What are the responsibilities and job description for the Feline Behavior Specialist position at Animal Care Centers of NYC?
Feline Behavior Specialist
Summary
The Feline Behavior Specialist conducts behavior assessments, socialization, behavior modification, and enrichment for the cats at the ACC Care Centers. This position works hands-on with cats; providing daily one-on-one socialization time with cats showing timid or fearful behavior, using positive reinforcement and Fear Free techniques to help cats adjust, and work with other staff to offer creature comforts, in-kennel enrichment (food, treats, toys), auditory, visual, and scent enrichment in order to promote the highest possible quality of life for all cats in ACC's care.
Essential Job Functions:
- Work with the Feline Behavior Team to identify cats due for behavior evaluations, behavioral rechecks, and cats needing attention prior to their evaluation.
- Maintain and support programs that provide behavioral and environmental enrichment, mental stimulation, exercise, and Fear Free care focusing on cats housed at ACC.
- Offer hands-on handling training to Animal Care Representatives and new staff to help them gain skills needed to perform their jobs in a Fear Free manner.
Salary and Benefits:
$20.50/Hour
ACC values work/life balance and offers a generous paid-time-off (PTO) package that includes vacation time, birthdays off, personal days and sick pay. We also value physical and mental health by offering a great open access Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance at a low premium to our employees as well as 401K and Pension, Life Insurance. We also have on-the-job training for 2-4 weeks, periodic all staff trainings to include safety, DEI, cross training, and other growth opportunities.
Because ACC is a nonprofit, employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness, cancellation, and/or consolidation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). Created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, PSLF allows borrowers who work full time for nonprofits and government agencies to have their outstanding debt forgiven tax-free on Federal Direct Loans, after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan.
Please see the attached Job Description and Benefits Flyer for more details.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience interacting with and caring for cats in a shelter setting or rescue.
- Ability to make sound judgments and work independently in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
- Ability to foster a cooperative, encouraging and positive work environment with staff as well as volunteers.
- Must be able to handle all types of cats with varying behaviors and energy levels, including those showing fearful and aggressive behaviors in a low-stress manner.
- Strong communication skills.
- The ability to remain pleasant, calm and objective in all situations.
Education and Work Experience:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word; capable of learning shelter software.
- Experience observing and documenting feline behavior in an objective manor
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
