Lead Feline Behavior Specialist

Great Plains Spca•Merriam, KS

12d•$20 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Feline Behaviorist functions independently within the Behavior Team while collaborating closely with the greater GPSPCA team to advance the organization’s mission. This role serves as the organization's primary feline behavior resource and is responsible for supporting the behavioral and emotional well-being of cats throughout their shelter journey. The Lead Feline Behaviorist develops and implements feline behavior programs, behavior modification plans, enrichment strategies, and handling protocols designed to reduce stress, improve welfare, and increase adoption success. This role provides guidance and training to staff and volunteers, facilitates behavior consultations, supports foster caregivers and adopters, and acts as a subject matter expert on feline behavior throughout the organization. This position requires the ability to safely, confidently, and effectively work with GPSPCA at-risk cat population.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED preferred
2-3 years of experience in animal welfare
Prior experience of handling animals of various temperaments
Demonstrated organizational and multitasking abilities, with capacity to manage and prioritize duties across multiple departments.
Ability to safely handle cats and other pets of all sizes, ages, temperaments and needs safely and appropriately
Strong interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills
Excellent customer service and professionalism
Compassion and empathy for animal and human clients
Ability to remain calm and empathic in stressful situations
Possess a Valid driver’s license
Ability to lift 50 lbs. to waist height and handle/ walk animals up to 100 lbs. safely.
Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
Comfortable working in environments with noise, odor, and potential exposure to zoonotic disease.

Nice To Haves

Key Competencies – Integrity, Problem Solving, Action Oriented, Detail Oriented

Responsibilities

Conduct behavior assessments for cats upon intake and through their shelter stay.
Create and implement individualized behavior modification plans to reduce stress and improve overall welfare for shelter cats, collaborating with staff and volunteers to ensure consistent follow-through.
Evaluate feline social compatibility and assist with introductions, community cat housing recommendations, and cat-to-cat pairing decisions when appropriate.
Develop and oversee feline enrichment programs, socialization plans, and confidence-building activities to improve quality of life and adoption readiness.
Conduct behavior consultations for adopters and foster families to ensure successful matches.
Assist with onsite and offsite behavior consultations, as well as staff, volunteer, and public education programs related to feline behavior and handling.
Assess bite risk and participate in safety planning for animals and people.
Assist with humane euthanasia decisions and procedures for animals with significant behavioral challenges, in accordance with organizational policies and ethical standards.
Serve as a feline behavior resource for staff, volunteers, foster caregivers, and adopters.
Manage the Behavior Team inbox, ensuring timely, professional, and clear communication with internal and external inquiries.
Support the Behavior Manager with data tracking, communication, and project follow-through as assigned.
Participate in end-of-day pet help and support daily shelter operations as needed.
Other duties as needed