Specialist, Lifesaving Feline

SPCA of Texas

Job Description

The Specialist, Feline Lifesaving is a temporary, grant-funded role that supports feline lifesaving efforts at Dallas Animal Services (DAS) through direct public engagement, education, and diversion strategies. Stationed onsite at DAS, this position plays a critical role in reducing unnecessary shelter intake by promoting community cat practices and facilitating safe alternatives for kittens found by the public. The role runs from April through the end of September and is funded through a targeted seasonal grant.

Summary of Essential Job Tasks:

Serve as the first point of contact for individuals bringing in found cats or kittens at Dallas Animal Services.
Provide education to the public about community cats, including advising finders of healthy adult cats to return them to their outdoor home.
Facilitate diversion of kitten litters to the SPCA of Texas based on current shelter and foster capacity.
When diversion to the shelter is unavailable, recruit and onboard “finder fosters” by:
Explaining foster program benefits and expectations.
Assisting with foster enrollment through the SPCA of Texas.
Providing age-appropriate kitten care education and resources.
Supplying basic care kits and instructional materials.
Handle and evaluate cats and kittens during intake, assess age and condition, and administer routine vaccinations and treatments in accordance with SPCA of Texas protocols
Coordinate with the SPCA of Texas intake, foster, and medical teams to manage supply inventory and support public fosters.
Maintain accurate records of diverted cases, fosters recruited and supplies distributed.
Assist with the training and supervision of shelter diversion volunteers.
Summary of Expectations:

Provide excellent customer service as a representative of the SPCA of Texas.
Must be committed to providing exceptional care and a loving home for every animal.
Safeguard the confidentiality of foster and supporter information.
Actively support and engage volunteers to strengthen the volunteer program and staff collaboration.
Serve as an SPCA of Texas ambassador by promoting our mission and understanding ways to support our work.
Proactively address concerns that could compromise internal and external customer service or animal care and safety.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills & Qualifications:

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills required, with the demonstrated ability to deliver sensitive or difficult information with empathy, clarity, professionalism, and a nonjudgmental approach.
Fluency in both English and Spanish(spoken and written) is required.
Experience in animal sheltering, animal welfare, public service, or working with rescue organizations preferred.
Experience handling animals and/or fostering animals is a plus.
Comfortable engaging with the public in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Able to work both independently and collaboratively within a team and in coordination with external partners.
Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
Must be dedicated to providing every animal with exceptional care and committed to supporting positive outcomes for animals and people.
Must be at least 21 years of age to meet insurance requirements.
Must be qualified and licensed tooperatea motor vehicle in the state of Texas and eligible to be an approved SPCA of Texas driver.
Must be willing and able to perform driver duties as assigned by a supervisor.
Must be willing and able to work variable hours, including weekends and shifts longer than 8 hours or more than40 hours per week, depending on operational needs.
Physical Demands & Work Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands and fingers, handle or feel, and talk and hear clearly.
Frequently required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Must be able to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds regularly.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors and may include exposure to a variety of environmental elements such as heat, cold, dust, and animal-related allergens.
May be exposed to loud noise, strong odors, and airborne particles.
Will regularly interact with animals, including those who may be fearful, stressed, or fractious.
This role is based in a high-volume shelter environment and requires comfort working in dynamic, emotionally charged, and sometimes unpredictable settings.

Normally scheduled 5 days per week, 8 hours per day between the hours of 7am and 7pm.