Aspcapro
Summary:
Are you passionate about helping animals in need and eager to advance the field of animal welfare? If so, the role of Behavior Associate at the ASPCA’s 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 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 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 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.
Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time, as needed.
The target start date for this position will be February 9, 2026.
What You’ll Get Compensation
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
Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
Flexible time off including vacation, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays, and paid personal time off.
Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with employer contributions and additional annual contributions.
Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship, internal mobility, and field support.
For more information on benefits, 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, conduct and document treatment sessions, and provide data and observations to 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 in a timely fashion
Provide handling and data collection in support of the organization’s research agenda
Adhere to all ASPCA protocols, including behavior modification and training procedures, enrichment, animal handling, and general medical and sheltering protocols
Administrative and Operational Duties (20%)
Meticulous collection of high-quality data in support of behavior and veterinary needs and the organization’s research agenda
Attend and contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings
Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and travel expenses
Safely 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 hands-on experience with dogs; equivalent volunteer experience may be considered
Experience working or volunteering in an animal shelter preferred
Hands-on experience with dogs in one or more of the following settings: Animal Shelter (at least 6 months in a paid full-time role, or at least 1 year in a paid part-time role, or at least 240 hours in an unpaid volunteer role; other settings require different durations)
Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship requirements include completing SBA within 1 year of hire and related scheduling
Qualifications
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check
Fluent in 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 practice
Strong safety mindset and collaborative ethos; able to adapt under stress
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Requirements
Actively participate in shelter behavior online, classroom, and hands-on activities throughout the Apprenticeship
Practice skills in a busy shelter setting with coaching and supervision
Perform basic dog and cat handling under supervision
Provide periodic feedback on the Apprenticeship and assist in program improvement
Travel for learning activities at ASPCA facilities (costs covered by ASPCA)
Complete SBA within 1 year of hire with a defined schedule including remote and in-person days
Stay Connected
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
Our EEO Policy: The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and state/local laws. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation to participate in the application process.
ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).
About Us: The ASPCA was founded in 1866 to protect animals from cruelty. We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit with a nationwide presence and a mission to prevent cruelty to dogs, cats, horses, and farm animals.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Who We Are The R&R Center in Pawling, NY, is a 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 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 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.
Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time, as needed.
The target start date for this position will be February 9, 2026.
What You’ll Get Compensation
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
Affordable health coverage, including medical, employer-paid dental, and optional vision coverage.
Flexible time off including vacation, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, 10 company paid holidays, and paid personal time off.
Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with employer contributions and additional annual contributions.
Robust professional development opportunities including classes, on-the-job training, coaching and mentorship, internal mobility, and field support.
For more information on benefits, 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, conduct and document treatment sessions, and provide data and observations to 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 in a timely fashion
Provide handling and data collection in support of the organization’s research agenda
Adhere to all ASPCA protocols, including behavior modification and training procedures, enrichment, animal handling, and general medical and sheltering protocols
Administrative and Operational Duties (20%)
Meticulous collection of high-quality data in support of behavior and veterinary needs and the organization’s research agenda
Attend and contribute to all relevant R&R Center and ASPCA meetings
Accurately track and report time worked, time off, and travel expenses
Safely 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 hands-on experience with dogs; equivalent volunteer experience may be considered
Experience working or volunteering in an animal shelter preferred
Hands-on experience with dogs in one or more of the following settings: Animal Shelter (at least 6 months in a paid full-time role, or at least 1 year in a paid part-time role, or at least 240 hours in an unpaid volunteer role; other settings require different durations)
Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship requirements include completing SBA within 1 year of hire and related scheduling
Qualifications
Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle history check
Fluent in 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 practice
Strong safety mindset and collaborative ethos; able to adapt under stress
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Requirements
Actively participate in shelter behavior online, classroom, and hands-on activities throughout the Apprenticeship
Practice skills in a busy shelter setting with coaching and supervision
Perform basic dog and cat handling under supervision
Provide periodic feedback on the Apprenticeship and assist in program improvement
Travel for learning activities at ASPCA facilities (costs covered by ASPCA)
Complete SBA within 1 year of hire with a defined schedule including remote and in-person days
Stay Connected
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
Our EEO Policy: The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and state/local laws. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation to participate in the application process.
ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).
About Us: The ASPCA was founded in 1866 to protect animals from cruelty. We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit with a nationwide presence and a mission to prevent cruelty to dogs, cats, horses, and farm animals.
#J-18808-Ljbffr