Behavior Training Manager

Description

Our mission is made possible through the hard work and dedication of our valued employees. We foster a professional, supportive work environment grounded in compassion, collaboration, respectful and open communication, responsible stewardship, and a commitment to adaptability and growth. 

Job Title: Behavior & Training Manager 

Department: Adoption Center  

Position Status: Full-Time, Exempt  

Reports To: Pathway Planning Director 

Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, Occasional On-Call Shifts Required 

Starting Pay: $58,000 - $68,000 annually (Based on experience) 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Behavior and Training Manager oversees all animal intake, behavior, enrichment, training, and assessment programs with support from the Behavior & Training Coordinator and provides direct supervision and leadership to the coordinator. The Behavior & Training Manager ensures proper population management by following intake criteria and policies to partner with local organizations to source animals.  

This role ensures daily behavior and training operations align with organizational policies, protocols, and best practices, and is responsible for enforcing, developing, and updating behavior and training procedures to ensure safety, consistency, and program effectiveness.  

Work includes using positive reinforcement; developing training techniques; managing canine playgroups; performing intake behavior testing; evaluating behavior methods and equipment; instructing staff and volunteers on proper handling and training techniques; developing curriculum; and designing training aids. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Including but not limited to: 

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance evaluations for the Behavior & Training Coordinator and address performance, conflict, and conduct issues promptly and directly. 
• Participate in hiring, interviewing, onboarding, and training of supervised positions according to organizational procedures. 
• Oversee all behavior programs, enrichment, training, playgroups, socialization, and volunteer-driven behavior activities to ensure accurate, consistent, and safe implementation by assigned staff, the Coordinator, volunteers, and contractors. 
• Support the Behavior Coordinator in executing assessments of animals that happen at source shelters to ensure they meet intake criteria, plan intakes (including transportation to our Adoption Center), and ensure accurate/complete records are entered into Shelterluv as part of the intake process for each animal. 
• Develop, oversee, and ensure implementation of behavior plans, daily enrichment plans, and special handling/care instructions in collaboration with the Behavior & Training Coordinator. 
• Handle owner surrenders and returns to ensure appropriate information is collected, and intakes are planned with our capacity in mind. 
• In collaboration with the Pathway Planning Director and other managers, plan and execute all intakes according to written policies and procedures. Ensure communication and planning occur prior to scheduling intakes to allow for appropriate pathway planning (e.g., Medical notification, Foster planning for neonates). 
• Maintain knowledge of current organizational capacity for care and length of stay to ensure intakes align with operational trends. 
• Prioritize intakes from our local partner based on the current and projected available capacity at the shelter. Also maintain and build our transfer partner relationships to help alleviate overcrowding in regional shelters.  
• Serves as primary contact for our ASPCA Relocation partnership as a destination shelter, responsible for planning, approving and executing all ASPCA transports. 
• Ensure the integrity of Source Shelter Questionnaires. Request updates during leadership changes at partner shelters, notify the Pathway Planning Director of any changes. 
• Oversee adopter and foster behavior support services, including behavior consultations, post-adoption check-ins, surrender counseling related to severe behavior concerns, and foster caregiver education and training. Lead or support the Behavior & Training Coordinator in difficult behavior euthanasia conversations with adopters and lead intake diversion when needed. 
• Ensure behavior-related data is collected from owners experiencing post-adoption concerns including human bites, animal bites, guarding, and other elevated behaviors. 
• Oversee training and education programs for staff, volunteers, the public, and contract trainers including training sessions, group classes, seminars, workshops, safe handling, and behavior basics. 
• Maintain and manage the BRHS approved trainer referral list and other behavior & training resources. 
• Use Shelterluv to ensure accurate behavior documentation (from staff, volunteers, fosters, etc.), animal inventory, next steps, behavior or pathway plans for animals in our care. 
• Conduct daily rounds to monitor animal mental health onsite and in foster care and intervene with behavior plans as needed. Communicate concerns to the Pathway Planning Director. 
• Support senior staff during difficult outcome decisions and assist with staff and volunteer communication as needed. 
• Enforce existing behavior and training policies and contribute to the development and revision of protocols as needed. 
• Serve as an organizational animal behavior resource for publications, media, and public engagement and actively assist members of the public with questions and guidance. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Work is evaluated by periodic checks for overall effectiveness and results achieved.  Written evaluations are done at the end of the initial probationary and annually thereafter on the anniversary date. The Executive Director sets operational guidelines and presents them in the Employee Handbook and in department Standard Operating Procedures.  

QUALIFICATIONS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, & PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 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.     

Qualifications & Requirements 

• High School graduate; CPDT-KA/CPDT-KSA, KPA-CTP, VSA-CDT, IAABC-ADT, CSBC/CSB-D/CSB-C or equivalent credentials required. 
• Experience working in an animal shelter; minimum 3 years. 
• Experience in positive reinforcement methods, including appropriate use of humane training products, is required. 
• At least 1 year of supervisory experience, including coaching and performance evaluations, preferred. 
• Euthanasia Certification to be completed within six months of start date 
• Experience with shelter intake, population management or capacity for care, or transfer/transport coordination preferred. 
• Ability to function as part of a team and work with volunteers. 
• This is an essential position supporting animal care and may require scheduled attendance on holidays and during emergency conditions, such as inclement weather. 
• Must be comfortable speaking with members of the public, in front of groups, over the telephone, and communicating via email. 

Skills & Competencies 

• Competent in behavior evaluations, both feline and canine.   
• Must share Blue Ridge Humane Society’s commitment to animals. 
• Ability to bring a sense of humor and perspective to the workplace while maintaining professionalism and respect. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and maintain effective working relationships across staff, volunteers, leadership, and the public. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally in a variety of situations. 
• Sound judgment and the ability to navigate sensitive situations with discretion, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality. 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, follow through on tasks, and maintain attention to detail. 
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to think critically and approach challenges thoughtfully. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to support a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements 

• This position requires that the individual be able to stand, stoop, walk, crawl, kneel, crouch, and sit for periods of time. The ability to lift a minimum of 50lbs. and maneuver large, cumbersome objects. This individual may be working with potential biohazards related to animal exposure (airborne allergens, contact reactions) and may be exposed to animal diseases and/or diseased animals. Must be able to work safely with a variety of cleaning materials. 
• Must be comfortable working with animals of varying temperaments in noisy conditions.   
• Must be willing to work outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions. 
• May be exposed to animal-related allergens, cleaning agents, and potential biohazards; must be able to work safely within these conditions. 

Additional Expectations 

• Commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect. 
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately  
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population and contribute to a collaborative and supportive organizational culture. 
• Good judgment when dealing with the public, decision-making, and dealing with confidential information. Ability to effectively handle difficult interpersonal situations, including tactfully handling angry and upset individuals when necessary. 
• Highly motivated, dependable, and self-directed. 
• A genuine appreciation for both people and animals, and a commitment to supporting the human–animal bond, 

Must be willing to give permission for a background check and a DMV report. Must possess a valid unrestricted driver’s license with a driving record acceptable by Blue Ridge Humane Society’s insurance carrier. May be asked to submit to drug testing during employment. 

Blue Ridge Humane Society provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Blue Ridge Humane Society complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.