Behavior & Training Lead

Job Overview

Job Details: Behavior & Training Lead
Location: Oakland Adoption Center - Oakland, CA 94621 (primary site), work at Dublin campus as needed
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $24.00 - $26.00 Hourly
Reports to: Behavior & Training Manager
Category: Full-time; Non-exempt

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent behavioral care for cats and dogs to reduce stress, maintain behavioral health, and improve adoptability.
• Work closely with Animal Care staff to maintain consistently high-quality evaluations, efficiently identify animals’ needs, and create pathway plans to meet those needs.
• Create and implement training plans for animals to improve quality of life and adoptability.
• Conduct secondary behavior evaluations with animals enrolled in behavior modification programs and long-term animals to assess continued adoptability.
• Provide training to staff and volunteers about animal handling, behavior evaluation and modification techniques, and other behavior tasks.
• Provide information regarding animal adoptability and discuss euthanasia outcomes when appropriate.
• Assist in onboarding, training, and day-to-day supervision of Shelter Behavior Coordinator (SBC). Recognize opportunities to assist SBC in their growth in the organization.
• Communicate SBC questions and concerns to supervisors, participate in problem solving, and provide input for performance reviews.
• Oversee and continually develop specialized behavior volunteer program including delivering trainings, continuing education, and performance feedback.
• Coordinate with volunteers to improve handling skills, provide consistent handling for animals in our care, and implement training plans.
• Create plans for animals going into foster care and communicate with foster volunteers to provide ongoing behavior support.
• Coordinate and implement regular playgroups for dogs in our care.
• Enter plans, notes and other necessary information in Trello, our online tracking and volunteer communication system.
• Enter necessary information in Shelter Buddy, our shelter software program.
• Maintain and update behavior evaluation processes to be in line with best practices within the industry.
• Assist in internal behavior and training program development.
• Track data to evaluate performance of internal behavior programs. Work closely with Manager to ensure behavior programs are meeting departmental goals.
• Provide information and education to staff, volunteers, and the public on behavior issues based on departmental guidelines.
• Provide client education and support as needed.
• Provide post-adoption support for behavior cases by conducting post‑adoption check‑in calls, helpline calls, and private training sessions for adopters.
• Document and appropriately report on animal behavior and health concerns.
• Provide support to other behavior department positions.
• Occasionally perform humane euthanasia in accordance with established laws and East Bay SPCA policy; ensure timely and accurate maintenance of euthanasia records.
• Provide support for Transfer & Relocation Specialist.
• Create and provide or oversee the delivery of daily enrichment to felines and canines in our care.
• Participate in the daily feeding, cleaning and care of the animals when staffing calls for assistance.

Qualifications

• CPDT‑KA, CTC, KPA‑CTP or equivalent credentials required.
• Minimum of one year working in an animal shelter, preferably in a behavior position.
• Experience in the use of positive reinforcement methods, including appropriate use of humane training tools is required.
• One year of supervisory experience preferred.
• Requires well‑developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work with people of varying backgrounds and cultures by adapting style and tactics to fit the audience.
• Must be proficient speaking with members of the public, in front of groups, over the telephone, and communicating via email.
• Proven organizational skills and effective communication.
• Excellent animal behavior observation skills and notetaking.
• Ability to work well as part of a cross‑functional team, as well as independently.
• Comfortable overseeing, training, and supporting other staff members and volunteers.
• Competent in behavior evaluations, both feline and canine.
• Comfortable and competent in handling animals with a wide range of behaviors, including fractious or fearful animals.
• Familiar with considerate approach and low‑stress handling techniques.
• Must have California State Euthanasia Certification, or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.
• Pre‑employment background check and drug screening required.
• Must have a clean driver’s license and reliable transportation (position works at both our Oakland and Dublin facilities as needed).

Benefits

• Medical and dental benefits fully covered, with optional vision coverage.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 3% company contribution.
• Life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Paid time off starting at 120 hours per year, increasing to 160 hours after 5 years and 200 hours after 10 years; 80 paid holiday hours annually plus an additional personal holiday after one year.
• Waived pet adoption fees, discounted veterinary care, behavior and training classes, up to $75/month public transit/van‑pool reimbursement.

Working Conditions

• Work performed primarily in an animal shelter environment with exposure to detergents, cleaning products, wet and humid environments, and seasonal outdoor conditions.
• Competent handling of dogs and cats of all sizes, ages, and temperaments; able to leash, walk, and maintain control of large and extra‑large dogs (including those over 90 pounds).
• Weekend work required; must be available for evenings, holidays, and occasional overtime as needed.
• Possible animal contact and associated injuries, including bites and scratches.
• Noise exposure from uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations.
• Exposure to animal waste, smells, and visual hazards.
• Frequent handling of industrial cleaning supplies.
• Frequent walking, bending, and stooping in kennel areas.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 30 lbs. alone and >50 lbs. with assistance, if necessary.