• Drive an ASPCA vehicle to transport animals when needed and maintain the cleanliness of the animal transport vehicles when used.
• Assist in Learning Lab collaborative modules to provide understanding to shelter partners around BRC Operations protocols as needed.
• Under the direction of the Senior Manager of Care & Enrichment and the Senior Director of Operations, provide hands‑on coaching of Operational procedures & protocols for ASPCA visitors.

• Has Commitment and dedication to improving the lives of animals
• Demonstrates Ownership and feels responsible for outcomes
• Believes in Team – that we are stronger together
• Seeks to Elevate others and reimagine what is possible
• Focuses on Impact, specifically making change for animals

• Always treats people and animals with care and respect; compassionate caregiver for animals with a positive attitude and enjoyment of direct interaction with people.
• Cultivates a climate in which individual differences and perspectives are valued, respected, encouraged and supported.
• Forms authentic, trusting relationships which enhance individual and team performance.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem‑solve.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Meticulous organizational skills; pays close attention to detail.
• Must enjoy keeping animals and kennels clean.
• Ability to skillfully restrain, lift, and handle animals in stressful conditions.
• Ability to work closely with behaviorally compromised animals and feel comfortable in an environment where euthanasia is performed regularly.
• Interest in working with under socialized dogs with extreme fear issues.
• Must be willing to work in an environment with potentially extreme temperature changes, exposure to chemical and biological hazards, such as feces and blood.
• Displays care and concern for the safety and well‑being of self, animals and others during stressful times.
• M…