The County of San Diego, Department of Animal Services
Is Currently Recruiting For The Position Of
Animal Services Representative
We're building a pool of qualified candidates for anticipated vacancies over the next twelve months. Apply now to be first in line when positions become available!
This position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $46,612.80 annually.
County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5.
About The Position
Join an organization dedicated to upholding values of integrity, Compassion, Teamwork, innovation, and Operational Excellence. As an Animal Services Representative, you will be a trusted and knowledgeable resource for members of the public seeking information about animal-related public services. In this role, you will perform specialized clerical and customer services duties, including assisting with animal adoptions, processing licenses, educating the public on animal control laws & regulations, conducting complex service transactions, providing guidance concerning owner relinquishments, and helping reunite families with their lost pets by assisting with lost and found requests.
The Department of Animal Services provides animal law enforcement, animal sheltering and adoption services for the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. Animal Services has two shelter locations: Bonita and Carlsbad.
Coming Late 2026! A new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Santee serving the East and South Counties. It will provide a safe environment for animals and the public. Landscape enhancements will be made along the Riverview Parkway front, including a secured and open courtyard, an outdoor livestock area, activity yards, a secured staff parking lot, and a public parking lot.
Please read the Department of Animal Services website for additional information about the many services we provide to the community.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate communicates effectively, is customer focused, thrives in a collaborative team environment, exercises sound judgment and values and respects others. Highly desirable candidates will exhibit excellent attention to detail, have experience supporting high volume operations and demonstrate continuous professional growth through ongoing training.
Hiring Process And Timeline
The department is developing an eligible list for future vacancies in the next 12 months. Candidates placed on the eligible list will be contacted when a vacancy is available.
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below. Please note that dates are approximate and are dependent upon the successful completion of each step of the process.
- Job Offer and Background Process begins: Same day of interview.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon the successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, training, and/or experience that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above. Example of qualifying education/experience:
High school diploma or equivalent with at least one (1) year of full-time experience in a high-volume customer service environment equivalent to an Office Assistant with the County of San Diego.
Please read the job description for Animal Services Representative for additional information.
Blind Applicant Screening
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Working Conditions
Work is predominantly performed outdoors, driving, and in animal shelter environments in varying temperatures; exposure to excessive noise (such as barking dogs) or constant radio chatter; aggressive and/or dangerous animals; animal waste and dead animals; dust, chemicals from cleaning agents/disinfectants; and sewage and zoonotic diseases. This is a first responder to disasters and emergencies and personal protective equipment is provided.
Conditions Of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening before beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation
Qualified applicants will be placed on a
twelve (12) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge, and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran's Preference Policy
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran’s Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of these is infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data-driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov). (Download PDF reader).
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
