Description
The Fremont Police Department - Animal Services Division is recruiting for
the position of
Office Specialist I.
VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT BROCHURE
THE ANIMAL SHELTER
The
Tri-City Animal Shelter is part of the Fremont Police Department and is responsible for protecting lost and injured animals as well as protecting the public from animal-carried diseases. Animal Services Officers respond to animal- related calls for service from citizens of the City of Fremont.
We promote responsible pet ownership and provide licensing services for pets in the City of Fremont. It also houses lost and adoptable animals, services the cities of Fremont, Newark, and Union City.
The Opportunity
The Animal Shelter is looking for an Office Specialist to serve as the first point of contact for patrons, operating the main reception desk, handling intake forms, and answering phones. This role supports animal intake, adoptions, lost-and-found services, and pet reunification while providing compassionate customer service in person, by phone, and by email.
Key duties include processing payments, data entry, maintaining accurate records, and assisting with intake tasks such as gathering owner information. The position also educates the public on animal care and shelter programs and coordinates with animal control, medical, and kennel teams. Strong communication, organization, and calm, empathetic service are essential.
The Ideal Candidate
- Is able to provide exceptional customer service
- Possesses strong clerical and organizational skills
- Can effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment
- Exhibits proficiency in modern office software and technology
- Ability to remain calm and empathetic in emotionally charged situations
- Is comfortable working around animals
How To Apply
The application
deadline is December 2, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (PT) or when 150 applications are received. This recruitment may close without notice when the threshold is reached so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. A resume and supplemental questionnaire (part of the online application) must be submitted with the completed City application. Only online applications will be accepted.
To be considered for this outstanding employment opportunity, please
complete an application online by clicking "Apply" just above this box.
Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. Please review your settings in Government Jobs to ensure that you receive all updates regarding your status in the recruitment.
Selection Process
The selection process may include individual and/or panel interviews, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history, and other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.
Reasonable Accommodation
Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4660 or emailing humanresources@fremont.gov.
Contact Us
For additional information, please e-mail Human Resources Department at: humanresources@fremont.gov
The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
________________________________________________________________________________
Office Specialist I - Class Specification
Definition
Performs a wide variety of general clerical duties in support of specific functions and programs within the department assigned.
Class Characteristics
Office Specialist I: This is the entry-level class in the series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience and work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks. This class is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level. Incumbents work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.
Office Specialist II: This is the journey level class within the series and has the ability to perform the full range of duties assigned, with only occasional instruction or assistance as unique situations arise. Incumbents receive general supervision from an assigned supervisor. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level. This class is distinguished from the Senior Office Specialist in that the latter performs advanced journey level work requiring a high level of independence and specialized knowledge, and/or provides lead direction over assigned staff.
Some positions within this classification may be permanently assigned at the Office Specialist I level based on the level and the nature of the duties assigned.
Essential Functions
Position exists in a variety of departments. Not all functions are essential in all departments depending on department needs.
- Performs a wide variety of routine clerical work including filing, billing, checking, tracking, recording information on records, and processing personnel, payroll, purchasing, and training information.
- Sorts and files documents and records, maintaining alphabetical index and cross-reference files.
- Acts as a receptionist.
- Answers the telephone and assists the general public and City staff, giving information on department and assigned program policies and procedures.
- Screens calls and visitors, and refers inquiries as appropriate.
- Schedules meetings, inspections and appointments as assigned.
- Makes referrals to services and programs available through other City departments/divisions and outside agencies.
- Receives, issues, and processes various applications, licenses, permits and other forms.
- Receives, sorts and distributes incoming and outgoing correspondence and mail.
- Maintains and updates mailing lists.
- Types or enters data, proofreads and processes a variety of documents including general correspondence, memos, and statistical charts from rough draft, audio recordings or verbal instruction using computer software applicable to assignment.
- Operates standard and specialized office equipment including computer equipment.
- Receives and responds to questions and problems related to the operation of computers, software, printers, and other office equipment.
- May develop and maintain spreadsheets, databases and other automated systems.
- Composes routine correspondence independently.
- Compiles and formats information and data from a variety of sources for statistical and financial reports.
- Maintains ledger of expenses and revenues.
- Calculates, collects and processes fees, charges and donations.
- Issues receipts and balances related accounts.
- Receives checks by mail and processes and balances accordingly.
- Records or posts information, data or figures.
- Audits accounts receivable.
- Reviews and reconciles bank statements.
- Conducts research of records, programs, processes, procedures, office equipment and supplies, office services, and resources.
- Arranges for the repair of equipment and orders office supplies and equipment.
- May scan, index and verify records for digital imaging.
- Retrieves and prepares obsolete records for destruction.
- May receive and index materials submitted for records retention.
- Maintains records, transfer logs and storage inventories of records in offsite retention.
- May assist in the support of a board or commission including posting legal notices, preparing agendas, assembling background materials, and typing minutes of meetings as assigned.
- May coordinate or participate in the preparation for meetings, presentations and events.
- May receive and process contracts and other documents.
- May scan records, such as documents, files, large plans.
- May coordinate file inventory/retention.
- May pickup and deliver all city mail (incoming and outgoing) including lifting and carrying large packages, loading mail bags and trays into carts.
- May support a code enforcement function.
- May post and maintain information on department/division intranet and/or internet website pages.
- Builds and maintains positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
Marginal Functions
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Incumbents Of The Entry (I) Level Are Expected To Acquire The Following, While Incumbents Of The Journey (II) Level Are Expected To Possess
Knowledge of: Applicable laws, rules and regulations; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; modern office practices and procedures; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; basic mathematics; research methods.
Ability to: Perform a variety of responsible clerical duties in support of department operations including maintenance of appropriate records and preparation of general reports; provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers; sit at a desk and/or stand at a counter for long periods of time; intermittently twist and reach office equipment; operate a variety of office equipment such as a calculator, computer and software applicable to assignment; write and use keyboard to communicate through written means; learn to use a variety of software systems; type at a speed necessary for successful job performance; review documents related to department operations; perform basic mathematical calculations; verify and check files and data; research and resolve discrepancies; track projects; may lift or carry light to moderately heavy items; run errands; work independently with limited supervision and effectively in a team environment; use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines; prioritize work and coordinate several work activities; learn organization, procedures and operations of the city as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities; understand, interpret, apply and explain department policies, procedures and rules; learn services and resources available to the public; explain, observe, identify and problem solve office operations and procedures for the public and with staff; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.
Education/Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying.
Office Specialist I: A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be: completion of the twelfth grade or equivalent.
Office Specialist II: In addition to the above, two years of general clerical experience.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Please note: physical demands vary for specific departments.
Rare = < 10%, Occasional = 11-33%, Frequent = 34-66%, Constant = >66%
Sitting: Frequent
Walking: Occasional
Standing: Occasional
Bending (neck): Occasional to Frequent
Bending (waist): Occasional
Squatting: Rare - to access low drawers
Climbing: Rare – stairs/step stool
Kneeling: Rare
Crawling: Never
Jumping: Never
Balancing: Never
Twisting (neck): Occasional
Twisting (waist): Occasional
Grasp - light (dominant hand): Up to Frequent
Grasp - light (non-dominant): Occasional
Grasp - firm (dominant hand): Rare – general position – see notes below
Grasp - firm (non-dominant): Rare – general position – see notes below
Fine manipulation (dominant): Frequent – keyboard, writing
Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Occasional - keyboard
Reach - at/below shoulder: Occasional
Reach – above shoulder level: Rare
Push/pull
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Never
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Lifting
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Never
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Carrying
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Never
26 to 50 lbs. Never
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Coordination
Eye-hand: Required
Eye-hand-foot: Not-Required
Driving: Required (some departments)
Vision
Acuity, near: Required
Acuity, far: Required
Depth perception: Required
Accommodation: Required – when driving
Color vision: Required – when driving
Field of vision: Required – when driving
Talking
Face-to-face contact: Required
Verbal contact w/others: Required
Public: Required
Hearing
Normal conversation: Required
Telephone communication: Required
Earplugs required: Not required
Work Environment
Works indoors, works outdoors (when driving), exposure to extreme hot or cold temperature (outdoors), working at unprotected heights (ladder for record retention), exposure to slippery or uneven walking surfaces (outdoor), using computer monitor, works around others, works alone, works with others.
Class Code: Level I: 8375; Level II: 8380
FLSA: Non-exempt
EEOC Code: 6
Barg. Unit: CFEA
Probation: 12 months
Rev.: 11/15
The City of Fremont offers a comprehensive benefit package including general and holiday leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long/short-term disability insurance.
To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please visit: City of Fremont Benefits Summary
01
Please be specific in answering the Supplemental Questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this statement.
02
What is your highest level of education? Please select from the response options below:
- Did not complete high school or equivalent
- High school or equivalent
- Some college
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree or higher
03
Which statement best describes your level of work experience?
- No general clerical experience
- Less than 1 year of general clerical, technical or comparable experience
- 1 year to less than 2 years of general clerical, technical or comparable experience
- 2 years or more of general clerical, technical or comparable experience
04
Please tell us about your experience providing face-to-face customer service in a high-traffic environment. Please include the name of the agency where you performed these duties in your response. If you do not have any experience in this area, please write "N/A."
05
Please tell us the types of computer systems that you have experience working with. Check all that apply.
- Adobe Pro
- Canva
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Word
- None of the above
06
While professional animal-handling experience is not required, comfort working around animals is important at our shelter. Do you have any previous experience—personal or professional—interacting with or caring for animals? If you do not have any experience in this area, please write "N/A."
