Animal Care Attendant

City of Santa Monica • City of Santa Monica, CA • $54.93k - $67.83k / year • 6d ago

Are you an animal lover with a passion for providing care and compassion to animals in need?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as an Animal Care Attendant!

As an Animal Care Attendant, you’ll play a vital role in feeding, medicating, and caring for animals at our shelter. You’ll ensure the cleanliness of kennels and shelter grounds, assist the public in finding their perfect pet, and support the overall well-being of animals in our care. Your work will make a real difference in the lives of animals and the community.

Join us in providing a safe and loving environment for animals. Apply now to become an Animal Care Attendant with the City of Santa Monica!

Job Summary: Feeds and cares for all animals at the shelter. Medicates sick or injured animals and when necessary euthanizes animals. Cleans shelter and grounds.

NOTE: The eligibility list that results from this recruitment process will be used to fill both full-time and as-needed vacancies. Currently there is one (1) full-time (with benefits) vacancy within the Animal Control Unit of the Santa Monica Police Department.

Cleans animal kennels, cages and pens.

Shows animals to the public and responds to public inquiries.

Euthanizes and disposes of animals, when required.

Diagnoses common animal diseases.

Feeds, medicates, vaccinates, and cares for animals.

Maintains grounds and facilities, as assigned.

Inventories and orders animal shelter items and food supplies.

Performs minor clerical tasks, as required.

Follows all applicable safety rules and regulations.

Performs other related duties, as required.Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

Knowledge of:
Care, feeding, and handling of animals.
Safe operation of cleaning equipment.
Safe operation of animal traps, cages, and safety equipment.
Safe handling and operation of needles, syringes, drugs, and biohazard waste.
Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:
Learn about animal diseases, including treatment and vaccination.
Administer proper medication and vaccinations.
Properly use chemicals.
Euthanize animals.
Handle animals of all sizes and temperaments.
Operate power cleaning equipment, such as pressure washers and steam cleaners.
Follow oral and written instructions.
Communicate effectively.
Provide effective customer service.
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees, shelter volunteers, and the general public.

Skill in:
Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level.
Basic math.
Dealing effectively with co-workers, volunteers and the general public.

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from high school or the equivalent. Six months of recent, paid work or volunteer experience in the care, feeding and/or handling of animals and dealing with the public.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C driver license.

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.

NOTE: Only permanent employees are eligible for a transfer. Employees submitting transfer applications must notify the recruitment analyst via email upon submission of their application.

SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualifiedon the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing will consist of the following:

Written Examination: 100%

NOTE: THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MAY 20, 2025.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

NOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our employees are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces and diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for person with disabilities. Call (310) 45-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.