Job Title: Animal Centre Behaviourist
Reports to: Head of Animal Welfare Location: RSPCA Cornwall Branch Hours: 37.5 hours per week Salary: To be discussed
Job Purpose
The Animal Centre Behaviourist is responsible for assessing, supporting, and improving the welfare and behavioural outcomes of dogs with complex behavioural needs within the centre. The role includes implementing enrichment programmes, creating behaviour modification plans, advising staff and volunteers, and supporting rehoming. Additionally, the Behaviourist will deliver public training classes and one-to-one support to dog owners, ensuring animals are happy, healthy, and ready for successful rehoming.
Key Responsibilities1. Behaviour Assessment & Intervention
* Conduct initial and ongoing behavioural assessments for dogs with complex behavioural needs.
* Develop and implement individual behaviour modification plans for challenging animals.
* Monitor and track progress, adjusting plans as needed.
* Work closely with veterinary staff to consider medical causes for behavioural issues.
2. Staff & Volunteer Support
* Provide training and guidance to animal care staff and volunteers on positive reinforcement techniques and welfare best practice.
* Work in conjunction with the Training and Welfare leads to ensure behaviour and training plans are created and implemented with progress closely monitored.
* Deliver workshops or one-to-one mentoring on managing complex behaviours.
* Support staff in safely managing high-risk or challenging dogs.
3. Enrichment & Welfare Programmes
* Design and implement enrichment programmes to reduce stress and improve welfare for dogs with complex behavioural needs.
* Advise on housing, feeding, and socialisation strategies to promote positive behavioural outcomes.
4. Public Engagement & Training
* Deliver group training classes for dog owners, focusing on positive reinforcement and behaviour management.
* Provide one-to-one behaviour support sessions for the public, including tailored advice and training plans.
* Advise adopters on behaviour support to maximise successful rehoming.
5. Record-Keeping & Reporting
* Maintain accurate behavioural records in the centre's management system.
* Produce reports and metrics for management on trends, risks, and welfare outcomes.
* Contribute to risk assessments and policy development regarding animal handling, enrichment, and training.
6. Policy & Best Practice
* Stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practice in canine behaviour science.
* Ensure all behaviour management aligns with organisational policies and relevant welfare legislation.
* Advise on the development of behaviour-related policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
Person SpecificationQualifications
* Degree or equivalent in Animal Behaviour, Animal Welfare, Companion Animal Science, or related field.
* Membership of relevant professional bodies (e.g., APBC – Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour) desirable.
Experience
* Proven experience in assessing and modifying complex behaviour in dogs in a shelter, rescue, or veterinary setting.
* Experience in developing enrichment programmes and training staff/volunteers.
* Experience delivering public dog training classes and one-to-one support.
* Experience managing challenging or high-risk dogs safely.
Skills & Competencies
* Strong knowledge of canine behaviour, welfare, and enrichment principles.
* Ability to create clear, actionable behaviour modification plans.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with staff, volunteers, adopters, and the public.
* Ability to train and mentor staff and volunteers effectively.
* High level of empathy and patience when dealing with animals and people.
* Competence in risk assessment and welfare monitoring.
Key Relationships
* Head of Animal Welfare
* Dog Training and Welfare Leads
* Animal Care Staff and Volunteers
* Veterinary Team
* Rehoming and Engagement Staff
* Adopters and members of the public
Working Conditions
* Work in a busy animal centre environment, including handling dogs with complex behavioural needs.
* Regular lifting and physical activity required.
* Some exposure to stressful or emotionally challenging situations.
* Occasional weekend or evening work may be required.
Performance Measures
* Successful implementation of behaviour plans and enrichment programmes for complex dogs.
* Positive behavioural outcomes and reduction in stress-related behaviours.
* Positive feedback from staff, volunteers, adopters, and public training participants.
* Accurate and timely completion of behavioural records, reports, and public training documentation
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person