French is the primary working language at the SPCA de l’Outaouais. Fluency in spoken and written French is required for this position.

Job Summary

The Animal Behavior Specialist will work closely with the Animal Pathway management team to conduct behavioral assessments of the animals in our care and develop intervention, training, or enrichment plans tailored to each animal.

Reporting to the Animal Care Program Manager, the incumbent assesses the animals’ behaviors and risks, guides placement decisions based on their behavioral profiles, and provides post-adoption support to adopters. The incumbent also trains staff and volunteers in interpreting animal behavior, helps prevent animal abandonment through public education, and stays abreast of best practices in shelter animal behavior.

Job Type

• Permanent, full-time position (5 days/week – 40 hours);
• On-site position at the SPCA de l’Outaouais in Gatineau;
• Schedule includes weekdays and weekends; the incumbent should expect to work some weekends;
• Direct and regular contact with animals as well as with internal teams;
• Occasional participation in training sessions, conferences, and public education or awareness events.

Salary

Starting at $21/hour.

What We Offer

• Attractive employee benefits and a group insurance program;
• 2 weeks of annual vacation after the first year of service;
• A compassionate, collaborative work environment focused on animal welfare;
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education;
• The chance to contribute directly to a mission that makes a tangible impact in the community.

Main Responsibilities

• Behavioral Assessment and Intervention:
• Assess the behaviors and risks of the animals in our care;
• Develop intervention, training, or enrichment plans tailored to each animal, as needed;
• Guide placement decisions (adoption, transfer, foster families) toward the appropriate resources based on the animal’s behavioral profile.

Support, Training, and Knowledge Sharing:

• Provide post-adoption support to adopters by answering their questions about their animal’s behavior;
• Train staff and volunteers in interpreting animal behavior and managing risks;
• Document and compile behavioral data for statistical purposes.

Prevention, Education, and Continuous Improvement:

• Develop public education initiatives aimed at preventing abandonments related to animal behavior;
• Monitor best practices in shelter animal behavior and integrate these insights into internal practices.

Desired Profile

Mandatory Requirements

• At least 6 months of training in canine or feline behavior, OR an equivalent combination of training and experience in the animal field;
• Bilingualism (French and English) required in both spoken and written communication.

Requirements Considered an Asset

• Certification or accreditation in animal behavior from a recognized professional association (such as: IAABC, PPAB, CCPDT, APCP, RQIEC, or equivalent);
• Post-secondary diploma in administration, secretarial studies, or equivalent experience;
• Post-secondary diploma in animal care or a related field;
• Work experience at an animal shelter.

Key Skills Sought

• Ability to work effectively in a highly dynamic, fast-paced environment;
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously;
• Attention to detail and thoroughness, even in a fast-paced environment;
• Excellent behavioral analysis skills and a knack for planning;
• Ability to share knowledge with staff and volunteers;
• Ability to provide empathetic guidance in emotionally charged situations;
• Strong interest in research and the continuous improvement of practices.

To Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter to:

• emplois@spcaoutaouais.ca
• Deadline: July 24 at 11:00 PM