Fairfax County (VA) - Fairfax, VA, US

Behavior Program Manager (Animal Specialist IV)

Date Posted: 2024-06-13

Job description

Salary : $66,103.86 - $110,173.86 Annually

Location : FAIRFAX (EJ13), VA

Job Type: FT Hourly W BN

Job Number: 24-01454

Department: Animal Sheltering

Opening Date: 06/08/2024

Closing Date: 6/21/2024 11:59 PM Eastern

Pay Grade: S24

Posting Type: Open to General Public

Job Announcement

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is hiring a Behavior Program Manager! Are you an enthusiastic individual looking for a career where you can make a difference in the lives of animals and the community? At the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care to the animals in our shelter, while also working to tackle the root causes of animal homelessness in our community.

This position will be responsible for developing and overseeing progressive behavior treatment protocols and training programs, making placement recommendations for shelter animals, and providing services to support adopters and pet owners.

Fairfax County Animal Shelter is the only open-access municipal shelter located in Fairfax and Lorton, Virginia. Our shelter has a live release rate of over 90% and we're very proud of our excellent volunteer and foster programs, compassionate staff, progressive sheltering policies and practices, and our wonderful animal-loving community. Please visit our website here.

Responsibilities:

Develops and implements behavior treatment plans for shelter animals using a positive reinforcement approach.
Develops standard and individualized behavior treatment protocols for shelter animals and ensures treatments are applied as scheduled and progress is documented in the shelter management software system.
Conducts behavior management and safe handling workshops for staff, volunteers, and the public. Works in conjunction with animal care leadership to oversee staff and volunteer interaction with animals and ensures that correct handling procedures are being used.
Keeps abreast of state-of-the-art behavior treatment protocols and overall trends in shelter population dynamics.
Seeks training opportunities for staff and volunteers to enhance their effectiveness in working with animals.
Oversees pre- and post-adoption and surrender prevention support to pet owners.
Develops public group canine training classes and behavior management and safe handling workshops.
Follows proper cleaning and sanitation procedures when working with animals.
Participates in weekly animal flow meetings.
Provides input on animal outcomes including euthanasia recommendations. May assist with euthanasia as needed.
Supervises behavior team.
Performs other related duties to meet the ongoing business needs of the organization.

This position will split shifts between Fairfax County Animal Shelter Campuses as needed. All Fairfax County Animal Shelter positions are required to work shifts and/or be transferred to any DAS facility.

Salary: The salary offer will be in the minimum to midpoint ($66,103.86 to $88,138.96) of the advertised compensation range. Promotional rules apply for current Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools employees.

Schedule: Schedule will vary depending on shelter needs. Occasional early mornings, evenings and weekends required.
Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position description.)

Provides a range of management , level work in multiple animal functions within the agency which may include animal care, animal behavior, animal training, enrichment, exercise, assessments, observations, evaluations, medical treatment and supplies, inoculation, medical and veterinary care referral, transport, specialized care, cleaning, disinfecting, animal disposition, adoption, intervention recommendations, humane euthanasia, documentation, record management and maintenance, safety, inventory maintenance, technical maintenance, and/or facility maintenance;

Provides supervision, counseling, training, support, assistance, and works with agency staff and programs, volunteers, fosters, veterinary staff, community members, customers, rescue programs and partners, and/or community service assignees;

May supervise and evaluate lower-level agency staff, volunteers, community members, and customers;

May ensure the required trainings and certifications of others have been obtained;

May be responsible for one or more function, service, team, or unit involving analysis of problems and needs that requires advanced knowledge of principles and practices of the specific field;

May be responsible for overseeing all related programs, plans, and others;

Require staying up to date on methods and national best practices;

May work with other program managers to integrate treatment and/or training to others;

May act as team or program manager with or without absence of management;

May supervise work of lower-level employees in absence of management;

May facilitate animal care and placement;

May assist with planning and content;

May provide and deliver technical assistance;

May collaborate with other non-agency programs and partners;

May develop, manage, assist, deliver, and/or implement plans, trainings, programs, procedures, and/or teams for internal and external use;

May provide information on the policies and procedures of the agency;

May triage issues and make recommendations.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Demonstrated interest in and compassion for animals;

Demonstrated interest in learning state of art procedures for animal sheltering;

Extensive knowledge of characteristics of different types of animals;

Extensive knowledge of animal behavior indicators;

Extensive knowledge of safe animal handling techniques;

Extensive knowledge of work planning techniques;

Extensive knowledge of the focused animal specialty area and/or program as required per the

Extensive knowledge of animal training techniques using a positive reinforcement approach;

Knowledge of current industry best practices;

Knowledge of customer service techniques;

Knowledge of supervisory techniques;

Knowledge of performance evaluations; coaching, and counseling techniques;

Knowledge of medical administration and/or euthanasia techniques as required by the position;

Knowledge of safe driving principles and practices;

Ability to assist, coach, counsel, manage, train, and evaluate others to include safety, policies, procedures, and practices;

Ability to make assessments and recommendations based on observations;

Ability to follow and provide written and oral instructions;

Ability to prioritize tasks and provide guidance;

Ability to be flexible and adjust work plans to meet immediate needs when necessary;

Ability to learn procedures, occupational hazards, and safe work practices;

Ability to follow precise instructions for dispensing medication;

Ability to handle animals in a humane manner and without personal injury;

Ability to handle, restrain, and move heavy, immobilized, or resistant animals;

Ability to move quickly to respond to conditions and situations involving animals;

Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds;

Ability to maintain a high level of ethical standards;

Ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity and to be truthful at all times;

Ability to read animal behavior and maintain a safe environment;

Ability to document animal behavior in clear language based on observable behavior;

Ability to learn and teach animal training techniques using a positive reinforcement approach;

Ability to work collaboratively with others, avoid negative interpersonal altercations, and maintain good working relationships;

Ability to learn job related information;

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing to others, including presentations;

Ability to contribute to a stress-free environment for both animals and people;

Ability to safely operate equipment and software necessary to perform position requirements;

Ability to work outdoors as well as indoors and be subject to variable weather conditions and exposure to potentially infectious diseases or allergies, as well as wetness and moisture;

Ability to bend, stand, stoop, kneel, reach, crawl, walk, and sit;

Ability to hear, speak, touch, feel, and smell;

Ability to see with close vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus;

Ability to be frequently exposed to loud noises above 95 decibels such as barking of dogs and other animal noises;

Ability to firmly grasp and have wrist extension and rotation on a frequent basis.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Animal Behavior, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Zoology, or related field;

plus two years of experience supervising staff in an animal shelter, kennel, vet clinic, boarding facility, animal training capacity, or other animal related organization with animal care and handling responsibility; experience with multiple species of animals including handling difficult dogs and cats, giving medication, and restraint (graduation from an accredited Veterinary Technician Program may be substituted for one year of the required experience).

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

Valid driver's license (Required at the time of application)
Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) credential from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) (Required within 12 months)
Fear Free Shelter Certification (Required within three months)
Virginia Humane Euthanasia Certification (Required within six months)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) credential from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) (Current certification required)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete the following to the satisfaction of the employer:

Criminal Background Investigation
Driving Record Check

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

At least one year of experience in an animal welfare-related organization.
At least one year of experience working with and safely handling, moving, and restraining animals of various species, sizes, conditions, and temperament including fractious animals.
At least one year of experience managing volunteers, and experience with using the volunteer management software database, Volgistics.
Experience with the shelter management software system, PetPoint.
Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and can communicate effectively with regard to animal care and treatment and Shelter policies and programs.
Must be able to work both independently and as a member of a team.
At least one year of experience training staff, volunteers, and/or the public in animal behavior and treatment plans.
Must be computer literate.
Maintain a Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge and Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) credential from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).
Fear Free Shelter certified.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Converse with volunteers, residents, visitors, staff, and others in person, via e-mail, and on the phone. Make presentations in person and virtually.
Create materials and operate equipment necessary to complete work tasks. Visual acuity to read standard text and data on a computer monitor. Operate keyboard-driven equipment.
Drive county or personal vehicle to travel between Fairfax Shelter and Lorton Shelter Campuses to meet the ongoing business needs of the organization.
Maneuver safely in kennels, dog play yards, cat rooms, small animal room, off-site events, etc.
Must not have allergies to animals or animal supplies (ex: hay, peanut butter, etc.) that will impede working in an animal environment.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination (Required within three months)
Safely handle, move, and restrain animals of various species, sizes, conditions, and temperament including fractious animals.
Walk, stand, sit, bend, kneel, stoop, crawl, climb stairs, and be comfortable doing these activities for extended periods of time; lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds; use hands to grasp, handle, and feel; and talk, see, and hear.
Work a varied schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.
All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include a practical exercise.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home () and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-###-#### for assistance. TTY 703-###-####. EEO/AA/TTY.
#LI-AL1
Requisition 24-01454

Merit Positions

Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:

Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
Group Term Life Insurance
Long Term Disability
LiveWell Program
Flexible Spending Programs
Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
Paid Holidays
Contributory Retirement Plan
Deferred Compensation
Employee Assistance Program
Employees' Child Care Center
Commuter Benefit Program
Continuous Learning Opportunities

NOTE: Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more information about the PSLF program:

For additional details please visit the

Non-Merit Positions

Non-Merit Benefit Eligible: scheduled to work a minimum 1,040 hours and no more than a maximum of 1,560 hours in a calendar year.
- Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
- Flexible Spending Program
- Deferred Compensation
Temporary: scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year.
- No benefits

01

What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

Less than 12th grade
High school diploma or GED
Some college
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctorate degree

02

Please indicate your area(s) of study or major(s)/minor(s) towards a degree. Check all that apply.

Animal behavior
Animal science
Veterinary science
Zoology
Veterinary technician
Other (related field)
Other (non-related field)
Not Applicable

03

If you answered "Other (related field)" or "Other (non-related field)" for the previous question, please list all of your majors and minors. If this question does not pertain to you, or you do not have a degree, enter "Not applicable".

04

If you answered "Some college" for the highest level of education completed, please indicate the number of quarter or semester hours you have completed towards a degree.

Less than 45 quarter hours
45 to less than 90 quarter hours
90 to less than 135 quarter hours
135 to less than 180 quarter hours
180 or more quarter hours
Less than 30 semester hours
30 to less than 60 semester hours
60 to less than 90 semester hours
90 to less than 120 semester hours
120 or more semester hours
Not applicable

05

Do you currently possess a valid driver's license?

06

How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have with supervising staff in an animal shelter, kennel, vet clinic, boarding facility, animal training capacity, or other animal related organization with animal care and handling responsibility?

None
Less than one year
One to less than two years
Two to less than three years
Three to less than four years
Four to less than five years
Five to less than six years
Six or more years

07

How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have with multiple species of animals including handling difficult dogs and cats, giving medication, and restraint?

None
Less than one year
One to less than two years
Two to less than three years
Three to less than four years
Four to less than five years
Five to less than six years
Six or more years

08

How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have working in an animal welfare-related organization?

None
Less than one year
One to less than two years
Two to less than three years
Three to less than four years
Four to less than five years
Five to less than six years
Six or more years

09

How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have with managing volunteers, and experience with using the volunteer management software database Volgistics?

None
Less than one year
One to less than two years
Two to less than three years
Three to less than four years
Four to less than five years
Five to less than six years
Six or more years

10

How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have providing behavior treatment in an animal shelter setting?

None
Less than one year
One to less than two years
Two to less than three years
Three to less than four years
Four to less than five years
Five to less than six years
Six or more years

11

How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have training staff, volunteers, and/or the public, in animal behavior and treatment plans?

None
Less than one year
One to less than two years
Two to less than three years
Three to less than four years
Four to less than five years
Five to less than six years
Six or more years

12

How many years of full-time equivalent experience do you have performing animal intake functions, including data entry into shelter software management systems?

None
Less than one year
One to less than two years
Two to less than three years
Three to less than four years
Four to less than five years
Five to less than six years
Six or more years

13

Are you proficient in any of the following applications? Check all that apply.

Outlook (Composing email messages; sending and receiving email messages; organizing email messages into folders; managing contacts; scheduling appointments & meetings, managing tasks)
Word (Knowledge of common functions such as creating a title; using, modifying, and creating styles; indenting paragraphs; using tabs and tables; inserting a hard page break; using page numbering; creating headers and footers; inserting graphics; adding comments and tracking changes)
Excel (Basic knowledge of creating a worksheet; performing calculations in a worksheet; modifying and formatting a worksheet; printing workbook contents; creating and modifying pivot tables; using formulas and links to other cells/worksheets) Publisher (Creating professional documents, such as postcards, flyers, invitations, brochures)
PowerPoint (Creating a template and working with a design template; working with graphics, animation and multimedia; building interactive presentations using hyperlinks)
Volgistics Volunteer Database (including updating volunteer records, scheduling opportunities, designing web volunteer applications, and auditing schedule, volunteer hours, and communication pieces in the database)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Pet Point, Chameleon, or other Shelter management software
None of the above

14

Do you possess a current certification to euthanize in Virginia?

15

Do you possess a current Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) credential from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)?

16

Do you possess a Fear Free Shelter certification?

17

Are you allergic to any kinds of animals or animal supplies (ex. hay, peanut butter, etc.)?

18

If you responded "yes" to the previous question, please list the kinds of animals to which you are allergic. If this question does not pertain to you, enter "Not applicable."

19

Are you comfortable working around a diverse array of animals of varying behaviors, including dogs of all sizes, cats, small animals, reptiles, etc.?

20

This position requires the incumbent to handle the physical and emotional aspect of working in an animal shelter environment, including recommending and performing humane euthanasia. Are you willing to recommend and perform humane euthanasia when necessary?

21

The physical requirements of this position include moving heavy, immobilized or resistant animals, and lifting, carrying, and moving up to 50 pounds. How many pounds of weight are you comfortable with lifting, carrying, and moving with or without reasonable accommodation?

None
Up to 10 pounds
Up to 20 pounds
Up to 30 pounds
Up to 40 pounds
Up to 50 pounds

22

This position is required to split shifts between Fairfax County Animal Shelter Campuses as needed. Are you willing to work shifts and/or be transferred between the Fairfax Campus and the Lorton Campus?

23

The selected applicant's salary will not exceed the midpoint range ($88,138) of the advertised compensation range. Are you willing and able to accept a potential salary offer within the aforementioned range if selected for the position? (Note: Promotional rules apply for current Fairfax County Government and Fairfax County Public Schools employees.)

Required Question

2024-07-19

Behavior Program Manager (Animal Specialist IV), Fairfax County (VA), Fairfax, VA

Behavior Program Manager (Animal Specialist IV)

Job description