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Job Description
Manager of Feline Care & Enrichment Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit Dearborn, MI Job Details Full-time $17.75 an hour 8 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Employee discount 403(b) Bereavement leave Qualifications Managing pet care teams Staff supervision
Full Job Description Title:
Manager of Feline Care & Enrichment Supervised by:
Director of Operations Status:
Full-Time, Non-Exempt Organization Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit (FAMD) is dedicated to the rescue, protection, and adoption of companion animals in need while inspiring the human-animal bond. As animal advocates, we are committed to: Saving all adoptable animals. Providing high-quality animal care and adoption services. Delivering innovative outreach programs and activities that promote education. Promoting animal welfare legislation. Embracing environmental responsibility with earth-friendly practices and facilities. Summary The work involves training and daily management of Animal Care Specialist staff to ensure consistent, compassionate, and safe care for cats in the shelter. The Manager of Feline Care & Enrichment monitors the timely completion of daily cat care assignments, including feeding, cleaning, cage sanitation, exercise, enrichment, behavior observations, and documentation. The role ensures each cat receives appropriate enrichment, humane handling, and daily enrichment, or other approved programs. The Manager of Feline Care & Enrichment carries out daily assignments, follows up on matters affecting cat health, safety, and behavior, and uses independent judgment and training to address standard recurring situations with the guidance of the Director of Operations. Essential Job Functions Train ACS staff and volunteers on Standard Operating Procedures, including feeding, cleaning, handling, safety, enrichment, exercise, and documentation. Train and mentor ACS staff on humane cat handling, feline body language, bite prevention, Fear Free practices, behavior support, and General Safety Protocols found in the Employee Guidelines. Assists and supports ongoing behavior assessments or touchpoints for each cat and is responsible for reporting findings and recommendations to the Director of Operations, President and CEO, and Critical Path Committee for deeper discussions as needed. Records feline behavior assessments, handling notes, enrichment plans, medical concerns, leveling cats for handling, and observations in each cat's file via the animal management platform. Works closely with the Intake, Medical, and Adoption Departments to coordinate individualized care for cats, including quarantine or isolation needs, medication support, diet instructions, behavior concerns, and housing considerations. Involved in decision-making regarding the placement, pathway planning, behavior support, and outcomes of cats. Cleans cages and housing areas, feeds cats, refreshes water, launders bedding, sanitizes dishes and enrichment items, and performs related housekeeping duties in assigned cat iso and kennel areas. Assists in keeping proper inventory levels of cleaning supplies, food, bedding, carrieres, collars, enrichment items, treats, and other feline care supplies. Works closely with the Foster and Volunteer departments to identify cats that would benefit from foster care, decompression breaks, or other enrichment opportunities. Collaborates with the Adoption department to identify cats best suited for outreach, offsite events, pet store partnerships, meet-and-greets, and other adoption opportunities. Report any issues (concerns, complaints, misconduct, near misses, cat bites, injuries, escapes, behavior changes, or safety concerns) with shelter cats, staff, volunteers, or the public to management, the Director of Operations and/or CEO. Trains, mentors, and communicates with volunteers on safe cat handling, cleaning, enrichment, socialization support, and other approved programs that would benefits cats in our care. Follows all FAMD policies and protocols. Performs additional feline care and shelter support tasks as required. Other Duties Performs related work as required and other duties. Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills Advanced knowledge of feline care, shelter cat behavior, enrichment, handling, and husbandry. Possesses skills needed to train and supervise animal care staff caring for cats in a shelter environment. Skilled in performing, interpreting, and correctly recording feline behavior assessments and daily behavior observations. Handles cats safely and effectively, including fearful, high-arousal, stressed, or behaviorally sensitive cats. Ability to build, maintain, and expand cat care, enrichment, exercise, socialization, foster-support, and behavior-support programs. Possess customer service skills Follow proper kennel cleaning, disease prevention, sanitation, and safety procedures. Knowledge and ability to make humane, pathway-focused decisions for cats in shelter care. Must be Fear Free certified or become certified during the probationary period. Strong communication skills are required to effectively and efficiently communicate the needs of cats and staff promptly. Strong leadership skills to ensure staff remain on task while championing and motivating them to grow their knowledge of feline care, behavior, enrichment, and safe handling. Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to feline stress signals, illness concerns, kennel deterioration, barrier reactivity, resource guarding indicators, and other safety or welfare concerns. Ability to coach staff and volunteers on consistent, reward-based handling and enrichment plans that support each cat's emotional and physical well-being. Training and Education Minimum of 2 years of experience in a supervisory role. Minimum of 2 years in the animal husbandry field, preferably with direct cat care experience in a shelter, kennel, veterinary, rescue, training, or animal welfare setting. Experience managing larger staff. Education could be considered for experience. Licenses/Certificates Fear Free certification. Special Requirements Physical Demands The work is performed in the office and shelter surroundings, with frequent hands-on work in cat kennels, free-roams, walking areas, and shelter support spaces. Typical positions require workers to walk or stand for long periods; handle cats of varying sizes, strengths, and behavior levels; lift and carry up to 50 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer keyboards. The work requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing. Other Factors Work is subject to frequent interruptions. Employee is subject to work weekends, holidays, and beyond normal scheduled hours. Employee is subject to work outside in a variety of weather conditions while walking, exercising, transporting, or supervising cats. Supervises Animal Care Staff and Volunteers assigned to feline care areas.
Pay:
$17.75 per hour
Benefits:
403(b) Bereavement leave Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): How many years if supervisory experience do you have? What is your experience managing a larger staff? Do you have at least 2 years of experience with direct cat care in a shelter, kennel, veterinary, rescue, training or welfare environment? What is your skill set with Microsoft Office and Data Management (intermediate, advanced)?
