Senior Animal Care Technician - Jurupa Valley

ABOUT THE POSITION

The County of Riverside’s Department of Animal Services has an opportunity for a Senior Animal Care Technician who will be assigned to the Shelter Care Division in Jurupa Valley.

The Senior Animal Care Technician is responsible for the daily feeding, cleaning, and disinfection of kennels and enclosures, as well as transporting animals throughout the shelter. Duties include processing animal intakes, assisting with stray animal diversion, unloading and impounding animals received from Animal Control Officers and the public, assisting with adoptions, and releasing animals for redemption or adoption. The position also requires maintaining accurate, detailed records, logs, and inventories of animals, food supplies, and equipment. This position is physically demanding requiring frequent lifting and carrying of animals, food, and supplies; prolonged standing and walking; and performing repetitive cleaning and sanitation tasks. Employees must be able to perform strenuous physical work in a fast-paced shelter environment while safely handling animals of varying sizes, species, and temperaments.

The Senior Animal Care Technician will be trained in and required to perform humane euthanasia, dispose of deceased animals, and handle animals with skin conditions and wounds.

The most competitive candidates will possess: 

• Experience with Chameleon, a shelter case management system, including reviewing and evaluating other technicians’ notes and documentation.
• Experience handling various sizes, species, and temperaments of animals in a shelter or similar environment.
• Leadership experience, including training staff and creating and coordinating team schedules.
• Experience mentoring staff, supporting team development, and providing day-to-day leadership.
• Strong customer service, verbal and written communication skills, and commitment to public service.

Meet the Team!

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity.  The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve.  The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Thousand Palms.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assist the Animal Services Supervisor in creating work schedules; participate in leading the animal care staff briefings each morning; create, plan and conduct on-going training for animal care staff.

• Provide guidance and direction for animal care staff in routine work and oversee Work Release staff, as needed.

• Clean and disinfect animal shelter enclosures, equipment and work areas; feed and water animals; unload and impound incoming animals received from Animal Control and Licensing Officers and the public.

• Assist with adoptions and release animals to the public for redemption or adoption; maintain simple records (e.g., logs and inventories of animals, food, supplies, and equipment); and assist in euthanasia and disposal of animals.

• Operate County vehicles to transport supplies, equipment or deceased/live animals; perform minor repairs and maintenance of facilities and surrounding areas.

• Respond to inquiries from the public regarding care, retention and disposal of animals.

• Order supplies and maintain supply stock.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

For questions regarding this recruitment:
Please Contact Brittany Kendrick at or Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• OPTION I Education: Graduation from high school or attainment of a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test
• Experience: Six months of performing animal care duties in a public or non-profit animal control program
• OPTION II Education: Graduation from high school or attainment of a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test
• Experience: One year of paid experience, which must have been in a lead or supervisory capacity, in a veterinary office, animal grooming, animal board and kennel facility, or similar setting that included the care and handling of animals
• Other Requirements: License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required
• Candidate may be required to transport animals to and from different locations as well as to transport animals that are being rescued throughout Riverside County
• A series of three Rabies vaccines is required within 30 days of employment

Physical Requirements:

• This position will require working in an environment with exposure to animal smells, dander, excrement, fluids and wounds and the skill to safely handle animals, including frightened, injured, or aggressive ones
• The Senior ACT will lift, carry, push, and pull heavy objects that may weigh more than 50 pounds, such as animals, food, and supplies

Environmental Working Conditions:

• The majority of this position will entail working outdoors in inclement weather conditions (rain, wind, and summer temperatures)
• ALL OPTIONS
• Knowledge of: Laws, ordinances and regulations related to the control and protection of animals
• legal liabilities and responsibilities of those concerned with the enforcement of animal control regulations
• rules and regulations governing the impounding, release and disposal of animals
• breeds, characteristics and behavior, and the care and feeding of animals
• common animal diseases
• the causes, symptoms and required procedures for rabies
• safe and proper handling of animals
• the equipment and methods used in the capture and restraint of animals
• cleaning and disinfecting methods
• the proper use, maintenance and storage of tranquilizer guns and related equipment
• Ability to: Care for and safely handle animals so as to avoid injury to persons and animals
• care and feed animals
• investigate situations, gather relevant information, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• work independently on special assignments
• schedule, assign, train, and review the work of other personnel engaged in animal care activities
• present evidence and testify in court cases
• work cooperatively with the public and other animal control agencies
• read, comprehend and interpret laws and regulations pertaining to animal control
• function in stressful situations, exercising good judgment

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for County of Riverside is Martin Rivera.