Cat Care & Behavior Supervisor

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Cat Care & Behavior Supervisor manages Animal Care Attendants to coordinate the proper feeding, cleaning, observation, movement, and general well-being of all cats, and other small animals, within the shelter, with the goal of placing each animal in a supportive home environment.

This person will promote a friendly and professional environment where emphasis is placed on quality care, safety, education, compassion and efficient and collaborative teamwork.  All responsibilities are to be carried out in accordance with The Palm Springs Animal Shelter standards, policies, and procedures.       

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and train Cat Animal Care Attendants and Leads in the proper feeding, watering, cleaning, and general maintenance of the cat wards. 
• Act as Cat ACA medical liaison with the medical department to ensure timely diagnosis and medical care for all sick and/or injured cats. 
• Supervise critical care cat wards to ensure proper protocols are being followed by all staff and volunteers to prevent the spread of disease. 
• Work with Shift Lead(s) to coordinate deep cleaning projects, and any other special duties.
• Work with the Operations Director to determine behavior plans for cats. 
• Work with dedicated cat behavior volunteers to implement and assess behavior plans for cats. 
• Assist medical team in administering medication and vaccine for cats as directed. 
• Promote a team environment with staff and volunteers. 
• Work with Shift Leads to ensure ACAs maintain accurate and timely records. 
• Exhibit a humane and caring attitude at all times towards the animals in our care. 
• Use a humane and safe approach in all handling and restraint of animals, striving to maintain safety and security for the animals, staff, volunteers, and the public. 
• Carry and safeguard a shelter-issued communication radio at all times and remain in constant contact with Animal Care Attendants, medical, and other staff as needed.
• Provide careful, ongoing observation of animals throughout the shelter to see that the animals are safe, healthy, clean, and comfortable - promptly notify appropriate staff if any animal shows signs of stress, injury, or illness.
• Move cats to different housing areas of the shelter; or for medical checks, disease prevention, foster or in preparation for transport as directed.
• Communicate promptly and effectively with other shelter staff in order to assure consistency of cat handling based on changing needs and to provide updates on individual behavior concerns.
• Assist in maintaining adequate signage and documentation (on kennels, around the building and within electronic records) for the entire cat and exotics population.
• Use the shelter’s computer database program (ShelterLuv) to keep accurate computer records at all times including current location within the shelter.
• Communicate with Adoption Staff about cat behavior updates and adoption promotion opportunities unique to individual cats.
• As requested, provide adoption counseling assistance to potential adopters for cats specified as needing special adoption recommendations and/or support.
• Support organization in the development and implementation of any new protocols or programs designed to enhance the quality of life for the entire cat population.
• May be required to participate in adoption and community outreach events when asked to do so.
• Act as the point of contact to transport cats to Frisky Business. 
• Report any maintenance issues to appropriate staff.
• Maintain security by ensuring animal housing areas and individual kennels are kept locked.
• Able to work a flexible schedule - including regular weekend shifts, evenings and holidays. 
• May be asked to use a shelter vehicle to transport animals locally and/or out of state.
• May be asked to assist in training new staff and/or volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS – To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High School Graduate or G.E.D
• Minimum (2) years of experience caring for animals in an animal facility such as a veterinary clinic, shelter or animal welfare facility.
• Minimum (2) years of supervisor work experience.

Required Technical / Other Skills and Abilities

• Proven leadership abilities
• Proven supervisory skills
• Proven knowledge of the guidelines and practices in an animal welfare/shelter environment preferred. 
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, public speaking and customer service skills.
• Ability to use a PC and widely used software packages, e.g., spreadsheets (Excel), word processing (MS Word), Chameleon or Pet Point shelter software; ability to learn new software as necessary.
• Ability to meet deadlines; ability to set and accomplish work in order of priority; professionally maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure and changing conditions.
• Able to work a flexible schedule with regular weekend, evening shifts, and holidays as required.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have an insurable driving record.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• None

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

• Leadership – Maintain a positive, upbeat role, promote and exemplify Shelter values and represent departmental objectives and interests to internal and external customers.
• Customer Service – Follow up on complaints, questions, and concerns; respond to internal/external customer needs in a friendly, timely and efficient manner.
• Teamwork - Develop and promote teamwork and cooperation among all co-workers and management staff.
• Safety – Comply with established safe work practices and attend to all safety-related training provided or made available by the Shelter.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary : $24