Job Title: Feline and Small Animals Lead

Department: Shelter Operations

Job Classification: Full Time; Hourly, Non-Exempt Position

Job Relationships: Reports to Feline and Small Animal Manager

Works closely with: Foster Care Coordinator, Customer Care Team, Canine Team, Training and Behavior Department, Transport Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator and the veterinary care team

Oversight: Leads shifts with Feline and Small Animal Care Technicians

General Purpose: Responsible for the care, cleaning and well-being of the cats and small animals in MH care

Schedule: This position will be scheduled opposite the Feline and Small Animals Manager to ensure 7 day a week coverage

PRIMARY PURPOSE: To train new hires and incumbent staff on the processes by which the MH cleans, feeds, medicates and houses the cats and small animals in our care in accordance with MH mission, goals and resources. Provide real-time feedback and lead best practices by example.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

ANIMAL CARE:

• Assess and consider daily 1) the physical environment of our pets 2) the mental health and physical well-being of our pets and staff and 3) the interactions of staff, volunteers and members of the public with our pets
• In conjunction with the Feline Manager, recognize, assess and provide solutions for issues in day to day operations
• Participate in daily Population Welfare Rounds
• Participate in the feeding, medicating, vaccinating of pets on-site and in foster care and provide other medical treatments as needed. Observe animals for illness, infestations and behavior changes and report and document changes
• In conjunction with the Training and Behavior Dept., ensure that all pets have an enriched environment, including, but not limited to: toys, soothing sounds, hidey spots, etc.
• Ensure that the pet housing areas are cleaned in an efficient, thorough manner, adhering to the established guidelines in applicable standard operating procedures (SOPs) and update those procedures as workflow changes
• Monitor and manage cleanliness of pet housing areas, laundry and supply storage areas, including cat housing, small animal room and crate storage

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Set the example of high functioning, positive work style while coaching and mentoring animal care team members through their daily responsibilities

• Supervise the day to day cleaning, feeding and medicating processes to ensure areas are ready for opening
• Follow through on daily task assignments any pending matters
• Assist the Feline Manager with the hire new team members with an eye to needed skill sets, positive and progressive mindset regarding animal welfare and potential for growth within the MH
• Understand and able to teach and guide team members through shelter policies pertaining to adoptions, admissions, behavior assessments, treatment guidelines and euthanasia
• Assist the Feline Manager with 90-day and annual performance reviews, performance improvement plans and disciplinary actions by providing feedback prior, as well as sitting in as a witness to conversations
• Maintain confidentiality in all Human Resource aspects of personnel management
• Monitor work processes to ensure compliance of staff and volunteers and take immediate action to correct unsafe actions or hazardous conditions

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Aid in the marketing and adopting of animals in a positive, upbeat yet truthful manner
• Be conversant in and understand the philosophies of an open admission facility and able to discuss with both staff and members of the public
• Interact with the public in a polite, professional, non-judgmental manner at all times
• Present a neat and professional appearance in accord with the MH dress code
• Oversee the training and skill checks for animal care area volunteers, to ensure protocols are being followed, goals are met and that the feel valued and appreciated
• Observe the facility at all opportunities and report any repair or maintenance needs of the building, grounds and equipment and keep track of deep cleaning projects and assign as needed
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned as the business needs dictate

SKILLS & ABILITIES NECESSARY:

• Excellent communication skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively with others, as coordination with multiple departments within the organization is required
• Flexibility, critical thinking and problem-solving ability in an environment of changing situations and priorities
• Strong vet teching background or equivalent skills
• Strong safe, low stress animal handling skills
• Strong understand of cat and small animal physical needs and behaviors
• Computer skills required including Word, Excel, email and all other forms of electronic communication
• Ability to learn and work in an animal sheltering database

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• 2 years in an animal sheltering environment or veterinary office environment
• Prior experience in a leadership position
• Proactive, positive, ‘recycle, reuse and repurpose’ attitude
• Valid Maine driver’s license with good driving record

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Duties of the job are performed in an animal shelter/animal clinic setting

• The employee is frequently exposed to odors or airborne particles including animal fur, disinfecting chemicals which can be toxic and zoonotic diseases
• Consistently exposed to animals and animal allergens under conditions without alterations available
• The noise level in the work environment can be very loud
• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. with reasonable accommodations
• Able to climb stairs unassisted
• Able to scoop, bend, twist, lift, squat, kneel, grip and reach
• Able to stand for several hours up to an 8-hour shift
• Able to sit at a computer work station and type and use a mouse for 2-4 hours at a time as part of normal job functions
• Move about the building and campus consistently to coordinate work

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Day range:

• Every weekend
• Holidays

Shift:

• 8 hour shift

Work setting:

• In-person

Ability to Relocate:

• Brunswick, ME 04011: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person