Animal Welfare Specialist (Pawling)

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.

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 :

For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website (https : / / www.aspca.org / about-us / careers) .

Responsibilities :

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

Functional Duties (80%)

Administrative and Operational Duties (20%)