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Animal Behaviorist


If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health: 

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Our Values: 

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department’s cornerstone values guiding our work to improve the community’s health and well-being. 

  • Transparency: We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
  • Integrity: Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
  • Respect: We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
  • Impact:  We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
  • Collaboration: We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview:
Under general supervision, the Animal Behaviorist will assess and manage animal behavior, develop behavior modification plans, and train staff and volunteers. Individuals in this role will be responsible for collaborating with veterinary teams to ensure the well-being of shelter animals, while also making ethical decisions regarding animal welfare.

The Animal Behaviorist is expected to have knowledge of ethical considerations and best practices related to humane euthanasia decisions, focusing on animal welfare and public safety.

Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Behavioral Evaluation & Assessment: Conducts comprehensive evaluations of incoming animals to assess behavioral concerns such as aggression, anxiety, fear, and socialization issues.
  • Behavior Monitoring & Documentation: Observes and documents animal behavior to track progress and identify any changes that could impact the animal’s adaptability or well-being.
  • Risk Assessment: Provides well-considered recommendations for humane euthanasia in cases where behavioral issues pose a significant risk to the animal’s welfare or public safety.
  • Collaboration with Veterinary & Kennel Staff: Works closely with veterinary and kennel staff to monitor the health and behavior of animals, especially those in quarantine or undergoing medical treatment.
  • Behavior Modification Plan Development: Develops and implements individualized behavior modification plans using positive reinforcement, desensitization, and other effective techniques tailored to shelter animals.
  • Staff & Volunteer Training: Trains shelter staff and volunteers on safe, effective animal handling practices and behavioral best practices to ensure consistency and safety.
  • Community Outreach & Education: Assists in developing educational materials and workshops to improve community understanding of animal behavior and welfare.
  • Professional Development & Research: Stays informed on the latest research, theories, and best practices in animal behavior to continuously improve shelter practices and protocols.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in animal science, zoology, biology, psychology, or ethology.
Experience:
  • At least five (5) years of experience working with cats and dogs in a behavior or training role, preferably in a shelter or rescue environment.
  • Valid Texas Driver's License.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Licensure:
  • Valid Texas Driver's License.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Must be comfortable working with animals.

  • Knowledge of current research, theories, and advancements in animal behavior to improve shelter practices and protocols.
  • Knowledge of ethical considerations and best practices related to humane euthanasia decisions, focusing on animal welfare and public safety.
  • Skill in communicating clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to explain behavior assessments and provide recommendations.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage time-sensitive projects independently while ensuring attention to detail.
  • Skill in developing and implementing individualized behavior modification plans using positive reinforcement, desensitization, and other effective techniques.
  • Ability to observe, assess, and document animal behavior, identifying key behavioral concerns and tracking progress over time.
  • Ability to make informed, ethical decisions regarding challenging cases, including humane euthanasia, with a focus on animal welfare and safety.
  • Ability to build and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with shelter staff, volunteers, external organizations, and community stakeholders.
  • Ability to solve a variety of complex problems in the absence of technical guidelines and when creative thinking is required.
Core Competencies:

  • Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.

  • Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.

  • Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.

  • Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.

  • Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.


NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Qualifications

Education:
  • Master's degree in animal science, zoology, biology, psychology, or ethology.
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:  
  • This is a full time position.
  • Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Other days and hours as necessary.
  • Must be willing to flex work hours when required, including weekends.
  • Expected to travel within Harris County jurisdiction.
Work Environment:
  • This job operates in an animal shelter, professional office environment, with some field work. 
  • Consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens under conditions with limited alternative available. 
  • This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 
  • This position may require infrequent travel and interaction with the community at public events.
Physical Demands
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in a physically demanding environment, including standing, walking, bending, and handling animals. 
  • Comfortable working in various environments, including kennels, adoption areas, and public spaces. 
  • May have to manually set up and tear down equipment as the mobile clinic requires. 
Location: 
  • Veterinary Public Health (612 Canino Road, Houston, TX 77076)

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.
 
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
Date Posted
06/24/2026
Job Reference
16833
Organization
Public Health Services, Veterinary Public Health
Location
Harris County, TX
Category
Mental Health/Social Services
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