Behavior & Medical Assistant

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.