[Apply in 3 Minutes] Behavior Associate - Work in a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to animal recovery and rehabilitation. (Pawling)
Location: Pawling
Posted on: October 30, 2025
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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 ASPCAs 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 helpanimals
rescuedin partnership with the NYPD. What Youll Do Behavior
Associates attend the ASPCAs 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
whoconsistently demonstrate strong shelter behavior knowledge and
skills, and collaborate effectively within and across teams,
typically moveintothe 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 Youll 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-onlearning, andrequires 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 Youll 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 fornew hireoffers 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 dont 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 organizations 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 -
Keywords: , Danbury , [Apply in 3 Minutes] Behavior Associate - Work in a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to animal recovery and rehabilitation. (Pawling), Healthcare , Pawling, Connecticut