Feline Behavior Specialist

ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL OF NYC • New York, NY

18d • Onsite

About The Position

The Feline Behavior Specialist conducts behavior assessments, socialization, behavior modification, and enrichment for cats at ACC Care Centers. The role involves hands-on work with cats, including daily one-on-one socialization with timid or fearful cats. The specialist uses positive reinforcement and Fear Free techniques to help cats adjust and works with staff to provide creature comforts and in-kennel enrichment, including food, treats, toys, and auditory, visual, and scent enrichment, to promote quality of life for cats in ACC’s care.

The schedule will be determined later and will include two consecutive days off, with hours of 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The position reports to the Feline Behavior Manager and is eligible for overtime.

ACC is an open-admission animal shelter whose mission is to end animal homelessness in New York City. It provides care and placement services for cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and rabbits, responds to animal emergencies, and operates 24/7. The work environment may involve outdoor tasks in varying weather, noise, fur, odors, and airborne particles, as well as stressful situations involving animals or members of the public.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience observing and documenting feline behavior objectively.
• Strong understanding of feline body language.
• Ability to handle cats with varying behaviors and energy levels, including fearful and aggressive cats, in a low-stress manner.
• Ability to remain pleasant, calm, and objective in all situations.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Fear Free certification required within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word, with the ability to learn shelter software.
• Six months of experience interacting with and caring for cats in a shelter or rescue setting.
• Ability to make sound judgments and work independently in a fast-paced environment while managing competing tasks and demands.
• Ability to foster a cooperative, encouraging, and positive work environment with staff and volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to remain pleasant, calm, and objective in all situations.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Feline Behavior Team to identify cats due for behavior evaluations, behavioral rechecks, or attention before evaluations.
• Maintain and support programs that provide behavioral and environmental enrichment, mental stimulation, exercise, and Fear Free care for cats housed at ACC.
• Provide hands-on handling training to Animal Care Representatives and new staff to help them perform their work in a Fear Free manner.
• Work with newly arrived cats to build positive associations with the care center environment and add cats needing extra attention to the socialization list.
• Identify with the team cats needing follow-up checks or encouragement before placement in the adoption room, as well as cats whose behavior is improving or deteriorating.
• Create behavior modification plans for cats that are not thriving in the care center.
• Work with behavior staff, animal care staff, and volunteers to identify nervous cats, long-stay cats, and cats needing special attention.
• Work with the Animal Care Team to provide appropriate toys, bedding, hiding spots, and other enrichment supplies.
• Maintain accurate spreadsheets documenting daily actions for each animal and monitoring behavior plans.
• Update records in the Shelter Buddy system and on Feline Wellness Boards after interactions.
• Update Pet Preference Cards to communicate cats’ likes and dislikes to staff and volunteers.
• Assist with writing adoption bios to increase cats’ visibility and adoption chances.
• Work with ACC staff and volunteers to identify animals’ medical, care, and placement needs, including medical, grooming, and behavioral issues observed during enrichment.
• Recommend cats for the emergency placement list when appropriate.
• Clean up after animals, including spot-cleaning cages as needed.
• Assist other departments with additional tasks as directed.
• Obtain Fear Free certification within 30 days of hire.
• Complete other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Paid time off package including 120 hours of vacation time, birthdays off, personal days, and sick pay.
• 40 hours of paid continuing education time with a small stipend.
• Cigna medical, dental, and vision insurance at a low employee premium.
• 401(k) and pension.
• Life insurance.
• Two to four weeks of on-the-job training.
• Periodic all-staff training, including safety, DEI, and cross-training, as well as other growth opportunities.
• Employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED