Feline Behavior Specialist

ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL OF NYC • New York, NY

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Feline Behavior Specialist conducts behavior assessments, socialization, behavior modification, and enrichment for the cats at the ACC Care Centers. This position works hands-on with cats; providing daily one-on-one socialization time with cats showing timid or fearful behavior, using positive reinforcement and Fear Free techniques to help cats adjust, and work with other staff to offer creature comforts, in-kennel enrichment (food, treats, toys), auditory, visual, and scent enrichment in order to promote the highest possible quality of life for all cats in ACC’s care.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience observing and documenting feline behavior in an objective manner required.
• Strong understanding of feline body language required.
• Must be able to handle all types of cats with varying behaviors and energy levels, including those showing fearful and aggressive behaviors in a low-stress manner.
• The ability to remain pleasant, calm and objective in all situations.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs.
• Fear Free certification required within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word, capable of learning shelter software.
• 6 months experience interacting with and caring for cats in a shelter or rescue setting preferred.
• Ability to make sound judgments and work independently in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Ability to foster a cooperative, encouraging and positive work environment with staff as well as volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The 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, and cats needing attention prior to their evaluation.
• Maintain and support programs that provide behavioral and environmental enrichment, mental stimulation, exercise, and Fear Free care focusing on cats housed at ACC.
• Offer hands-on handling training to Animal Care Representatives and new staff to help them gain skills needed to perform their jobs in a Fear Free manner.
• Work with newly-arrived cats to provide early positive associations with the care center environment, adding them to the socialization list to receive extra TLC as needed.
• Work with the team to identify cats needing follow-up checks, needing attention and encouragement before placement into the adoptions room, and cats with improving or deteriorating behavior.
• Create a behavior modification plan for cats that are not thriving in the care center.
• Work with the behavior staff, animal care staff, and volunteers to identify particular animals that are nervous, have been with ACC for a long time, and/or need special attention.
• Work with the Animal Care Team to provide toys, bedding, hiding spots, and other enrichment supplies for animals as appropriate.
• Keep accurate spreadsheets to identify what was done each day for each animal and to monitor the plan.
• Update records in Shelter Buddy system and on the Feline Wellness Boards after interactions.
• Update Pet Preference Cards so other staff and volunteers know what the cat likes and dislikes to help ensure all interactions are as Fear Free as possible.
• Assist with writing bios to increase visibility and adoption chances for cats.
• Work with all ACC staff and volunteers to identify medical, care, and placement needs for the animals. This includes medical, grooming, and behavioral issues identified while providing enrichment.
• Recommend cats that would benefit from being added to the emergency placement list.
• Clean up after animals. This includes spot cleaning of cages as needed.
• Aid various other departments with additional tasks as directed.
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Benefits

• Generous paid-time-off (PTO) package that includes 120 hours of vacation time, birthdays off, 40 hours of paid CE time with a small stipend, personal days and sick pay.
• Open access Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance at a low premium to our employees.
• 401K and Pension.
• Life Insurance.
• On-the-job training for 2-4 weeks.
• Periodic all staff training to include safety, DEI, cross training, and other growth opportunities.
• Eligibility for loan forgiveness, cancellation, and/or consolidation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF).

What This Job Offers

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