Animal Behavior Manager in Merriam, Kansas at Great Plains Spca
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Job Description
Animal Behavior Manager
Job Description
Class: Exempt Full Time July 2026
Location: Merriam
Reports to: Vice President of Operations
Salary Range: $60,000-$65,000
Great Plains SPCA located in Merriam, KS is the highest rated shelter in the Kansas City area that serves 7,000 animals and 500,000 residents annually. We are a results driven organization built on resiliency, compassion, inclusion, and accountability.
- Are you ready for a job that keeps you on your toes, both mentally and physically?
- Are you looking for a job where "predictable" is a dirty word?
- Are you as consistent as a cat's unwavering demand for treats at 3 a.m.?
- Want to make a daily difference for community pets?
Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Behavior Manager to lead our Behavior team and oversee the training, enrichment, and behavioral rehabilitation of animals in our care. The ideal candidate is an emotionally intelligent leader with a deep commitment to animal welfare, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to inspire and develop a team of four Behavior Specialists.
This hands-on leadership role requires extensive experience in animal behavior, behavior modification, and shelter enrichment programs. The Behavior Manager will drive force-free, evidence-based training methods that build trust, reduce fear and stress, and strengthen the human-animal bond. This individual will play a critical role in improving the physical and emotional well-being of animals in our care, addressing behavioral challenges, and increasing each animal's opportunity for a successful adoption.
The successful candidate will foster a collaborative, solutions-focused culture, mentor staff in best practices for positive reinforcement training, and ensure all behavior programs align with the organization's mission, values, and commitment to providing exceptional, compassionate care.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of four Behavior Specialists, fostering a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing work environment.
- Conduct behavioral assessments and develop individualized behavior modification plans using force-free, evidence-based, positive reinforcement training methods.
- Evaluate animals upon intake and throughout their stay to identify behavioral needs, monitor progress, and support successful placement outcomes.
- Design, implement, and oversee enrichment programs that promote emotional well-being, reduce stress, and enhance quality of life for animals in our care.
- Partner closely with the Medical, Animal Care, Foster, and Adoption teams to provide comprehensive, individualized care for each animal.
- Provide education, coaching, and hands-on training to staff, volunteers, foster caregivers, and adopters on animal behavior, body language, handling, and positive reinforcement training techniques.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve behavior-related policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure consistency and operational excellence.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of behavior assessments, training plans, progress notes, and recommendations.
- Collaborate on behavioral Quality of Life (QOL) assessments and assist in making compassionate, evidence-based behavioral euthanasia recommendations when appropriate.
- Maintain a flexible work schedule, including weekends and evenings as needed, to meet the operational needs of the organization and the animals in our care.
- Participate with end of day pet help to support daily animal care operations.
- Other duties as needed
Requirements
- Schedule Requirement: Tuesday through Saturday, with rotating shifts of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. based on operational needs. Shift assignments are rotated equitably among team members.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in animal behavior training, shelter behavior programs, or related fields.
- Experience leading or managing a team is preferred.
- Strong understanding of animal learning theory, behavior modification, and training techniques.
- Ability to assess behavior concerns and develop effective, humane intervention plans.
- Exceptional emotional intelligence and ability to work in a high-stress environment.
- Strong communication skills to interact with staff, volunteers, and the public.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays as needed.
- Certification in animal behavior (CPDT-KA, IAABC, or similar) is a plus.
Work Conditions
- Handle and restrain animals weighing up to 100 lbs.
- Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs.
- Lift 50lbs to waist height
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, stooping, carrying, and reaching
- Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, and high noise levels
At Will Employment
There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an employment offer. It is the policy of Great Plains SPCA that employment is at will, which means that the employment is for no specific term and that employment may be terminated by the employee or Great Plains SPCA at any time without cause.
Great Plains is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or for any basis protected applicable federal, state, or local law. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with Great Plains SPCA depends solely on your qualifications.
Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. You may be required to perform other related duties within your skill set as negotiated and/or directed to meet the ongoing needs of your department and the organization.
GPSPCA is an engaging, mission‑driven workplace where our team and the animals we serve come first. We offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous PTO, Days of Significance, and 9 paid holidays
- 100% employer‑covered mental health support
- Disability and life insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Discounts on veterinary care, retail store items, and GPSPCA event tickets