Position Title:

Behaviour & Animal Care Support Associate – Full Time

37.5 hours per week The Behaviour & Animal Care Support Associate is anentry-level position designed to support the implementation of animal behaviourand enrichment plans while maintaining high standards of daily care. With theprimary focus on executing training and behaviour support strategies under thedirection of the Behaviour Team, this role also supports general animal careresponsibilities. It provides a guided pathway for individuals with limitedexperience to develop skills in animal handling, observation, and behaviouralsupport within a shelter setting.

Key Responsibilities:

Behaviour Support (approx. 60%):

- Carry out individualized behaviour and trainingplans as outlined by the Behaviour Team, including clicker training, enrichmentroutines, kennel routines, and behaviour modification exercises.
- Observe and document animal behaviour duringtraining and enrichment sessions, reporting progress and challenges throughestablished systems.
- Assist in preparing and delivering dailyenrichment, mental stimulation, and stress reduction strategies for animals incare.
- Participate in Behaviour Rounds and shadowassessments to learn foundational behaviour concepts.
- Monitor for signs of stress, fear, frustration,and success in training plans, escalating concerns to Behaviour staff.
- Support safe, low-stress handling practicesunder supervision, using desensitization and positive reinforcement methods as trained.

Animal Care (approx. 30%):

- Assist with daily cleaning, feeding, andmonitoring of assigned kennels and animals, particularly for those on behaviourplans.
- Ensure kennels are set up with appropriateenrichment and that housing supports the behaviour and welfare needs of theanimal.
- Support animal moves and transitions thatintersect with behavioural goals (e.g., reducing fear during transfers).
- Communicate welfare observations with the AnimalCare Team and Behaviour Team to support holistic animal support.

Learning & Development (approx. 10%):





- Participate in structured mentorship andtraining from both the Behaviour and Animal Care departments.
- Attend onboarding and ongoing training in animalbody language, fear-free handling, enrichment planning, and behaviour theory.
- Build a foundational skillset that prepares foradvancement into Behaviour Technician, Animal Care Specialist, or FosterSupport roles.
- Engage in regular development check-ins withassigned Behaviour mentors.

Position Requirements:

- Minimum high school diploma.
- KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, or IAABC accreditationpreferred.
- Minimum one year of professional, volunteer, orhands-on animal care experience (e.g., veterinary clinic, shelter, boardingfacility).
- Genuine concern for animal welfare andcommitment to humane, evidence-based training methods that prioritize animalwell-being and minimize stress.
- Proficiency in interpreting and analyzing animalbehaviour.
- Strong communication skills, including theability to communicate professionally and effectively both verbally and inwriting.
- Public speaking confidence and solid conflictmanagement skills.
- Demonstrated resiliency and ability to remainprofessional in stressful and emotionally challenging situations.
- Ability to work independently andcollaboratively as part of a team.
- Strong organizational and time managementskills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectivelyunder pressure.
- Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft OfficeSuite.
- Flexibility to work overtime as required.
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s License with a cleanabstract and a minimum of three years of driving experience.




- Successful candidate must be able topass/provide a police information or criminal record check at their ownexpense, arranged by CHS.

Physical Requirements:

- Comfortablehandling various species, including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, rodents,and reptiles.
- Abilityto lift up to 50 lbs and perform repetitive motions such as sitting,standing, walking, reaching, lifting, squatting, bending, and pulling.

Salary:

- $36,367.50 per year, increased to $40,170.00 upon successful completion of the probationary period

What We Offer:

- 100% employer-paid health and dental benefits for employees and their eligible dependants.
- Vision coverage and a Wellness Spending Account.
- Employer-matched RSP contributions.
- Paid vacation, sick time, wellness days and flex days, plus a paid day off for your birthday.
- Professional development and career-growth opportunities.
- Discounts on CHS products and services, including adoption fees.
- Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program and reduced-rate counselling services.
- Free on-site parking.
- A meaningful, mission-driven workplace where your work directly supports animals and people in the community.

Our Commitment to Inclusion:

The people and families we serve are diverse, and Calgary Humane Society is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the community around us. We believe that different identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and abilities strengthen our organization and help us better support animals and the people who care for them.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from people who have historically faced barriers to employment. We are committed to an accessible and equitable recruitment process, and accommodation is available at any stage upon request.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. To ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process, we are unable to respond to telephone or email inquiries regarding applications.

📌 Behaviour & Animal Care Support Associate (Calgary)
🏢 GetHired
📍 Calgary