Southern Pines Animal Shelter
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Behavior Coordinator - Job Description
Apply now
Reports to: Shelter Manager
Direct Reports: None
Full time, hourly position. 
Summary: Behavior coordinator is responsible for the behavioral health and wellness of all dogs and cats at the shelter; crafting and implementing behavior plans, enrichment, and behavior programs both for individual animals and shelter-wide; and upholding the values and mission of the shelter. Must have a willingness to learn, innovate, and implement change. 
Specific duties of Behavior Coordinator include, but are not limited to: 
  • Behavior Protocols
    • Communicate with management to create, update, and implement behavior protocols for individual animals and for more general, common issues
    • Assist with training of new kennel staff, primarily in regards to animal handling and enrichment
    • Assist with training of new volunteers interested in participating in our behavior and enrichment programs
  • Enrichment
    • Work with Kennel Manager and Volunteer Coordinator to ensure kennel enrichment takes place each day
    • Develop diverse, daily enrichment plan/schedule for all shelter cats and dogs
    • Create individualized enrichment plans for dogs and cats needing special care
    • Coordinate with kennel staff and volunteers to prepare enrichment activities ahead of time
  • Oversee and manage behavior of all shelter animals
    • Perform a weekly census  ensuring animals are marked with appropriate behavioral attributes, assessments,  and memos in Shelterluv
    • Observe, identify, and immediately address animals showing signs of kennel stress and/or behavioral deterioration
    • Check and address all Behavior checks submitted by staff daily
    • Communicate during weekly one-on-ones with Shelter Director about temperament, needs, plans, and suggestions for shelter dogs and cats
    • Be prepared to offer opinion/assessment when an animal is being considered for behavioral euthanasia
    • Identify dogs and cats that would benefit from behavioral foster homes
    • Create and manage behavior plans for dogs and cats in foster homes that have or develop behavior issues
    • Strive to keep Southern Pines on the cutting edge of shelter behavior best practices and new, innovative approaches to managing animal behavior
    • Coordinate and oversee daily playgroups
  • Communication
    • Report to Shelter Director regularly and efficiently
    • Maintain and promote positive communication with other staff
    • Promote good relations between kennel and office staff
    • Wear walkie at all times
    • Work with Shelter Manager to identify staff members who excel in animal handling, behavior modification, etc.
    • Attend weekly one-on-one sessions with Shelter Manager
    • Always uphold the shelter’s values and mission statement during interactions with the public and other staff
    • Use the knowledge of others in the field when creating, implementing new protocols or plans
  • Working with volunteers
    • Remember that volunteers donate their time, talent, and energy and are not compensated monetarily for their contributions
    • Make a commitment to train volunteers: orient them to assigned area, assign work, answer questions, and assist with their needs 
    • Greet all volunteers that you see, and thank them for their help. Make them feel like they’re part of the team
    • Be mindful of your communication around volunteers; keep internal conversations internal, and only involve volunteers in the conversation when appropriate
    • Build relationships with volunteers. Volunteers with an emotional connection will continue to volunteer with us
    • Provide feedback to volunteers when they do something well
    • Offer encouragement, training, and constructive correction if you volunteers break protocol. Feedback should be non-confrontational and specific
    • Request volunteer assistance when you need it by asking volunteers 
    • Request volunteer assistance ahead of time by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator  
    • Engage with volunteers through the Southern Pines Volunteers Facebook group 

Future Goals: 
  • Offer behavior support/advice for adopters of Southern Pines’ animals 
  • Become well-versed in basic obedience training; offer training for our shelter dogs/cats
  • Work with Volunteer Coordinator to develop a robust volunteer-based behavior and enrichment program

Where we're located:

1901 N. 31st Avenue Hattiesburg, MS  39401

Hours of operation:

​

Monday - Tuesday:  12pm - 5pm

Wednesday:  CLOSED

Thursday - Sunday:  12pm - 5pm

Connect with us:

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 601.544.6632   •  [email protected]

© 2024 Southern Pines Animal Shelter. All rights reserved.
  • Home
  • Fur Ball 2025
  • Adopt
    • Adopting a Pet >
      • Adoptable Dogs
      • Adoptable Cats >
        • Ringworm Kitties
    • Barn Buddies
    • Alumni Updates
  • Donate
    • Capital Campaign
    • Give Today!
    • Constant Companion
    • Planned Giving
    • Sponsor a Kennel
    • Merchandise
    • Sponsorships
    • Wishlist
  • Community Resources
    • Rehoming Your Pet
    • Pet Training Resources
    • Lost and Found Pets >
      • Lost Pet Resources
      • Found Pet Resources
    • Veterinary Care >
      • Healthy Pet Clinic
    • Pet-Friendly Housing
    • Pet Food Resources
    • Human Help Resources
    • Found Baby Kittens
    • Community Cats
    • Surrendering a Pet >
      • Other Area Shelters
    • Wildlife Resources
  • Get Involved
    • Events
    • Volunteer
    • Foster >
      • Foster Eligible Animals
      • Adoption Ambassador
      • Underage Kitten Care
      • Underage Puppy Care
      • Foster FAQ
      • Foster Resources
      • Foster Referral Program
    • Employment Opportunities
  • About
    • Contact
    • Saving More Lives
    • EmBark Transport Program
    • Meet Our Team
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Partners
    • Blog