Animal Care, Animal Shelter, Communication Skills, Cross-Functional, Detail Oriented, Disease Prevention and Control, Documentation, Healthcare Customer Service, High School Diploma, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Medical Assistance, Medications, Patient Care, Physical Demands, Record Keeping, Systems Maintenance, Team Player, Veterinary Medicine
Make an Impact Where It Matters Most.
Do you have a passion for both animal behavior and medical care? Are you looking for a hands-on role where you can directly improve the lives of animals every day.
The Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS) is seeking a Behavior & Medical Assistant to join our team. This is a unique, cross-functional role supporting both our Behavior and Medical teams—helping animals heal, grow, and prepare for successful adoption.
Why This Role Matters.
In this position, you’ll play a critical role in:
- Improving animal health and wellbeing.
- Reducing stress in the shelter environment.
- Supporting successful adoptions.
- Bridging the gap between medical care and behavior support.
What You’ll Do.
Behavior Support & Enrichment:
- Implement enrichment and behavior modification plans.
- Observe and document animal behavior.
- Support temperament evaluations and training activities.
- Provide daily enrichment to reduce stress.
Medical & Animal Wellbeing Support:
- Assist with medications and treatments (under supervision).
- Monitor animals for health or behavior changes.
- Support veterinary staff during exams and procedures.
- Help prepare animals for treatment and recovery.
Animal Handling & Care:
- Safely handle animals of all sizes and temperaments.
- Use proper restraint techniques.
- Support movement of animals across departments.
Documentation & Communication:
- Maintain accurate records of treatments and observations.
- Update shelter systems (e.g., Chameleon).
- Communicate effectively with Medical & Behavior teams.
Team Collaboration:
- Work closely with Behavior, Medical, Animal Care, and Customer Service teams.
- Support adoption readiness.
- Participate in trainings and team meetings.
Facility & Sanitation:
- Clean and disinfect kennels and treatment areas.
- Follow biosecurity and disease prevention protocols.
What We’re Looking For:
- Passion for animal welfare, behavior, and medical care.
- Ability to handle animals safely and compassionately.
- Strong attention to detail and observational skills.
- Ability to stay calm in high-stress situations.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- Experience working with animals (shelter, vet clinic, training, etc.) preferred.
- Knowledge of positive reinforcement training is a plus.
- Interest in veterinary medicine, animal behavior, or animal welfare strongly encouraged.
Work Environment:
- Veterinary clinic and shelter setting.
- Exposure to animals with varying medical and behavioral needs.
- Physical role (lifting up to 50 lbs, standing, bending, walking).
- May include weekends, holidays, and flexible scheduling.
Why Join APS?:
- Be part of a mission-driven organization making real impact.
- Gain hands-on experience in both medical and behavior fields.
- Work alongside a dedicated, compassionate team.
- Grow your career in animal welfare and veterinary care.
Apply Today: If you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of animals and be part of something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
APS of Durham is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and does not discriminate based on any protected status under applicable law.
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Animal Protection Society of Durham