Animal Enrichment and Behavior Specialist

Minimum Qualifications

Associate's degree in Animal Behavior, Zoology, Biology, Psychology, or related field and two years of experience working with animals in a professional setting, such as animal shelter,  humane society, animal rescue organization, zoo, vet/animal clinic; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.  Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers-Knowledge Assessed (CCPDT-KA) preferred.
Applicants within six months of meeting the education/ experience requirement may be considered for trainee status.
A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment.   If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and /or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.

Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Successful completion of all applicable background checks, pre-hire and ongoing are required.

Position Summary

This is specialized work providing animal enrichment and behavior program activities to ensure compliance with departmental standards in the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care Department.

This position requires an understanding of animal enrichment, behaviors, and tendencies to develop individual and customized enrichment and behavioral plans for shelter dogs & cats to provide them with a better opportunity for adoption.

An employee in this classification supports the physical and psychological well-being of animals by developing, implementing, and evaluating enrichment and behavior programs. This role works closely with animal care staff and veterinarians to promote species-appropriate behaviors, reduce stress, and improve welfare outcomes.

Work is performed independently or as part of a team, under the direction of a higher-level supervisor, and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.

Examples of Duties

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. 

Exudes a positive customer service focus.

Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values.   
Designs, prepares, and implements daily enrichment activities tailored to species-specific needs and individual animal histories. Rotates and evaluates enrichment strategies to maintain novelty and effectiveness. Maintains enrichment calendars, logs, and inventories.

Ensures all enrichment items meet safety, sanitation, and animal welfare standards. Follows all institutional safety procedures, biosecurity measures, and animal welfare regulations. Cleans and sanitizes enrichment tools and work areas.

Observes, evaluates, and documents animal behavior, identifying normal vs. abnormal or stress-related behaviors. Accurately records behavioral data and notes in shelter software and communicates behavioral observations and recommendations to the care team.

Provides recommendations regarding the rehabilitation potential of dogs and cats and, when necessary, recommends humane euthanasia decisions to protect public safety and animal welfare.

Assists with behavior modification plans. Supports positive reinforcement training programs, including operant conditioning, where applicable.

Works closely with animal care staff to integrate enrichment into daily routines. Assists with planning, scheduling, training, and monitoring the work of employees engaged in enrichment activities and participates in daily Play Groups for enrichment.

Assists with animal handling and restraint as required, following established protocols.

Participates in ongoing training related to animal behavior, enrichment, and welfare.

Builds strong working relationships with staff, volunteers, animal welfare groups, and other partners.

Works with animal rescue organizations to effectively increase the live release rate of animals through transfers to these groups. Coordinates rescue transfer support for animals in need at Alachua County Animal Resources & Care. Maintains accurate records of each animal released to rescue organizations and ensures compliance with required sterilizations. Works closely with the veterinary team to secure rescue for emergency medical cases.

Professionally represents the Department both verbally and in writing. 

Produces professional, accurate, quality reports; analyzes department-generated data and coordinates with other department staff (kennel, medical, volunteers, etc.) to gather required information.

Reviews reports and records of program activity to ensure progress is being accomplished toward the specified program objective.

Communicates in a timely manner with the public regarding inquiries and complaints.

Drives a County and/or personal vehicle to perform required duties, as necessary.

Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency.

NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
 Knowledge of cat and dog breed characteristics and behaviors.

Knowledge of animal behavior principles and enrichment practices.

Strong observation, documentation, and communication skills.

Skills and demonstrated experience working with animals in a professional setting.

Skill in animal restraint and handling techniques.

Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Ability to train using positive reinforcement training techniques.

Ability to develop, and modify as needed, behavioral and enrichment plans for both cats and dogs in the shelter environment.

Ability to apply sound principles of animal behavior modification, playgroup management, and enrichment to a wide variety of circumstances with pets that have varying degrees of behavioral issues or challenges.

Ability to act and react quickly to changing situations involving potentially behaviorally unsound pets providing for the safety of both the pets and people involved.

Ability to make decisions and accept responsibility without relying upon the direction of others.

Ability to pay attention to details, organize and follow through on assigned tasks.

Ability to remain patient and professional in dealing with customers and volunteers.

Ability to operate standard office equipment such as personal computer using word, excel, database and other related software, two-way radio, and animal restraint equipment.

Ability to prepare and maintain records, data entry for reporting.

Ability to establish and maintain a good working relationship with departmental and County staff, volunteers, Animal welfare groups and other partners, and the public.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and to prepare and organize written reports.

Ability to plan and organize work and manage time.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and use hands to finger, handle or feel.
 
The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to balance.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals. Potential hazards include animal bites, scratches, and exposure to zoonotic diseases (e.g., ringworm).

The noise level in the work environment is usually high.

Supplemental Information

An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future. BoCC-Contributed Benefits

• Medical/Health Insurance  
• Employee Life Insurance  
• Florida Retirement System  
• Employee Assistance Program

Optional Benefits

• Dental Insurance  
• Vision Insurance
• Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Deferred Retirement Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Roth IRA
• Tuition Assistance Program  

NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.

You may also view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding benefits. 

• FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement.  A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee.
• TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details.
• HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows: 

1. New Years Day  
2. Martin Luther King Day  
3. Memorial Day  
4. Juneteenth
5. Independence Day  
6. Labor Day  
7. Veterans' Day  
8. Thanksgiving Day  
9. Friday following Thanksgiving  
10. Christmas Eve (IAFF*)  
11. Christmas Day  
12. Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)  
13. 2 Floating Holidays  (All non- IAFF employees)

*IAFF – International Association of Firefighters Pay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays.

Vacation Leave – Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-2.

Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-3 *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.

$22.88 Hourly