Animal Rescue/Behavior Coordinator
- Alachua County Board of County Commissioners
- Alachua County, FL
- 226 views
Full-time
Animal Resources & Care
Job Description
Minimum QualificationsAssociate degree and three years of experience in animal behavior assessment, modification and/or enrichment (especially dogs) within public or private animal shelters, animal welfare organizations, humane societies, and/or rescue groups; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. 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.
Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.Position SummaryThis is responsible specialized work coordinating animal behavior program activities to ensure administrative efficiency and compliance with departmental standards in the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care Department.
This position requires an understanding of animal behaviors and tendencies in order to develop individual and customized behavioral plans for shelter dogs & cats to provide them with a better opportunity for adoption.
An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for taking initiative; assisting and educating dog adopters about dog behaviors and tendencies; generating individualized and customized behavioral plans for shelter dogs; and working collaboratively with internal and external partners.
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
Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including: integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.
Evaluates shelter dogs (and occasionally cats) using industry best practices; observes how dogs and cats interact with people and other dogs and cats and accurately assesses behavior of animals in our care.
Coordinates Rescue transfer support for animals in need at Alachua County Animal Resources & Care.
Completes written evaluation forms and maintains notes in the shelter software.
Maintains accurate records of each animal released to rescue organizations registered with Animal Resources and ensures compliance with required sterilizations according to both county and state regulations.
Ensures dogs and cats with behavioral issues are adopted with a plan to overcome observed issues.
Builds strong working relationships with staff, volunteers, animal welfare groups, and other partners.
Works with registered animal rescue organizations and other agencies to effectively increase the animal live release rate through the transfer of animals to these groups.Work closely with the veterinary team to secure rescue for emergency medical cases through the Animal Resources rescue network.
Professionally represents the Department both verbally and in writing.
Communicates the progress of shelter dogs and cats to stakeholders.
Develops and implements behavioral plans for dogs and cats to ensure dogs and cats are adoptable.
Assists with planning, scheduling, training, and monitoring the work of employees engaged in enrichment activities and participates in daily Play Groups for enrichment.
Estimates related costs and needed materials; prepares detailed, easy to read and understand plans; routinely follows up with dogs and cats to ensure progress.
Documents and details observations, plans and progress utilizing Microsoft Word and Chameleon.
Participates in weekly placement panel meetings; uses information gathered over the prior week to provide recommendations on whether a dog or cat is able to be rehabilitated, or if it should be euthanized to ensure public safety.
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 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 developments in behavioral programs and enrichment practices for shelters.
Knowledge of standardized work routines and procedures used to handle, care for and evaluate animal behaviors.
Knowledge of cat and dog breed characteristics and behaviors.
Skill in animal restraint and handling techniques.
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 climb or balance.
The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 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.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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.
Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.Position SummaryThis is responsible specialized work coordinating animal behavior program activities to ensure administrative efficiency and compliance with departmental standards in the Alachua County Animal Resources & Care Department.
This position requires an understanding of animal behaviors and tendencies in order to develop individual and customized behavioral plans for shelter dogs & cats to provide them with a better opportunity for adoption.
An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for taking initiative; assisting and educating dog adopters about dog behaviors and tendencies; generating individualized and customized behavioral plans for shelter dogs; and working collaboratively with internal and external partners.
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.
Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including: integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.
Evaluates shelter dogs (and occasionally cats) using industry best practices; observes how dogs and cats interact with people and other dogs and cats and accurately assesses behavior of animals in our care.
Coordinates Rescue transfer support for animals in need at Alachua County Animal Resources & Care.
Completes written evaluation forms and maintains notes in the shelter software.
Maintains accurate records of each animal released to rescue organizations registered with Animal Resources and ensures compliance with required sterilizations according to both county and state regulations.
Ensures dogs and cats with behavioral issues are adopted with a plan to overcome observed issues.
Builds strong working relationships with staff, volunteers, animal welfare groups, and other partners.
Works with registered animal rescue organizations and other agencies to effectively increase the animal live release rate through the transfer of animals to these groups.Work closely with the veterinary team to secure rescue for emergency medical cases through the Animal Resources rescue network.
Professionally represents the Department both verbally and in writing.
Communicates the progress of shelter dogs and cats to stakeholders.
Develops and implements behavioral plans for dogs and cats to ensure dogs and cats are adoptable.
Assists with planning, scheduling, training, and monitoring the work of employees engaged in enrichment activities and participates in daily Play Groups for enrichment.
Estimates related costs and needed materials; prepares detailed, easy to read and understand plans; routinely follows up with dogs and cats to ensure progress.
Documents and details observations, plans and progress utilizing Microsoft Word and Chameleon.
Participates in weekly placement panel meetings; uses information gathered over the prior week to provide recommendations on whether a dog or cat is able to be rehabilitated, or if it should be euthanized to ensure public safety.
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 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 developments in behavioral programs and enrichment practices for shelters.
Knowledge of standardized work routines and procedures used to handle, care for and evaluate animal behaviors.
Knowledge of cat and dog breed characteristics and behaviors.
Skill in animal restraint and handling techniques.
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 climb or balance.
The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 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.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
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
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
- Deferred Retirement Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Roth IRA
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Computer Purchase 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:
- New Years Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans' Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Friday following Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve (IAFF*)
- Christmas Day
- Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)
- 2 Floating Holidays (All non- IAFF employees)
*IAFF – International Association of FirefightersPay 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.
Salary
$19.96 Hourly
About Alachua County Board of County Commissioners
Alachua County is located in north central Florida. The U.S. Census Bureau 2010 estimate for the county is 247,336. The county seat is Gainesville, home of the University of Florida and Santa Fe College.?? The County is known for its diverse culture, local music, tourism and artisans.
Alachua County employees over 1010 full-time employees in a wide variety of areas.
Alachua County is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Alachua County gives preference in initial employment to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans.
