Behavior Associate - Collaborative Animal Welfare Initiatives (Putnam Lake)

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 ASPCAs 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 Youll Do

Behavior Associates attend the ASPCAs 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 Youll 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 Youll 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 dont 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 organizations 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