Position Information Position Information Posting Title Animal Enrichment Specialist Job Requisition Number COA079325 Position Number 106438 Job Type Full-Time Division Name Customer Services Minimum Qualifications Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus two (2) years of experience in a field related to direct contact with companion animals. Licenses or Certifications: Valid Class C drivers license. Notes to Applicants The Austin Animal Services Center is seeking someone who will share our commitment to deliver exceptional service and care to our guests on a daily basis while making sure they are well behaved and remain happy and active. Youll need to be able to work on the weekends or holidays when most people visit our adoption center. The Animal Enrichment Specialist provides animal behavior assessments and daily enrichment to animals. This will include developing behavior plans and reviewing behavior information. This person will provide excellent customer service and animal care and will serve on the euthanasia review team. Regarding Your Application: Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job title and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. A résumé is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please include contact information from previous employers. A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position. If you are selected to interview: Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference. If you are selected for hire: You must provide proof of education which may include your official college transcript, High School diploma, GED or equivalent degree and your professional licenses. A Criminal Background check ( CBI ) will be conducted. Additional Information: Austin Public Health/Animal Service Office worksite locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APH / ASO worksite including construction sites, parking lot, or in any personal vehicle located on the premises. This position will be required to work in a variety of environments, indoor/outdoor, early morning/after hours and in varying weather conditions with or without accommodations. Please Note this posting may close any time after 7 days Pay Range $16.11 $19.48 Hours Open seven days a week, so schedule will include at least one weekend day and holidays. This position will work 40 hours per week. Job Close Date 12/30/2018 Type of Posting External Department Animal Services Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Technical Location 7201 Levander Loop Bldg A Austin TX 78702 Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated experience communicating effectively and respectfully, even around emotional or adversarial conversations. Demonstrated experience working in a fast paced, high stress environment with changing priorities and managing emotions. Demonstrated experience providing excellent customer service and de-escalating conflicts. Experience in an animal-related field. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of dog behavior and science-based modification techniques, and demonstrated skill in safely handling animals, including those with behavior issues. Duties, Functions and Responsibilities Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Performs animal behavior assessments Makes and distributes daily in-kennel enrichment items to dogs and cats. Ensures all sheltered animals receive regular exercise and enrichment including leading shelter dog playgroups of groups of 5 to 25 dogs at a time. Creates support programs for animals with behavior challenges. Consults with supervisors/managers about shelter enrichment activities to improve adoptability, and to treat and prevent behavior problems. Creates programs that reduce shelter intake, increases live outcomes and reports results of activities to meet Shelter goals. Provides behavior consultation with adopters and options for pet owners who are considering surrendering their pet. Reviews, revises and monitors behavior evaluation protocols and procedures related to animal behavior, evaluations and assessments, in kennel enrichment, play groups, kennel breaks and behavior modification Coordinates activities with other staff and with outside agencies. Maintains databases and compiles and writes reports of activities. Develops behavior related information for dissemination in the community. Conduct public workshops and training classes and trains volunteers to facilitate programs for other volunteers and members of the public. Trains shelter staff and volunteers on animal behavior and safe handling of cats and dogs. Serve on the euthanasia review team, helping to make outcome decisions for behaviorally at-risk dogs. Responsibilities - Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised: Provides leadership to resolve disputes and mediates complaints at the lowest possible level Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Skill in safely handling animals, including those with unknown temperament. Knowledge of federal, state and local laws pertaining to animals, including rabies and animal control. Knowledge of animal services and related programs. Skill in effective oral and written communication. Skill in using good judgment and in resolving problems and conflicts. Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques and principles. Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees, media, animal welfare organizations and the public. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities. Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations. Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing. Skill in using computers and related software applications. Ability to train others. Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public. Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or TTY (512) 974-2445. Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.