*Must have 1 year minimum animal caretaker experience*

SUMMARY:

Oversees the care and feeding of all cats and kittens. Works with all staff members and volunteers to help HSMC succeed in its goal of adopting out healthy cats and kittens to loving homes.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Ensures the humane care of all cats.

· Addresses staff and volunteer concerns regarding specific cats and ensure veterinary instructions are carried out.

· Implement procedures to ensure the optimal operation of the cat rooms and cages.

· Follows established disease control protocols to daily clean, disinfect, and maintain feline areas and cages.

· Maintains a professional appearance and standard of cleanliness in the facility.

· Prepares and dispenses food and water to animals.

· Procures, transports, unloads, and stores food supplies, disinfectants, and animal care equipment.

· Performs routine inspections of cat rooms and their cages to monitor food consumption, behavior, symptoms of the disease, and condition of confined animals for health and safety

· Assists clients with the animal adoption process to facilitate client/animal interactions to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.

· Taking care of cats that are in isolation, this may require wearing booties, gowns, gloves, or masks to minimize the spreading of illness and disease.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

· A current working knowledge of companion animal care and adoption issues, a transmittable disease in felines, zoonotic diseases, safe and humane animal handling procedures, and techniques to administer medication.

· Confidence and ability to work with felines of varying sizes, weights, and temperaments. Shelter animals can be unpredictable or aggressive. Knowledgeable in feline posture, behaviors, and behavior modifications.

· Ability to properly handle and dispose of animal waste, hazardous chemicals/materials, and sharp objects.

· Ability to learn shelter software, use a computer and telephone system.

· Ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor within the HSMC and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Must have excellent verbal and strong writing skills. Ability to communicate and interact with the public, volunteers, and other staff positively and constructively.

· Proficiency with a computer, software programs, and social media.

· Must be reliable and dependable. The shelter animals’ health and welfare depend on your attendance.

· Ability to follow directions, multi-task, prioritize, and effective time-management.

· Must be able to work assigned hours, including weekends, holidays, or during emergencies.

· May be required to work long or unusual hours during peak operational needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

· Ability to work in an emotionally taxing field – a positive attitude and sense of humor are essential.

· Work is performed in an animal shelter. There is a potential for exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations, high noise levels, zoonotic diseases, animal waste, strong odors, hazardous chemicals, or chemical materials requiring OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), anesthetics, sharp objects, and potentially dangerous and unpredictable animals.

· Ability to stay standing or active during an entire shift; lift and carry objects and animals up to 50 pounds; lift, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, and other strenuous activities.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $13.00 - $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off

Day range:

• Holidays
• Weekends as needed

Shift:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Work setting:

• In-person

Experience:

• Animal care: 1 year (Required)

Work Location: In person