JOB DESCRIPTION

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 help animals rescued in 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 who consistently demonstrate strong shelter behavior knowledge and skills, and collaborate effectively within and across teams, typically move into the 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 for new hire offers 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 the Apprenticeship

• 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 the Apprenticeship to 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 the Apprenticeship to 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