Cat World Intern

Best Friends Animal Society•Kanab, UT

2d•$16•Onsite

About The Position

The Cat World Intern works within a team setting to provide hands on daily care and medical support to the cats at the Sanctuary. Interns are valued team members and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society’s no-kill mission and organizational success. This position works directly with the public to create positive volunteer and visitor experiences and share Best Friends’ mission and initiatives. Interns may receive assignments and projects based on their interests, learning goals, and organizational needs. The Cat World Intern reports to Brittany Nataro, Cat World Manager, and will receive regular supervision and feedback. The minimum time commitment for the Cat World Internship is 40 hours per week at $16.00 per hour for 13 weeks. This is an on-site internship at the Best Friends Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Interns must arrange for their own housing and transportation. Intern orientation includes a tour of the Sanctuary and Cat World, an overview of rules, safety protocols, and daily schedule. Interns will have the opportunity to meet with Best Friends founders and leaders, learn about and shadow staff in other departments, and attend presentations on various animal welfare topics.

Requirements

Strong desire to work with cats and relevant cat handling experience or willingness to learn.
Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback, and a commitment to learning and improvement.
Commitment to communication, cooperation, and collaboration.
Active listening skills and confidence to ask questions if needed.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
Must be able to: Routinely lift up to 60 pounds and perform daily strenuous and/or repetitive activities including sweeping, scooping litter boxes, climbing ladders, mopping, bending, stooping, lifting, reaching, walking, and working at computers (typing, hand motions).
Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
Must be comfortable with: Potential contact with hay, dust and other allergens. Potential exposure to zoonotic disease. Interaction with animals that have significant behavioral and/or medical issues. Potential exposure to animal injury, illness, and/or death.
Must have reliable transportation to get to, from, and around the Sanctuary. There is no public transportation in Kanab.
Best Friends employees may only hold one compensated position at any time. Current employees are not allowed to hold another position and this internship position at the same time. If a current employee would like to apply for this internship, the employee would be required to resign from their primary position, with no guarantee of re-employment, if the employee wanted to accept this position.
Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.

Responsibilities

Work within a team setting to oversee the health, well-being, and general care of resident cats.
Assist in providing basic and routine care for animals which includes feeding, watering, light grooming, and transportation to medical appointments.
Assist in supporting the animals’ medical needs, which may include administering daily medication, administering subcutaneous fluids, nebulizing cats, weighing cats, and preparing special food for cats with dietary restrictions.
Clean work areas and preserve the physical appearance of Cat World buildings and grounds: scooping, sweeping, mopping, trash removal, laundry, etc.
Assist in creating a comfortable and stimulating environment for the animals, including helping with cat intakes, socialization, and enrichment opportunities.
Follow all safety and quarantine protocols outlined by department leadership.
Be a Sanctuary ambassador, representing Best Friends’ work to visitors and volunteers, and speaking to the Sanctuary’s special role in Best Friends’ no-kill mission.
Work alongside and support volunteers, potential adopters, workshop attendees, and other types of visitors.
Greet and conduct tours, speak about specific animals, cat welfare issues, the work of Cat World and the Sanctuary, and answer questions.
Interns may be asked to represent Cat World at various community events.
Attend and participate in various learning, networking, and socialization opportunities with other interns, Best Friends staff members and founders.