Cattery Animal Care Team Leader - Full Time

at  RSPCA Victoria

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

This position is pivotal in ensuring that the cattery operates smoothly and effectively, contributing significantly to the welfare of the cats in our care and supporting the overall mission of RSPCA Victoria. The Cattery Team Leader must be passionate about animal welfare, possess strong leadership qualities, and be adept at managing both people and processes in a dynamic and challenging environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (required)
• Ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of staff and volunteers (required)
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously (required)

RECRUITMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Current and valid tetanus vaccination (or willingness to obtain)
• Employee Working with Children’s Check (or willingness to obtain).
• Valid and current driver’s license (highly desirable, however not mandatory)

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Cattery Team Leader is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the cattery at RSPCA Victoria’s Burwood site. This role involves managing, leading, and developing a team of staff and volunteers to achieve excellence in animal welfare, operational efficiency, and team engagement. The Team Leader ensures that all cats within the facility receive the highest standard of care. This position also requires close collaboration with other Animal Care Team Leaders and departments to uphold and enhance overall shelter operations and animal welfare standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Team Leadership and Development
• Manage and lead a team of staff and volunteers, fostering a supportive and motivational work environment.
• Develop team members through regular feedback, training opportunities, and performance discussions to enhance their skills and job satisfaction.
• Operational Management
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• Oversee the daily operations of the cattery, ensuring all animals receive optimal care and where applicable, are prepared for adoption efficiently.

• Implement and support strategies to reduce the length of stay of animals and improve welfare outcomes, taking ownership of the end-to-end lifecycle of animals in care.
• Compliance and Procedures
• Ensure strict adherence to standard operating procedures, aligning with good animal welfare practices as well as contractual and legislative requirements.
• Educate and support the team in the application of these procedures to maintain compliance and high standards of animal care.
• Resource Management
• Ensure the team is equipped with necessary resources and capabilities to meet their objectives, adhering to the workforce plan, budget, and appropriate staff-to-animal ratios.
• Collaboration and Communication
• Work collaboratively with other Animal Care Team Leaders and departments to ensure cohesive operations and the sharing of best practices.
• Address issues raised by the Animal Care team or site promptly and transparently, coordinating with relevant teams for effective resolutions.
• Safety and Policy Adherence
• Promote and contribute to a safe working environment by adhering to all health and safety policies and procedures.
• Take responsibility for both personal safety and that of team members.
• Values and Culture
• Actively contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment by effectively communicating, collaborating, and role modelling the organisation’s values and policies.