Summary:

Overview

If you are passionate about providing exceptional care to cats and kittens animals in need, and you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic and complex environment, the position of Neonate Specialist at the ASPCA Kitten Nursery may be for you.

Who We Are

The Kitten Nursery cares for hundreds of underage kittens and their mothers seasonally in a dedicated nursery environment as well as through an expanding foster program. Once these kittens are healthy and happy 8-week-olds, the Kitten Nursery helps them get ready for adoption through the ASPCA Adoption Center and partner shelters. 

What You’ll Do

• The Kitten Neonate Specialist reports directly to the Manager Medical Operations and has no direct reports.

• The Neonate Specialist will provide high-quality animal care to ensure all cats and kittens experience the Five Freedoms daily. Additionally, Neonate Specialists will work under the direct guidance of veterinarians and licensed veterinarian technicians to assist in the delivery of individual animal and population level medical care following low-stress handling principles and shelter medicine best practices.

Where and When You’ll Work

• This position is an on-site role and reports to the 92nd street ASPCA location.
• This is a seasonal part time role (32 hours, late March-late November)

What You’ll Get

Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future. 

The target hiring range for this role is $23.05-$24.50 hourly.

Benefits

At the ASPCA, you don’t have to choose between your passion and making a living. Our comprehensive benefits package helps ensure you can live a rewarding life at work and at home. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Flexible time off that includes vacation time, sick and bereavement time, paid parental leave, and paid personal time off that allows you even more flexibility to observe the days that mean the most to you.
• Competitive financial incentives and retirement savings including a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions — we match dollar for dollar up to 4% and provide an additional 4% contribution toward your future each year (for employees who complete at least 1,000 hours of service in first year or any calendar year).
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support for physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing, including online programs, 6 free counseling sessions and discounted legal/financial consulting.
• Health Care Navigation and Caregiver Support Benefits: Free, confidential and personalized concierge-style support to help you care for anyone you consider family. Confidential, expert help is also available for you and your family in navigating the healthcare system from claims resolution to finding doctors.

Responsibilities:

Responsibility buckets are listed in general order of importance, and include but are not limited to:

 

Animal Husbandry and Supportive Care (70%)

• Ensure every animal is provided with the Five Freedoms, every day

• Provide attentive care for all kittens, as well as nursing mother cats with kittens, including routine bottle feeding, assisted feeding, and stimulating elimination

• Provide clinical care for neonate cats, kittens and nursing cats and litters of the ASPCA Nursery which includes syringe feeding; administration of topical, oral and ophthalmic medications; nebulization

• Clean and sanitize cages, enclosures, and all equipment in accordance with Nursery SOPs and while utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment

• Ensure the comfort and cleanliness of shelter animals; always provide appropriate bedding, and appropriate daily enrichment

• Assess needs of kittens to help determine appropriate placement within the nursery and/or in foster care, based on age and health

• Continually monitor the nursery population for general well-being, signs of illness, and behavior concerns; communicate findings to appropriate team members as outlined in SOPs

• Handle and nurture kittens and queens appropriately, including providing socialization, consistent with established ASPCA protocols

• Collaborate with LVTs and DVMs to ensure continuity of care

• Provide guidance to ASPCA volunteers while on duty

• Transport animals and their medical records within ASPCA departments for necessary care, including but not limited to transfers to the ASPCA Animal Hospital, Adoption Center, and/or Community Medicine

• Assist LVTs and Veterinarians with examinations and medical procedures

 

Housekeeping and Maintenance (15%)

• Make certain the entire Kitten Nursery is kept extremely clean and orderly throughout the day

• Assist with the preparation of supplies for foster caregivers

• Assist in keeping supplies stocked by noting when supplies are running low; take inventory and stock supplies as needed

• Wash, dry, and put away laundry per SOPs

• Work in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration policies and requirements

• Advise Supervisor of any conditions that are unsafe including unrecognized hazards or infractions of safety rules

 

Record-Keeping, Communication and Work Performance (15%)

• Ensure accurate and timely data entry to animals’ medical records, including transfer of information from other ASPCA departments’ software systems and diagnostic test results from outside laboratories

• Actively participate in rounds

• Engage in providing input and feedback about operational changes; learn, implement, and follow all departmental policies and protocols

• Demonstrate a high-quality standard of care for the animals; maintain a strong work ethic, and high levels of performance

• Be an active learner - attend staff meetings and training sessions, seek out opportunities to develop as a professional

• Collaborate enthusiastically and professionally with Kitten Nursery leadership, peers and colleagues

• Represent the ASPCA in a professional, and courteous manner at all times

• Additional duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic animal care, handling, and disease recognition

• Able to provide appropriate care and handling for highly vulnerable population with naturally higher mortality rates

• Excellent low-stress animal handling and restraint skills

• High level of attention to detail

• Maintain open mind regarding changes and be willing to learn, implement, and teach new protocols

• Ensure and maintain high quality standard of care, work ethic, and performance; work independently without supervision and as part of a team

• Work efficiently and calmly under challenging conditions; demonstrate flexibility with work assignments and unique tasks

• Communicate with team members successfully and courteously during in-person, phone, and email conversations

• Exhibit professionalism with stressful, time-sensitive and urgent situations

• Basic computer skills, including Excel, Microsoft Office, and email; familiarity with PetPoint or other shelter software systems a plus.

• Able to lift up to 40 pounds, walk, bend, stand and reach constantly throughout at least a minimum 8-hour work day; able to vigorously, quickly, and thoroughly clean numerous animal enclosures

• Able to work in an environment that includes exposure to cats, cat litter, unpleasant odors, and soiled animal cages

• Ability to exemplify ASPCA’s core values and behavioral competencies

 

Education and Work Experience

•  High School diploma or equivalent

• Minimum of 2 years working with cats and kittens in a kennel, shelter, veterinary hospital or equivalent

• Experience working in an animal shelter and/or kitten nursery preferred

• Fear Free® certified or within 60 days of employment

 

Qualifications:

See above for qualifications details.

  

Language:

English (Required), Spanish

Education and Work Experience:

High School Diploma (Required)

  

Experience working in an animal shelter and/or kitten nursery preferred, Minimum 2 years working with cats and kittens in a kennel, shelter, veterinary hospital or equivalent