Feline Behavior Specialist

The working schedule for this position will be determined later with 2 consecutive days off, 9AM -5:30PM.

Who We Are

ACC is one of the nation’s largest open-admission animal shelters, whose mission is to End Animal Homelessness in NYC. We touch the lives of nearly 20,000 animals each year. ACC is more than an animal shelter; we are a resource to the community, always seeking ways to keep the human-animal bond intact. With a 90% placement rate, our progressive, life‑saving initiatives contribute to the successful placement of our animals.

We strive to find loving homes for homeless and abandoned cats, dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits, both by adopting animals directly to the public and by partnering with more than 200 dedicated animal placement organizations (our New Hope partners). We also help keep NYC communities safe and rescue animals in need, responding to emergencies that involve animals as well as keeping our doors open 24/7 for people and animals in need.

Summary

The Feline Behavior Specialist conducts behavior assessments, socialization, behavior modification, and enrichment for the cats at the ACC Care Centers. This position works hands‑on with cats; providing daily one‑on‑one socialization time with cats showing timid or fearful behavior, using positive reinforcement and Fear Free techniques to help cats adjust, and work with other staff to offer creature comforts, in‑kennel enrichment (food, treats, toys), auditory, visual, and scent enrichment in order to promote the highest possible quality of life for all cats in ACC’s care.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience observing and documenting feline behavior in an objective manner required.
• Strong understanding of feline body language required.
• Must be able to handle all types of cats with varying behaviors and energy levels, including those showing fearful and aggressive behaviors in a low‑stress manner.
• The ability to remain pleasant, calm and objective in all situations.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs.

Animal Care Centers value work/life balance and offers a generous paid‑time‑off (PTO) package that includes 120 hours of vacation time, birthdays off, 40 hours of paid CE time with a small stipend, personal days and sick pay. We also value physical and mental health by offering a great open access Cigna medical, dental and vision insurance at a low premium to our employees as well as 401K and Pension, Life Insurance. We also have on‑the‑job training for 2‑4 weeks, periodic all staff training to include safety, DEI, cross training, and other growth opportunities.

Because ACC is a nonprofit, employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness, cancellation, and/or consolidation under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). Created under the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, PSLF allows borrowers who work full time for nonprofits and government agencies to have their outstanding debt forgiven tax‑free on Federal Direct Loans, after making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan.

• Work with the Feline Behavior Team to identify cats due for behavior evaluations, behavioral rechecks, and cats needing attention prior to their evaluation.
• Maintain and support programs that provide behavioral and environmental enrichment, mental stimulation, exercise, and Fear Free care focusing on cats housed at ACC.
• Offer hands‑on handling training to Animal Care Representatives and new staff to help them gain skills needed to perform their jobs in a Fear Free manner.

Other Responsibilities :

• Work with newly‑arrived cats to provide early positive associations with the care center environment, adding them to the socialization list to receive extra TLC as needed.
• Work with the team to identify cats needing follow‑up checks, needing attention and encouragement before placement into the adoptions room, and cats with improving or deteriorating behavior.
• Create a behavior modification plan for cats that are not thriving in the care center.
• Work with the behavior staff, animal care staff, and volunteers to identify particular animals that are nervous, have been with ACC for a long time, and/or need special attention.
• Work with the Animal Care Team to provide toys, bedding, hiding spots, and other enrichment supplies for animals as appropriate.
• Keep accurate spreadsheets to identify what was done each day for each animal and to monitor the plan.
• Update records in Shelter Buddy system and on the Feline Wellness Boards after interactions.
• Update Pet Preference Cards so other staff and volunteers know what the cat likes and dislikes to help ensure all interactions are as Fear Free as possible.
• Assist with writing bios to increase visibility and adoption chances for cats.
• Work with all ACC staff and volunteers to identify medical, care, and placement needs for the animals. This includes medical, grooming, and behavioral issues identified while providing enrichment.
• Recommend cats that would benefit from being added to the emergency placement list.
• Clean up after animals. This includes spot cleaning of cages as needed.
• Aid various other departments with additional tasks as directed.
• Fear Free certification required within 30 days of hire.
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word, capable of learning shelter software.
• 6 months experience interacting with and caring for cats in a shelter or rescue setting preferred.
• Ability to make sound judgments and work independently in a fast‑paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Ability to foster a cooperative, encouraging and positive work environment with staff as well as volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to remain pleasant, calm and objective in all situations.

At ACC it's all hands‑on deck. We work together as a team, which means you may be asked to help with tasks that involve working outside in all sorts of weather. As a busy animal shelter in one of the biggest cities in the world it can get noisy inside. Employees should have the ability to remain calm yet professional in stressful situations involving animals and/or members of the public. Animal Care Centers houses hundreds of animals in its facilities at any given time and with that comes fur, odors and other airborne particles in abundance.

ACC offers many low‑cost services to pets and people in need. This includes compassionate end‑of‑life services for people who cannot afford to go to a private veterinary office but still want to provide a professional and peaceful transition for their beloved pet.

Reports To:

Feline Behavior Manager

Overtime:

This is a non‑union position and is eligible for overtime.