Behavior Associate

Summary :

Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? Do you thrive in a dynamic, complex, highly collaborative environment? If so, the role of Behavior Associate at the ASPCA's new Recovery & Rehabilitation Center (R&R Center) in Pawling, NY might be right for you!

Who We Are

The R&R Center in Pawling, NY, is a unique program dedicated to providing integrated sheltering, behavioral, and medical care for canine victims of cruelty. The R&R Center team works closely with ASPCA teams in New York City to helpanimals rescuedin partnership with the NYPD.

What You'll Do

Behavior Associates attend the ASPCA's paid Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship (SBA) that provides the foundations for a career in animal behavior. The SBA is a deep dive into the science of animal behavior and its application in shelter settings, alongside hands-on coaching from behavior experts. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, Behavior Associates continue building skills and experience at the R&R Center. Behavior Associates whoconsistently demonstrate strong shelter behavior knowledge and skills, and collaborate effectively within and across teams, typically moveintothe role of Behavior Specialist after approximately one year of on-the-job training.

Behavior Associates & Specialists play a critical role on the R&R team supporting several primary responsibilities, which include behavior monitoring, modification, evaluation and data collection, as well as coaching for a variety of visitors and animal welfare professionals. One of the most critical functions is to serve as part of a harmonious, united team of shelter operations, shelter medicine and animal behavior experts, all dedicated to collaborating with each other to provide balanced, holistic care to ensure all work supports the dogs in treatment.

Ideal candidates for Behavior Associate will have a keen interest in the science of animal behavior, a passion for animal welfare, and exceptional people skills.

The Behavior Associate reports directly to the Senior Manager, Shelter Animal Behavior and has no direct reports.

Where and When You'll Work

This position reports to the R&R Center in Pawling, NY.

This position requires completion of the Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship which combines online and hands-on learning, and requires travel (more information is listed below).

Ability to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed, is required for this position.

Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time, as needed, is required for this position.

The target start date for this position will be February 9, 2026 .

What You'll Get

Compensation

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is fornew hireoffers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.

The target hiring range for the initial Behavior Associate role is $31.25 - $32.69

The target range for promotion to Behavior Specialist is $34.62 - $37.02

Benefits

At the ASPCA, you don't have to choose between your passion and making a living. Our comprehensive benefits package helps ensure you can live a rewarding life at work and at home. Our benefits include, but are not limited to :

Affordable health coverage , including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.

Flexible time off that includes vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays, and paid personal time off that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.

Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions - we match dollar for dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year.

Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship with industry-leading peers, internal mobility, opportunities to support in the field, and so much more.

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website .

Responsibilities :

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

Functional Duties (80%)

Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals and humans by using low-stress and defensive handling techniques

Carry out assigned behavior modification protocols, conducting and documenting treatment sessions, and providing data and observations to help inform intervention decisions

Assist with handling and data collection during behavior evaluations, playgroups, intake, cleaning, grooming, exercise, veterinary exams, adoption and transfer, and humane euthanasia as appropriate

Monitor behavioral health and communicate observations and concerns to appropriate staff members in a timely fashion

Provide handling and data collection in support of the organization's research agenda

Adhere to all protocols set forth by the ASPCA, including behavior modification and training procedures, enrichment, animal handling, as well as general medical and sheltering protocols

Administrative and Operational Duties (20%)

Meticulous collection of high-quality data in support of behavior and veterinary needs as well as the organization's research agenda

Attend and meaningfully contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings

Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and work-related travel expenses

Responsibly steward R&R Center assets

Education and Work Experience

High School Diploma or GED required, B.S. or B.A. preferred

At least 6 months of experience in hands-on work with dogs; equivalent volunteer experience may be considered

Experience working or volunteering in an animal shelter preferred

Hands-on experience working with dogs, in one or more of the following capacities

Animal Shelter

At least 6 months in a paid full-time role

At least 1 year in a paid part-time role

At least 240 hours in an unpaid volunteer role

All other settings

At least 1 year in a paid full-time role

At least 2 years in a paid part-time role

Sofia Yin's Low Stress Handling University Silver-Level certification (approximately 18 hours) required within six months of hire

Must complete the Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship program required dates

Qualifications

Valid driver's license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check demonstrating safe driving

Fluent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint; familiarity with shelter software systems or Salesforce a plus

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Able to regularly witness animals suffering medically and / or behaviorally

Comfortable with humane euthanasia in theory and in practice

Displays concern for the safety and well-being of self, animals and others, especially under stress

Fosters collaboration by creating strong connections with colleagues at all levels and in all areas

Builds strong work relationships based on trust, respect, and listening to understand

Freely and generously shares knowledge, skills, and expertise with others

Demonstrates genuine interest in the thoughts, ideas, and expertise of others

Proactively problem-solves and takes appropriate initiative to implement solutions

Flexible; can easily adapt to changes and help others do the same

Resilient; bounces back from difficult and disappointing situations quickly

Work takes place in a variety of environments and weather conditions, including indoor climate-controlled spaces and outdoors where surfaces may be wet or uneven and extreme heat, cold, or precipitation is possible

Work may occur in noisy environments

Work involves exposure to chemical and biological hazards such as medications, cleaning products, urine, feces, blood, and sharp objects

Ability to work in a physically demanding environment that requires standing, walking, bending, squatting, and / or kneeling for extended periods of time

Ability to lift and carry animals (50 pounds unassisted, 100 pounds with assistance) and equipment, such as food bags, bedding, and cleaning supplies

Comfort and ability to handle and restrain animals safely and humanely, particularly in stressful situations

Ability to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to disposable coveralls, respirators or face masks, and booties

Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Requirements :

Actively participate in shelter behavior online, classroom and hands-on experiential learning activities throughout theApprenticeship

Practice application of acquired skills and knowledge in a busy animal shelter setting, with coaching and supervision by Apprenticeship staff

Perform basic handling of dogs and cats under the supervision of Apprenticeship staff

Demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills via periodic, practical learner assessments throughout theApprenticeshipto assist Instructors in providing personalized coaching

Assist ASPCA facility staff as necessary, providing care for animals participating in Apprenticeship activities (e.g., cleaning, feeding, providing enrichment / exercise)

Provide periodic, practical feedback on the experience, activities, content and flow of theApprenticeshipto help inform program improvement and iteration

Travel for up to 3 weeks at a time for learning activities at ASPCA facilities (all associated costs covered by the ASPCA)

Shelter Behavior Associates must complete the SBA program within 1 year of hire. SBA dates for this role are below (subject to change). Associates will typically work a Monday-Friday schedule most weeks only during SBA :

February 18 & 19 - Remote Learning Days

February 23-27 (New York City locations)

March 11 & 12 - Remote Learning Days

March 16-27 (location TBD)

April 8 & 9 - Remote Learning Days

April 13-24 (location TBD)

May 6 & 7- Remote Learning Days

May 11-16 (location TBD)

May 27 & 28- Remote Learning Days

June 1-12 (location TBD)

Following the Apprenticeship program, Associates will begin regular work schedules at the R&R Center in Pawling, NY

Stay Connected - Join Our Talent Community

If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please join our Talent Community to stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.

Qualifications :

See above for qualifications details.

Language : English

Education and Work Experience :

High School Diploma

Our EEO Policy :

The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA's standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA's People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M / F / D / V).

About Us :

The ASPCA was founded in 1866 on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans and must be protected under the law. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States.

The ASPCA is headquartered in New York City, where we maintain a full-service animal hospital, spay / neuter clinic, mobile spay / neuter and primary pet care clinics, a rehabilitation center for canine victims of cruelty, kitten nursery, adoption center, and two community veterinary centers.

The ASPCA also operates programs and services that extend nationwide. We assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources.

At the ASPCA, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and compassionate culture and we welcome all voices to contribute to our lifesaving mission. Our staff represent a vast array of backgrounds and diversity dimensions, bringing with them valuable experiences and perspectives. They join the ASPCA to learn, grow, and continually do their best work on behalf of animals. We are inspired by our staff, partners, and the communities we support across the country who work to improve animal lives. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the ASPCA because it elevates our organizational culture, aligns with our Core Values, and enables us to move further and faster toward the ASPCA's vision - that all animals live good lives; valued by society, protected by its laws, and free from cruelty, pain and suffering.

Your Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act :

Pursuant to regulations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), we provide this notice to applicants about eligible employees' protected leave for certain reasons. Click on the link to learn more.

Applicants that are residents of Colorado and Oregon : Per CO Senate Bill 23-058 and ORS 659A.030, we cannot generally request or require any age-related information (i.e., age, DOB, attendance or graduation dates from an educational institution) on an initial employment application; this includes any age-related inquiries through completion of the initial interview. We can require / request additional application materials; if those materials contain any age-related information, an applicant should redact the information before submitting an initial employment application.

Indiana Applicants : Pursuant to Indiana law, we are providing notice that it is an unlawful employment practice for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by : (1) refusing to employ an applicant for employment on the basis that the applicant is a veteran of the armed forces of the United States; or (2) refusing to employ an applicant for employment on the basis that the applicant is a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component. Should you feel that you were a victim of discrimination on the basis of veteran status, please let us know at careers@aspca.org. Alternatively, you can file a complaint with the following agencies at any time : Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) 100 North Senate Avenue, Room N103, Indianapolis, IN 46204; Office : (317) 232-2600 | Toll Free : (800) 628-2909; Hearing Impaired : (800) 743-3333 | Fax : (317) 232-6580; E-mail : icrc@crc.in.gov | Website : www.in.gov / icrc. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Indianapolis Field Office; 115 W. Washington Street South Tower Suite 600; Indianapolis, IN 46204; Phone : 463-999-1240; Fax : 317-226-7953; TTY : 1-800-669-6820;ASL Video Phone : 844-234-5122.