What are the responsibilities and job description for the Feline Care Coordinator position at City Of Indianapolis and Marion County?
Position Summary
This position oversees all feline programs, feline flow, and all policies regarding felines at IACS. This position is responsible for increasing feline save rates within Marion County and central Indiana by optimizing current cat programs, innovating new programs in conjunction with other organizations, and working within the mission of IACS. This position will focus on the larger goals of the organization and pursuit of expanding programs, while ensuring all daily operations within the Cat Program are optimized. Incumbent will coordinate assigned activities with other city agencies, divisions, outside agencies, and the general public. Incumbent will provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Shelter Placement Manager. Independent judgment and actions are an essential part of the incumbent’s position. The incumbent’s other actions are dictated by established policies and procedures, civil and criminal laws, and the codes established by the city and county. Position reports to the Shelter Placement Manager.
Agency Summary
The purpose and mission of Animal Care Services is advocating animal welfare, adoption, and rescue. The agency does this by protecting and promoting the health, safety, and welfare of pets and livestock in Marion County. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the residents of Indianapolis and Marion County.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.
Position Responsibilities
- Triage cats coming to the facility to determine if the cats are candidates to be released as community cats or working cats, to be made available for adoption or sent to a rescue organization.
- Coordinates efforts to release community cats into the community.
- Works with Indy Neighborhood Cats and other animal welfare organizations to increase the live release of cats in Marion County.
- Work with intake and medical staff to streamline and shorten flow of cats from intake to placement/return to field.
- Works with medical manager to coordinate the spaying and neutering and other necessary medical procedures for cats listed as community or working cats.
- Assist with medical needs of cats who are medically or behaviorally challenged.
- Work with kennel shift leads and kennel manager to establish and ensure proper cleaning and sanitation protocols for the shelter’s cat population and cat areas.
- Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to develop volunteers within the Cat Program to maximize volunteer output to the organization and volunteer satisfaction. Assist with training cat program volunteers with focus on improving cat care and enrichment.
- Works closely with the Enforcement Team to coordinate transportation for surgery and relocation back to the field for community or working cats.
- Works with the communications team to educate the public and promote the community cat and working cat programs.
- Work with foster, rescue, and adoption teams to coordinate proper placement of cats at IACS.
- Serves as a resource for residents and employees dealing with community cat concerns or complaints.
- Interacts with community rescue groups, city elected and appointed officials, and other government agencies, volunteers, and the general public.
- Participates in a range of community education and outreach programs in order to provide assistance, as needed.
- Finds specialized placement for cats that are not eligible for return to field, adoption, or rescue.
- Pursue continuing education on best feline lifesaving practices and collaborate with Leadership to develop and implement new programs or projects to further lifesaving.
- Participates in city and departmental communication operations during identified events and incidents.
- Represents the city, department, and division during outreach activities.
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Must maintain confidentiality at all times.
This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.
Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of one (1) year of experience in a related field required. Position requires knowledge of animal care and behavior and local ordinances. Must have an interest and commitment to community and the care of animals. Must be knowledgeable of local community organizations and resources. Must have advanced cat handling skills, including the ability to handle feral cats, and knowledge of cat behavior. Must have great communications skills both orally and written and be able to adapt to different tones and messaging to meet the needs of different audiences in different settings. Must be able to work under extremely stressful conditions. Must exhibit tact in collaborating with other professionals and team members. Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications
Associate degree in Social Services, Business Management, or a related field with one (1) year of work-related experience. Knowledge and experience in program management for a government entity, not-for-profit organization, or charitable cause is preferred. Knowledge of local ordinances, animal ordinances, and administration of routine vaccines.
