Cattery Animal Care Team Leader

**_Calling all cat lovers_**

**_ Do you have a passion for feline welfare and leadership?_**

**_ Unleash Your Inner leader: Lead our Cat Crew_**

**About RSPCA Victoria**

RSPCA Victoria is a non-government, community-based, not-for-profit organisation whose vision is ‘ending cruelty to all animals’. We are Victoria’s best-known and most respected animal welfare organisation.

Our organisation’s purpose is to work with the community to achieve outstanding animal welfare through education, advocacy, and animal care and protection. RSPCA Victoria’s values - clarity and accountability, respect and consideration, and expertise and collaboration - set clear expectations for all our staff and volunteers.

**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_**- 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.
- **_ 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.

**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)

**_ Highly desirable_**
- Proven experience in animal care or a related field, with prior leadership experience;
- Strong understanding of animal welfare practices and shelter operations;
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and compliance requirements.

**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)

**What we can offer**
- A broad range of leave entitlements, including annual leave, personal leave, additional leave (6 days per year pro-rata), purchased leave, paid parental leave, study leave and paid family and domestic violence leave
- Recognised by Mental Health First Aid Australia, as an advanced workplace - Access to a range of mental health and wellbeing supportive initiatives, including confidential counselling services and education programs
- Generous discount on products and services, including Royal Canine pet food, Hush Puppies footwear and RSPCA Victoria retail
- Salary packaging and novated lease arrangements on offer with leading provider, Maxxia
- Access to a range