For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.
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.
Work schedule: 9/80 with availability to work weekends, holidays, and special events to meet department needs is required.
The schedule is subject to change based on operational needs. See Schedule, Overtime, Standby/On-Call, and Travel Obligations under APPLICATION INFORMATION for details.
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
• 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
For questions regarding this recruitment:
Please Contact Brittany Kendrick at 951-955-4208 or [email protected] Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.
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APPLICATION INFORMATION
Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here: https://rivcocob.org/board-policies
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at: https://rc-hr.com/disability
Schedule, Overtime, Standby/On-Call, and Travel Obligations
The County of Riverside offers a variety of alternative work schedules, dependent upon department operations and needs. Certain assignments may involve overtime, standby/on-call shifts, and/or travel; however, scheduling, shift assignments, overtime work, standby/on-call duty, and travel obligations are subject to management approval, operational needs, and/or may be modified or discontinued at any time. Applicants should contact the assigned recruiter for additional information regarding the schedule, overtime and standby/on-call expectations, and travel obligations.
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE).
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com.
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