Animal Care & Facility Specialist-Cats

Second Chance Rescue Inc•New York, NY

1d•$20 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

As an integral member of our team at SCR's new LIC facility, you'll be instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of our facility, providing exceptional care to our animal residents, and delivering outstanding service to our visitors. At SCR, we treat our animal residents like family and extend the same warmth to our visitors, many of whom become cherished members of our SCR family through adoption. The Animal Care & Facility Specialist oversees the well-being of cats within the facility, ensuring their health, safety, and comfort. This role involves daily monitoring of resident animals (Cats and Kittens) for any signs of illness or abnormalities, with meticulous documentation and timely communication to cross-functional teams and leadership. Responsibilities also include providing nourishment, hydration, and engaging activities for the felines, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in living areas, and managing inventory and supplies. The specialist must be capable of restraining felines when necessary and preventing them from unsafe situations. Vigilance is maintained over all animal-human interactions to uphold facility standards and ensure positive visitor experiences.

Requirements

Prior experience handling animals is required, specifically cats.
Passion for animals, particularly cats, and a commitment to their well-being.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
High school diploma or GED certificate.
Minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience working with animals, specifically cats, either through professional employment, volunteering, or as a long-term pet parent.
Proficiency in computer skills, including familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook/Instagram), email, and text messaging.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with keen attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Service-oriented mindset with a commitment to active listening, problem-solving, and maintaining professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Preferred certification in animal care, such as AALAS, ALAT, Certificate in Animal Care and Handling from NYC DOH and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), FearFree, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Assist with daily facility operations, including intake paperwork, food and water distribution for animals, and maintaining cleanliness of living quarters and visiting areas.
Engage with felines through playtime, providing care and attention tailored to their individual needs.
Handle all animals with care and maintain a courteous demeanor with visitors.
Demonstrate kindness and compassion, especially towards felines who may have had challenging experiences in the past.
Ensure a safe and compassionate environment for animals, staff, and clients, utilizing low-stress handling techniques.
Administer prescribed medications and treatments under veterinary recommendations.
Proactively prevent negative animal interactions according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in cattery, animal holding areas, and communal spaces, including thorough disinfection of high-touch surfaces and areas exposed to animal excrement.
Manage laundry duties, including refreshing linens and washing animal-related items.
Perform general cleaning tasks, including wiping down surfaces, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and operating the dishwasher as needed.
Monitor animals recovering from medical conditions, promptly reporting any changes or symptoms to appropriate personnel.
Conduct regular examinations to detect signs of illness or injury in resident animals.
Document daily progress, care details, and any notable observations for each animal.
Promptly escalate concerns regarding animals or facility operations to the relevant team.
Provide a warm welcome to human visitors, sharing information on adoptable animals and adoption procedures as per SOPs.
Ensure the provision of fresh food and water for facility resident animals.
Facilitate enrichment activities and exercise for the felines.
Maintain regular communication with leadership, providing updates on facility operations and animal welfare in accordance with SOPs.
Collaborate with colleagues and leadership to prioritize the well-being of resident animals and maintain facility standards.