Description

VENTURA COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is an open admission, life-saving, municipal animal welfare agency committed to protecting and improving the lives of animals and residents throughout Ventura County. At VCAS, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team that provides compassionate care and vital services including animal sheltering, pet adoptions, lost & found, field services, cruelty investigations, pet licensing, TNR surgical services, low-cost vaccination clinics, volunteer and foster programs, and emergency disaster response.

We are dedicated to enhancing the health, safety, and well-being of animals in our care and within our community. Through timely, compassionate service, education, and outreach, we empower our community to become active partners in animal welfare, while safeguarding the health and safety of the people of Ventura County. While administration duties will be primarily at the Camarillo shelter, incumbent may be required to drive throughout Ventura County.

Join VCAS and be part of a team where your passion and skills can create a lasting impact for both animals and people every day.

THE POSITION

Under general supervision of the Pets for Life Manager, the Community Cat/Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return (TNVR) Coordinator provides a unique opportunity to contribute to sustaining the Ventura County Animal Services' (VCAS) lifesaving mission. The TNVR Community Cat Liaison will lead humane, sustainable, and community-driven efforts to reduce the overpopulation of community cats in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County and its contracted cities. This position builds neighborhood capacity, coordinates targeted TNVR programming, and connects residents with VCAS services (spay, neuter, and vaccinations) through the Pets for Life program to stabilize colonies, reduce nuisance behaviors, and lower shelter intake pressure. This is a fixed-term position for two years, focused on implementing targeted TNVR strategies and building sustainable community-based programs. The role requires fieldwork, community organizing, and coordination with VCAS leadership and external partners.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is passionate about animal welfare and community engagement, with strong knowledge of TNVR practices and experience in outreach or program development. They are an effective communicator who can build trust with diverse communities and collaborate with a wide range of partners. Strong organizational skills are essential, as the role requires managing multiple projects, partnerships, and data reporting responsibilities. Bilingual skills, particularly in Spanish or other languages commonly spoken in Ventura County, are preferred. Experience with the sheltering database program Chameleon is preferred. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with constant communication with multiple teammates, as well as doing outreach and giving direction to community volunteers. Must be able to maintain accurate records and scheduling.

PAYROLL TITLE: Animal Care Technician II

EDUCATIONAL/BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Incumbents may be eligible for an educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification. Incumbents may also be eligible for bilingual incentive depending upon operational need and certification of skill.

Animal Care Technician II is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and is eligible for overtime compensation.

NOTE: Fixed Term positions are Regular positions for a specific duration of time. This Fixed Term position is anticipated to expire on June 11, 2028.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

OPENING DATE: Thursday, May 28, 2026

CLOSING DATE: Continuous and may close at any time; therefore, the schedule for the remainder of the process will depend upon when we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications to meet business needs.

REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS: Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis beginning the week of June 08, 2026.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

Creates and supports neighborhood-based Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (TNVR) groups to address local overpopulation.
Develops and delivers educational programs on community cat management and Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (TNVR) best practices.
Coordinates targeted Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (TNVR) operations in priority areas using intake and complaint data.
Assists with logistics, trap distribution, and volunteer coordination for Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (TNVR) events.
Provides community Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (TNVR) volunteers with supplies for animals as needed; ensures volunteers are adhering to best practices.
Maintains accurate records of colonies, sterilizations, vaccinations, and community engagement activities.
Maintains and updates veterinary appointment scheduling and training scheduling programs.
Acts as a liaison to the Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) Community Outreach Manager for spay/neuter/vaccination services via Pets for Life.
Maintains consistent contact and communication with community volunteers throughout the day by phone, email, text message; maintains the resources webpage to assist community Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (TNVR) volunteers.
Performs administrative duties including data entry/updating volunteer program software and shelter software; updates program policies, procedures, manuals, and other materials as needed.
Produces monthly summaries and quarterly public dashboards on program outcomes.
Builds partnerships with clinics, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (TNVR) capacity.
Creates social media posts to market program as well as recruit community Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (TNVR) volunteers.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and ensure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, And EXPERIENCE

Any combination of experience which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge and abilities related to the area of assignment.

One (1) year experience (full-time regular employment) in caring and handling animals in an animal control/regulatory agency, veterinary office, animal care facility, or animal hospital.

One (1) year experience as an Animal Care Technician I OR Animal Control Officer I with the County of Ventura.

Necessary Special Requirements

Two (2) years of program development and implementation.
Knowledge of Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return (TNVR) and humane community cat management practices.
Two (2) years of experience in animal welfare, community outreach, or related field.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Ability to engage with diverse communities and build collaborative relationships.
Proficiency with data tracking tools and basic mapping concepts.
Must possess and maintain a valid California driver license.
Must be willing and able to work at various locations and travel throughout Ventura County.
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Must be willing and able to work in a facility where euthanasia is performed.
Must be proficient with the Department's shelter software program (Chameleon) and foster management program within the first six (6) months of hire.
Incumbents may be required to wear a uniform during work hours.
Must be willing and able to stand for long periods of time, bend, stoop, reach, and lift/carry animals and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, stand-by for emergency calls, and work in all weather conditions.

DESIRED:

Experience implementing TNVR programs at scale.
Familiar with Pets for Life or similar equity focused service models.
Bilingual skills particularly in Spanish or other languages commonly spoken in Ventura County.
Experience with grant writing, volunteer management, and partnership development.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, And ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of:

Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Release (TNVR) and humane community cat management practices, and methods for accurately gathering, synthesizing, evaluating, or conveying information;
Principles and techniques of community volunteer coordination including training, recruiting, and education of best practices.

Through Knowledge Of

Modern office methods and practices; program development and implementation;
Record maintenance systems;
Letter writing, grant writing, report compilation and public contact techniques.

Skill In

Exceptional customer service and dealing with difficult customers;
De-escalation techniques;
Organization and time management;
Problem solving and utilizing good judgement.

Ability To

Follow complex oral and written instructions;
Demonstrate effective communication skills verbally and written;
Cultivate community relationships and maintain confidential information;
Work in a facility where euthanasia is performed;
Remain calm yet assertive in stressful situations;
Suspend personal judgment when dealing with customers.

Supplemental Information

The position may involve moderate to extensive public contact depending on assignment; work in both indoor and outdoor environments; frequent exposure to animals of various species and sizes; exposure to odors, airborne particles such as animal fur and potentially toxic chemicals; as well as working in environments with high noise levels.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: This is a continuous recruitment and may close at any time; therefore, apply as soon as possible if you are interested. Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

To apply online, please refer to our website at www.venturacounty.gov/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here for additional information.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: Sufficient information must be provided under the Education/Work Experience portion of the application and supplemental questionnaire to thoroughly and accurately demonstrate your qualifications to determine eligibility. A resume may be attached to supplement your responses in the above referenced sections; however, it may not be substituted in lieu of the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE – qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this examination at the time of filing. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicant's qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in the application being removed from consideration. it is highly recommended that the supplemental questions within the application are completed with care and diligence. Responses such as "See Resume" or "Refer to Resume" are not acceptable and may disqualify an applicant from further evaluation.

APPLICATION EVALUATION – qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the recruitment process.

WRITTEN EXAMINATION - 100%: A un-proctored, online, internet-based job-related written examination will be conducted to test applicants' knowledge of general animal knowledge, best customer service practices, and animal care and handling. Applicants must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

Applicants successfully passing the written examination will be required to demonstrate their physical ability to perform job-related duties prior to being hired.

PERFORMANCE EXAMINATION - Pass/Fail: Applicants will be required to complete several job-related tasks where essential job duties and the job environment are simulated. The method of completing the tasks, the time required, and the final product will be scored and evaluated. Events may include, but are not limited to, animal handling (both dog and cat) and lifting. Applicants must pass the exam to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

Candidates must sign a waiver to participate in the performance examination.

ELIGIBLE LIST

Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of six (6) months.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed-Term), Intermittent, and Extra-Help vacancies for this and similar vacancies within the Ventura County Animal Services. There is currently one (1) Regular Fixed-Term vacancy with an anticipated end date of June 11, 2028.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record may be required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Esmeralda Oseguera by email at Esmeralda.Oseguera@venturacounty.gov or by telephone at (805) 477-7268.

Your Benefits As a County Of Ventura Employee

Service Employees International Union (LOCAL 721)

(SEIU)

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
Retirement FAQ's
Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: UPA, UPC, UPE, UPH, UPI, UPJ, UPT, UWS

01

Do you currently possess, or are you eligible to obtain and maintain a valid driver license issued by the State of California?

02

Are you willing and able to stand for extended periods and perform tasks that require stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying animals and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation?

03

Are you willing and able to work rotating shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, stand-by for emergency calls, and work in all weather conditions?

04

Are you willing and able to travel throughout Ventura County and work at various locations within the County?

05

Are you willing and able to work in a facility where euthanasia is performed?

06

Are you willing to wear a uniform during work hours?

07

Please Describe Your Work Experience In Caring And Handling Animals In An Animal Control/regulatory Agency, Veterinary Office, Animal Care Facility, Or Animal Hospital. In Your Response, Include The Following

Employer(s) where you gained this experience
Details regarding your duties
Time frame in which the duties were performed

If you do not have this experience, please type "No Experience."

08

Describe your experience working with community cat and TNVR programs. In your response, include the following:

Employer(s) where you gained this experience
Details regarding your duties
Time frame in which the duties were performed

If you do not have this experience, please type "No Experience."

09

Describe your experience in developing and implementing a program. Include the types of programs you have created, their purpose, the steps you took to implement them, and the time frame during which this work was performed.

If you do not have this experience, please type "No Experience."

10

Describe your experience in animal welfare, community outreach, or a closely related field. Include your specific duties, the organizations you worked with, and the time frame during which this experience was obtained.

If you do not have this experience, please type "No Experience."

11

Describe your experience communicating effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds while managing multiple priorities. In your response, explain how you organized your approach to build trust, foster collaboration, and achieve successful outcomes.

If you do not have this experience, please type "No Experience."

12

Describe your experience using data tracking tools and basic mapping concepts. In your response, include the types of tools or software you have used, the kinds of data you managed, and how you incorporated mapping to support decision making or program activities.

If you do not have this experience, please type "No Experience."

13

Describe your proficiency with Microsoft Office Programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. In your response, provide a summary of your experience using each program and the types of projects you have completed with them.

If you do not have this experience, please type "No Experience."

Required Question

County of Ventura

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TNVR Liaison & Community Cat Coordinator