About Us Our mission is simple: We are committed to advocate for animals in need by engaging compassionate people to provide innovative community programs. It is our promise to always do the right thing for animals.

At Our Companions Animal Rescue, we believe in creating a community whose culture is built on our shared core values of Respect, Compassion, Cooperation, Innovation, Respect and Trust. We invite those to join our staff who genuinely share and express these values.

What You'll Do The Feline Volunteer Manager/Lead Caregiver is responsible for the daily animal care of the cats at the Sanctuary including the feeding and cleaning regimens, socialization of the cats, and interactions with sanctuary volunteers and visitors, as well as guiding other caregivers in these areas. This position is also responsible for leading oversight of the volunteer program under the direction of the Feline Team Manager.

Responsibilities Cat Caregiving

• Provide compassionate nursing care for the cats at the sanctuary.
• Execute daily feeding and cleaning regimens.
• Assist with creation of individual care plans for each sanctuary guest including physical, behavioral, nutritional and emotional needs.
• Ensure the comfort and cleanliness of sanctuary animals.
• Exercise/Socialize the cats in accordance with their behavioral prescriptions that evolve throughout their stay at the sanctuary which involve the application of environmental enrichment, all using only Positive Training methods.
• Engage in daily rounds, health checks and administer medications and treatments.
• Work within Our Companions computer systems including the sanctuary software program to collect and record data for accurate reports and required records.
• Take inventory and stock supplies as needed.
• Make certain the entire rescue cottage is kept extremely clean throughout the day adhering to standard operating procedures. This includes your own clothing and appearance.

Volunteer Program Supervision

• In coordination with the Feline Team Manager, perform volunteer management tasks including, but not limited to, scheduling, training, providing engaging communication in person and through email, and addressing volunteer under performance and concerns.
• In coordination with the Feline Team Manager, maintain thorough and current data on volunteer profiles and participation.
• Greet volunteers in a courteous, and professional manner including conducting tours and hosting visitors.
• Contribute to the organizations media efforts including written media posts and photos/videos of the animals at the Sanctuary.

Caregiver Support

• Assist the Feline Team Manager in communicating feline team directives.
• Assist with volunteer, feline, and staff decisions on days Feline Team Manager has off.
• Provide guidance to other caregivers for the healthcare and behavioral goals of the cats.
• Work as manager on duty in absence of Feline Team Manager.

What You Need to Get the Job Done (Minimum Qualifications)

• Always treats people and animals with care and respect; must be a compassionate caregiver for animals and have a genuine interest in working with others
• Maintains a consistently positive attitude; must enjoy working directly with people; respects team members at all levels
• Team leadership experience preferred
• Ability to handle and restrain animals
• Ability to handle and administer medications to animals
• Ability to work independently as well as be a team player
• High School Diploma required
• Ability to drive a vehicle, and a valid CT drivers license required
• Flexibility to attend staff meetings, training seminars, and take on additional hours including Holidays on a rotating basis
• Possess interpersonal skills as well as oral and written communication skills
• Manual dexterity and physical ability sufficient for handling animals, feeds, upplies and equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry over 50 lbs. Ability to walk or stand for extended periods of time. Ability to frequently work in a bending position.
• Ability to tolerate animal fur and dander.

Position Details

• The schedule is Sunday-Thursday, 8:00AM-5:00PM. Primary work location is the Sanctuary in Ashford, CT.
• This position is Salary/Exempt and reports to the Sanctuary Feline Team Manager.
• Starting salary $41,600.

What You'll Love About Working at OC

• Helping Animals and People the right way. Our promise is to always do the right thing for animals. We dont allow cost saving or convenience to influence any of our decisions. Its only about doing the right thing.
• Great Company Culture. Our Companions focus on Core Values creates a supportive and positive work environment for the people and animals in our care.
• Leadership Development Training. All our manager and supervisors receive ongoing training and peer support to develop their best leadership skills
• Work that Stays at Work. We support a genuine work/life balance
• Health Benefits. Medical with HSA for full and part time employees
• Professional Development Support. We will pay for work-related classes and training programs and even some program that are aimed at helping you be your best self!
• Student Loan Forgiveness. Our Companions is an approved employer as part of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program available through the US Dept of Education.
• Day-to-day Learning Experiences. Our vibrant growing organization provides new learning experiences each day
• Working with Really Awesome People. Lets face it, animal people are the best! Youll love working each day with others who share your deep love of animals and want to make our community better for them.