Senior Animal Care Technician - Jurupa Valley

County of Riverside, California

  • Jurupa Valley, CA
  • 8 days ago
  • $51,425.86–$75,480.75 Per Year

Highlights

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. 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.

Numbers & Facts

LocationJurupa Valley, CA
Salary$51,425.86–$75,480.75 Per Year

Description

Senior Animal Care Technician - Jurupa Valley

Salary

$51,425.86 - $75,480.75 Annually

Location

Jurupa

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

26-73504-03

Department

Animal Services

Division

RV - Shelter Care

Opening Date

10/29/2026

Closing Date

11/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

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

  • 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.

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 Drivers 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 Bkendrick@rivco.org Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.

____

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Veterans 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 spouses) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouses death certificate, a letter of spouses disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veterans 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, Veterans preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site, www.rc-hr.com.

If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.

BENEFIT PROGRAM: UPE

MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable LIUNA Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.

Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list here.

MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

  • Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
  • Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
  • Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.

A new member is defined as any of the following:

  • A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
  • A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
  • A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".

Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.

Note:

This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to retirement@rivco.org or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,

Option 2.

If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If theres any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):

0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)

4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)

10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)

Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.

SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.

HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days are County paid; 2 additional days can be taken from accrued Sick Leave balance)

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE: Equal to one times annual base salary not to exceed $50,000 of term life coverage. Premiums are paid by the County. Additional Supplemental Life plan is available for employee purchase.

DISABILITY:

Employees contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI), which provides wage replacement benefits for those unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. SDI also includes Paid Family Leave benefits. The wage replacement rate, as defined by current law, is between 60-70% of wages earned during the SDI eligibility period. Benefits can be coordinated with other available leave balances to provide up to 100% of regular pay.

POST RETIREMENT MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION: A monthly contribution is made by the County towards retiree health insurance offered through the County as governed by the applicable Memorandum of Understanding.

OTHER: There may be other benefit provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. Please contact the recruiter listed on the job posting directly for more information.

01

Are you a current regular, part time, temporary, per diem, volunteer, or seasonal employee with the County of Riverside Department of Animal Services?

  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you possess a high school diploma, G.E.D. equivalency or high school proficiency certificate?

  • Yes
  • No

03

Select the answer that best describes your current drivers license status:

  • I have a valid California drivers license.
  • I am able to obtain a valid California drivers license.
  • I currently have a valid out-of-state drivers license, and I am able to obtain a valid California drivers license.
  • I do not have and/or I am not able to obtain a California drivers license.

04

I acknowledge that a series of three Rabies vaccines is required within 30 days of employment.

  • Yes
  • No

05

I understand the physical and environmental requirements of this position as stated in the job posting, and I am willing and able to perform these duties with or without a reasonable accommodation.

  • Yes
  • No

06

Please select your proficiency level with using Chameleon or a similar shelter case management system:

  • Basic, I have used one under close supervision.
  • Intermediate, I have sufficient knowledge and use a shelter case management system on a daily basis.
  • Advanced, I have full knowledge and have trained others, reviewed and evaluated other technicians' notes and documentation on a shelter case management system.
  • I have not had experience, education, or training in this area.

07

How much experience do you have performing animal care duties in a public or non-profit animal control program?

  • No experience
  • Less than 6 months
  • More than 6 months but less than 1 year
  • 1 year but less than 2 years
  • 2 years but less than 3 years
  • 3 years or more

08

How much paid work experience in a lead or supervisory capacity do you have in a veterinary office, animal grooming facility, animal boarding or kennel facility, or similar setting that involved the care and handling of animals?

  • I have no paid experience in a lead or supervisory capacity
  • Less than 6 months
  • More than 6 months but less than 1 year
  • 1 year but less than 2 years
  • 2 years but less than 3 years
  • 3 years or more

09

Please describe your paid animal care experience, including your job title, length of experience, and lead or supervisory duties. Your response should be supported by and reflect the experience and information provided in your resume.

10

Please describe your experience in mentoring, training, and acting in a lead or supervisory capacity. Your response should be supported by and reflect the experience and information provided in your resume. Select all that apply:

  • Mentoring- providing guidance, support, and feedback to newer or less experienced staff to help them develop their skills and follow established procedures.
  • Designated Trainer- formally assigned to train and guide staff on job duties, procedures, protocols, and best practices to ensure competency and compliance with established standards.
  • Lead - assigning and reviewing work
  • Supervisor - assigning & reviewing, and participating in disciplinary matters
  • I do not have experience or training in this area.

11

For each area selected in the previous question, describe your experience in detail. Include your job title, role, level of responsibility, and the length of time you performed these duties. Provide specific examples demonstrating how you trained, mentored, supervised, led, or provided guidance to employees. Describe the number and types of staff supported, the work or projects you oversaw, any assignments you coordinated, reviewed, or delegated, and the methods you used to develop or support staff.

Required Question

Employer County of Riverside

Address County Admin. Center P.O. Box 1569

4080 Lemon St., 7th floor

Riverside, California, 92502-1569

Phone Contact Recruiter for Job Information

Website http://www.rc-hr.com

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