Feline Care Technician

Job Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Thursday-Monday 8a-5p 

Pay Rate: $17.00 per hour

Spanish-speaking differential: Additional $1.00 per hour for employees who demonstrate and maintain Spanish language proficiency and are willing to use this skill for Wayside Waifs' business purposes. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Feline Care Technician position is responsible for providing all cats with the highest quality of care by providing water and nutritious food daily; maintaining clean, comfortable living quarters; and daily socialization during their stay at Wayside Waifs. 

The position collaborates closely with volunteers and the public and must maintain consistent communication with other departments regarding the mental and physical health of the animals. 

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Ensure that all animals experience a high degree of care, compassion, and support to achieve overall operational goals for the Organization. 
2. Provide smooth and efficient operations of all care by:

• Completing all animal care tasks properly and in a timely manner. 
• Assisting other Feline Care Technicians when necessary.
• Ensuring all supplies and equipment throughout the shelter are available and operational.
• Maintaining excellent communication with the Animal Care Manager and other team members.

3. Ensure compliance with all regulatory, safety, security and operational standards related to animal care.

4. Establish and demonstrate effective working relationships with members of the public, Wayside Waifs staff and volunteers.

5. Attend required training classes to enhance knowledge and animal handling skills.

6. Comply with all Wayside Waifs policies and best practices.

PRIMARY TASKS & DUTIES

• Feed and water cats and small animals. 
• Deep clean kennels as necessary
• Clean floors in all cat areas daily
• Wash cat bowls and toys.
• Run laundry as needed. 
• Spot clean occupied kennels to avoid undo stress.
• Ensure proper cleaning protocols to control spread of disease.
• Lay blankets and provide toys for the animals. 
• Socialize cats and small animals.
• Enter all relevant animal information into database with respect to behavior, health, movement, and personality.
• Make animals available in database and move them to the Adoption area once medically and behaviorally cleared.
• Schedule and perform Feline-ality Assessments (behavior)
• Daily enrichment scheduling and implementation
• Provide behavioral support for members of the public seeking assistance
• Assign cats to the TABBY behavior program
• Regularly communicate with manager, discussing any challenges, ideas, or suggestions
• Other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ KEY COMPETENCIES

• Ability to build rapport and work compassionately with animals and coworkers, volunteers, and members of the public.
• Take initiative and utilize critical thinking skills to better serve animals and the Organization.
• Strong mindfulness and task orientation
• Ability to work under pressure at time and manage conflicts if they arise.
• Must be dependable and punctual.
• Effective communication skills

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Experience 

· Demonstrated experience collaborating effectively with people and animals in a variety of high-stress situations.

· Animal experience with shelter or vet clinic preferred.

Physical

· Ability to lift 50lbs. to waist height to move animals from kennels, lift food bags, and push and pull a force (i.e., pushing water with the squeegee)

· Repetitive bending, kneeling, stooping, and similar movements required.

· Able to work with exposure to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather.

· Significant amount of standing during a typical day, exposure to fumes, animal smells, and airborne particles. 

· Moderate to high noise levels. 

· Exposure to animal waste. 

Education 

High School diploma or GED.