Behavior Training Assistant

Behavior Training Assistant

Salary

$21.01 Hourly

Location

1 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee, FL

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

02979

Department

ANIMAL SRV-KENNEL OPERATIONS

Opening Date

06/23/2026

Closing Date

6/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Description of Duties

NOTE TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS: INTERNAL CANDIDATES IN THE SAME CLASSIFICATION AND/OR PAY GRADE AS THE POSITION POSTED WILL NOT RECEIVE A PAY ADJUSTMENT IF SELECTED.

• THE SCHEDULE FOR THIS POSITION WILL VARY*

Under general supervision, the purpose of the position is to provide assistance conducting shelter behavior enrichment programs, intake evaluations for shelter animals, and behavior counseling pre and post adoption. Responsible for triaging incoming animals into our facility. Conducts behavior assessments to help determine adoptability and documents observations in our database. Coordinates and engages in dog play group activities. Ensures animals at our facility are provided with daily enrichment. Position may assist with various animal services efforts and veterinary treatments/procedures to include providing a safe, clean shelter with adequate food and water for animals housed in our shelter and livestock facilities because of neglect, cruelty, aggression, or stray and owner surrender. Employee functions at an advanced level to assist citizens in the adoption of animals and with medical forms and associated paperwork as needed. Position may be assigned to Intake/Rabies Control.

Essential Job Functions

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• Supports Supervisor in providing the day-to-day requirements of the Department's enrichment, manners and skills training program for resident animals (primarily dogs and cats but can include livestock such as horses) onsite at shelter location and at offsite locations.
• Responsible for documenting behavior programs and behavior concerns for all residents of the Department's animal software system.
• Facilitates dog play groups multiple times a week.
• Provides customer service to the public as relates to animal interaction and adoption process; and advises citizens on the responsibility of animal ownership.
• Assists the public in finding lost pets by having a thorough knowledge of shelter animals and escorting owners through shelter areas.
• Assists other areas within Animal Services, as needed, including by not limited to, providing for the general health and welfare of housed animals in the kennel including ensuring proper quality and quantity of food, sanitation (cleans / disinfects animal cages and equipment) of all animal holding facilities, shelters, and grounds, and administer basic medications as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Monitors animals closely to aid in early detection of illness, injury, or changes in behavior. Immediately reports any abnormalities or changes in status to the veterinarian.
• Monitors safety and security of the holding facilities and ensure all quarantined animals are maintained in designated areas. Prevent unauthorized access to animals being held for aggression or biting, monitor animals under quarantine and immediately report any changes in medical status, behavior, or physical condition in accordance with procedures.
• As assigned by supervisor, process incoming animals into the shelter by conducting a basic physical examination / evaluation of the animal, including those seized in cruelty cases, and noting any abnormalities on the veterinary examination form.
• Assists in the evaluation and care of animals seized in cruelty and dog fighting cases.
• Maintains a working relationship with County personnel, government agencies, law enforcement, volunteers, civic groups, and the public.
• Assists with public education, including events the Department participates in.
• Performs duties as assigned/necessary which are related, or logical in assignment to the position

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or GED.

Experience: Five (5) years' experience working and/or volunteering in a veterinary clinic, animal boarding, day care, or shelter environment and demonstrated experience in ability to provide for the general welfare of animals or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training and/or experience. Some public sector experience preferred.

Miscellaneous:

• Must be vaccinated against rabies upon hire.
• Must be Fear Free shelter certified.
• Attendance or participation in Dogs Playing for Life (DPLF) mentorships, shadow program and or seminar are preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license.
• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability and willingness to follow oral and written instructions.
• Broad knowledge of proper techniques utilized in the handling of animals.
• Broad knowledge of proper care, feeding and handling of various types of domestic and exotic animals, livestock, and wildlife.
• Knowledge of a wide variety of species of domestic and exotic animals, livestock and wildlife, and their habits and typical diseases (including rabies) and the symptoms.
• Knowledge of local animal code related to rabies vaccination and quarantine procedures and public health threats associated with animal services staff and citizen exposure.
• Ability to assist with animal services functions including veterinary treatments/procedures, e.g., restraining animals for vaccinations, euthanasia and perform euthanasia.
• Ability to operate County vehicles including pulling various types of trailers.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of customer service skills; ability to deal diplomatically with sensitive circumstances.
• Ability to render quick, responsible decision making, under stressful and emotional circumstances.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment, e.g., computer terminals, printers, copy machines, telephone systems, facsimile machines, etc..
• Ability to read, update and maintain various records and files; ability to access, operate and maintain various software applications.
• Skill in clearly communicating information both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read and comprehend written materials (e.g., emails, correspondence, instructions, memos, reports, regulations, policies) to apply information and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with County government agencies, laws enforcement, volunteers, civic groups, and the public and to assist with the public education program.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical Demand: Medium

• 50 pounds maximum lifting.
• Frequent (up to 2/3 of the work time) lifting, carrying up to 50 lbs.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken word or perceiving sound by ear.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Physical demand requirements are in excess of medium work.
• Requires physical ability in lifting animals.
• Physical agility is required in kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching.

Employee Benefits

Welcome to a workplace that values you. Osceola County offers a comprehensive benefits package to fit your needs and the needs of your family.

Join us in making a difference in our community, knowing we're here to support you every step of the way.

Group Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

Medical and Dental Insurance at no cost to the employee. In addition, the County contributes 83.5% to the dependent(s) premium coverage.

Deductions Per Paycheck - HRA Base Plan

Coverage

Employee

Employee + 1

Family

Health-HRA Base

$0.00

$130.46

$202.93

HRA Buy-Up

$37.60

$174.33

$271.19

Dental Base

$0.00

$12.72

$23.42

Dental Buy-Up

$3.35

$19.24

$32.63

Vision

$3.42

$6.84

$9.15

Short-Term Disability

$0.00

N/A

N/A

Long-Term Disability

$0.00

N/A

N/A

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

At no cost to the employee. The County offers Short-Term and Long-Term Disability at 60% of the employee's weekly base salary. The employee has the option to purchase an additional 10% coverage.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

EAP provides confidential counseling and referral services to employees and their family members at no cost.

Employee Wellness Program

Employee Wellness Program promotes a variety of activities to encourage total well-being including physical, emotional, and financial health. Rewards can be earned.

Gym Membership Reimbursement

Gym Membership Reimbursement, up to $20.00 per month.

Basic Life Insurance Policy

At no cost to the employee, equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next thousand dollars. Employees can opt to buy additional Life Insurance.

Employee Health Center

The County provides a private health center for County Employees and eligible dependents. The Employee Health Center offers an array of primary care services, including sick visits, enhanced by x-ray services, pulmonary tests, lab work, and a dispensary offering over 200 generic medications onsite. Services at the Health Center are offered at no cost to the employees and their eligible dependents.

Employees who are enrolled on the County's Medical plan have access to the Employee Health Center on day one of employment. The Health Center is available to patients 8 years of age and older.

Vacation & Sick Leave Accruals

Service Time

Accruals Per Month

1 month - 5 years

8 hours

5 years and 1 month - 10 years

10 hours

10 years and 1 month - 15 years

12 hours

15 years and 1 month - 20 years

13.34 hours

20 years and over

16.66 hours

Sick Leave Accruals

Classification

Accruals Per Month

Full time employees

8 hours

Part time employees

4 hours

Paid Holidays

Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday (to be chosen by the Employee)

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Thanksgiving - Day After
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day

Administrative Leave

40 hours of Administrative Leave per fiscal year for Exempt employees.

Sick Leave Bank

Available to employees experiencing a catastrophic medical related event, with up to 240 hours per fiscal year. Enrollment required.

Vacation/Sick Leave Buy-Back Program

Eligible employees may sell back up to eighty (80) hours of accrued leave per fiscal year. (This program is subject to availability of funds and may be amended or terminated at any time without notice.)

Paid Bereavement Leave

Up to five (5) working days off.

Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $1,600 per Fiscal Year, for degree seeking employees. Degree must be related to employee's current position.

Membership in the Florida Retirement System

The County is a Florida Retirement System Employer! For Fiscal Year 2025, County contribution for Regular Class members is 13.63%, subject to a mandatory 3% employee contribution. Rates and Contributions are set by Florida Legislation.

A 457b Deferred Compensation Program

A 457b Deferred Compensation Program is also available to help employees boost their retirement saving goals, with pre-tax and post-tax contributions, as well as IRA plan options. Employee sponsored.

Employee Recognition Program

We see your hard work, and we celebrate it! Through our Employee Appreciation Committee and the "Youve Been Caught Doing Good" program, we recognize outstanding performance or accomplishments with prizes including monetary rewards and merchandise.

01

Do you possess a High School Diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of experience do you possess in a veterinary clinic, animal boarding, day care, or shelter environment? (Experience must be demonstrated in the "Experience" section of the application.)

03

Are you able to get vaccinated for Rabies upon hire?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you Fear Free Certified?

• Yes
• No

05

Have you attended or participated in Dogs Playing for Life (DPLF) mentorships, shadow program and or seminar?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you a U.S. Military Veteran?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you electing to claim Veterans Preference? (If electing to claim Veterans Preference, please make sure to complete the Veterans Preference Eligibility Form located on the home page of NeoGov.)

• Yes
• No

08

Do you possess a valid Drivers License? If so, what state?

Required Question

Employer Osceola County

Address 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 4200

Kissimmee, Florida, 34741

Phone 407-742-1200

Website http://www.osceola.org