THE POSITION
Lead a team that makes a difference for animals and the Rancho Cordova community!
The City of Rancho Cordova is seeking an experienced
Animal Services Supervisor to lead the daily operations of the City's Animal Services Division within the Neighborhood Services Department. This is a hands-on supervisory role responsible for leading and developing Animal Services staff, overseeing field operations and enforcement activities, and ensuring responsive, professional service to the community.
We're looking for an experienced animal services professional who is ready to lead a team while remaining actively engaged in operations, complex investigations, and the delivery of high-quality Animal Services programs.
About The Role
As the
Animal Services Supervisor, you'll provide leadership and operational oversight for the City's Animal Services Division. Key responsibilities include:
- Lead and supervise Animal Services staff, including assigning work, establishing priorities, coaching and mentoring employees, evaluating performance, coordinating training, and ensuring appropriate staffing to meet operational needs.
- Oversee the daily operations of the Animal Services Division, including field services, enforcement activities, investigations, service levels, operational procedures, and continuous improvement of programs and services.
- Provide technical leadership on complex and high-risk animal investigations, including potentially dangerous and vicious animals, animal cruelty and neglect, animal seizures, and other matters involving significant public safety or animal welfare concerns.
- Support field operations and maintain operational readiness, including responding to significant incidents and providing on-call or field shift coverage when staffing shortages, emergencies, or other operational needs require additional support.
- Manage and support Animal Services programs and administrative functions, including budget oversight, policies and procedures, ordinances, equipment and vehicle needs, public education, licensing, outreach, and relationships with community partners.
- Serve as a key City representative and operational partner, coordinating with law enforcement, the District Attorney's Office, veterinarians, shelters, rescue organizations, regulatory agencies, other City departments, and the community on Animal Services matters.
Position Requirements
This position supports a field-based operation and requires flexibility to meet the service and emergency response needs of Animal Services. The selected candidate must:
- Be willing to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime.
- Participate in emergency response and provide on-call and field shift coverage, including performing the duties of subordinate classifications when necessary to maintain operations.
- Reside within a 45-minute commute from the work site.
- Be able to tolerate the euthanasia of animals.
Please refer to the
Physical Working Conditions and Environments section below for additional information regarding the field, physical, environmental, and operational requirements of this position.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an experienced animal services professional and people-focused leader who can effectively balance staff leadership, field operations, animal welfare, public safety, and customer service.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Have significant experience in animal services or animal control, including lead or supervisory experience.
- Be an effective leader who can coach, mentor, develop, and hold staff accountable.
- Possess strong knowledge of animal services enforcement practices, investigations, and applicable laws and regulations.
- Exercise sound judgment and remain calm during complex, sensitive, or emergency situations.
- Communicate effectively and build positive relationships with staff, partner agencies, community organizations, and the public.
- Be organized, adaptable, and comfortable managing competing operational priorities.
- Be willing and able to remain hands-on in field operations when needed.
APPLY TODAY! Take the next step in your Animal Services career with the City of Rancho Cordova!
Benefits Of Working For The City Of Rancho Cordova
- Choice of a generous monthly stipend for Medical/Dental/Vision or Cash in Lieu of Medical Insurance.
- 13 paid holidays per year
- Universal Time Off (combined vacation and sick leave).
- CalPERS Retirement.
- Tuition Reimbursement up to $2,500/fiscal year
- The City of Rancho Cordova is also a qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
- Onsite fitness area & many more employee perks!
City employees also enjoy the knowledge that their work matters to the residents, visitors and businesses in our community. See what some of employees have to say about working for the City of Rancho Cordova, by watching this short video:
The City of Rancho Cordova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristics protected by law.
Examples Of Essential Duties
Full job description for the position can be found by clicking the link below:
Animal Services Supervisor
Employment Standards & Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. For instance, two (2) years of directly related job experience may be substituted for each one (1) year of education listed below. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:
Education
- An Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in animal science, criminal justice, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.
Experience:
- Three (3) years of experience as a Senior Animal Services Officer at the City of Rancho Cordova.
OR
- Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience, at a level comparable in scope and complexity to that of a Senior Animal Services Officer at the City of Rancho Cordova, in animal services, animal control, or a closely related field, including at least three (3) years of lead or supervisory experience.
License or Certification:
- Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with the City of Rancho Cordova’s Driving Policy.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Certificate of Completion of Euthanasia by Injection within six (6) months of appointment.
- Possession of a Certificate of Completion of Arrest, Search, and Seizure (Penal Code 832).
- Possession of a Certificate of Completion of an animal law enforcement Basic Academy or equivalent.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Certificate of Completion of CalAnimals Officer Academy Advanced within six (6) months of appointment.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, designation as a certified Animal Control Officer in the State of California within six (6) months of appointment.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate, such as issued by the American Red Cross within one (1) year of appointment.
For a complete list of employment standards and minimum qualifications, please refer to the job description link below.
Animal Services Supervisor
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENTS
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Work is performed in both office and field environments. The position requires frequent travel throughout the community to supervise field operations, respond to incidents, conduct inspections, attend meetings, and provide operational support. Employees may be required to work outdoors in all weather conditions and may be exposed to infectious animal diseases, aggressive or injured animals, animal waste, animal bites and scratches, allergens, hazardous materials, and other environmental hazards associated with animal care and control operations. Must also be able to tolerate the euthanasia of animals.
Must be willing to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime; participate in emergency response; and provide on-call and field shift coverage, including performing the duties of subordinate classifications, as necessary to maintain continuity of Animal Services operations.
Must reside within a 45-minute commute from the work site.
Must be proficient in the safe operation, demonstration, and proper use of animal control equipment, including:
- 48-inch instant release control poles
- 36-inch animal graspers, animal traps
- Raccoon/skunk boxes, animal gauntlets
- 30-inch snappy snares
- 42-inch snake tongs
- Dog leads
- Tranquilizer equipment, humane euthanasia injection tools
- Other equipment used in animal services operations.
Must possess the physical ability to walk on uneven terrain; climb, crawl, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and work in confined spaces; safely restrain and handle animals of varying sizes and temperaments; lift and carry animals, equipment, or supplies weighing up to 80 pounds with or without assistance; and operate a motor vehicle while responding to field assignments and emergencies.
FLSA- Non-exempt Status
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Rancho Cordova complies with the letter and spirit of the Equal Employment Opportunity and Americans with Disabilities laws in its employment process. Please advise the Human Resources Department of any reasonable accommodation you need in order to participate in the City’s application process.
HumanResources@CityofRanchoCordova.org
Non-exempt Employee Benefit Summary
CALPERS Retirement - The City of Rancho Cordova contracts with the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) for a defined benefit plan.
Tier 1: Employees hired prior to December 31, 2012, and "Classic Members" hired subsequently with less than a six (6) month break in service, are provided 2.7% at 55 retirement formula. City employees pay the full 8% of their base pay toward this retirement benefit.
Tier 2: Due to the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (Assembly Bill 340), new Miscellaneous members hired after January 1, 2013, or "Classic Members" with a break in service of more than six (6) months, are eligible for the 2% @ 62 CalPERS retirement formula for fiscal year 2025/2026. Employee contribution rate is 7.75% of PERS-able compensation, up to $186,906. (Note: the employee contribution will change as the cost of the benefit changes, since the employee is required to pay half the normal cost.)
1959 Survivor Benefit (Indexed Level)
The 1959 Survivor Benefit provides a monthly allowance to eligible survivors of members who die while actively employed. The monthly benefit payable to survivors in the Indexed Level increases by 2% each year. Benefit amounts for fiscal year 2025/2026 are $837, $1,673 and $2,510 for 1, 2, or 3 eligible survivors.
457 And 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan
- City will contribute $23.08 per pay period into the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan on behalf of the employee.
- City will match up to 3% of the base salary for employees who participate in the 457 plan. City match is placed in a 401(a) plan. There is no vesting period.
- Employees may also voluntarily participate in the 401(a) defined contribution retirement program; however, election must be made upon hire and is irrevocable during employment with the city.
Health Insurance (medical, dental and vision) - The City offers a "cafeteria plan," which includes a monthly medical stipend the employee may apply toward premiums for medical, dental and vision.
Cash-in-lieu - If your total health, vision and/or dental premium costs are lower than $300, you may receive the difference as cash in lieu up to a total of $300. If you do not need to purchase medical, dental or vision benefits from the City, you are eligible for a total of $300 cash in lieu per month.
Medical Benefits
Retiree Health Medical Benefits - CalPERS plans made available, and retiree medical contribution offered toward the cost of the plan. In 2026, the retiree medical contribution is $162.00 per month. The retiree medical contribution will continue to increase until it is equal to the minimum contribution required by CalPERS for the employer to pay on behalf of an employee.
Dental - Delta Dental PPO
Vision - Vision Service Plan (VSP)
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Medical FSA for the plan year is $3,400 (maximum)
- Dependent Care FSA for the plan year is $7,500 (maximum)
Universal Time Off (UTO) - vacation and sick leave combined
Universal Time Off Cash Out - Employees may cash out up to 80 hours in fiscal year 25/26.
Bereavement Leave - On the date of hire, employees are entitled to 24 hours of Bereavement Leave per event due to the death of a member of an employee's immediate family.
Holidays - 13 Holidays per year.
Winter Break - Reviewed by the City Manager each year.
Life Insurance - $50,000 life insurance policy
- Life price per $1,000 $0.109
- AD&D price per $1,000 $0.025
Long Term Disability
- LTD price per $100 $0.145
- 60% of earnings up to $7,500
- 90-day benefit waiting period
- Maximum Benefit Duration - To age 65 or Social Security Normal Retirement Age
Social Security - No
Employees do not pay into and earn credit toward future benefits in Social Security, since the City offers an IRS qualifying retirement plan. Medicare benefits, however, will not be affected.
Employee Assistant Plan (EAP) - Available to employee and immediate family. Includes concierge, financial and legal services.
Wellness Program - On-site fitness room, shower and lockers and ping pong tables available for employee use.
Tuition Reimbursement - Up to $2,500 per fiscal year.
Training and Development - Available and encouraged for each employee.
Updated January 2026
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening process. Please do not write "see resume" as a response, as this will not be accepted. The information provided in your application and supplemental responses will be reviewed to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. If you do not have experience in a particular area, please indicate "N/A." Have you read and understood this requirement?
02
Which of the following best describes your education and how you intend to meet the education requirement for this position? (Note: Applicants indicating that they have earned a degree must attach the required documentation for verification in the application. Applications indicating a completed degree without the required documentation will be considered incomplete).
- I have earned an Associate's degree or higher in animal science, criminal justice, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field and have attached a copy of my official diploma or other official proof of degree completion to my application.
- I have earned an Associate's degree or higher in another field and have attached a copy of my official diploma or other official proof of degree completion to my application.
- I have not earned an Associate's degree or higher and am using qualifying directly related experience in lieu of the education requirement.
- None of the above.
03
How many years of progressively responsible experience in animal services, animal control, or a closely related field do you possess?
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year but less than 3 years
- 3 years but less than 5 years
- 5 years but less than 7 years
- 7 years but less than 9 years
- 9 years or more
- None
04
How many years of lead or supervisory experience do you possess in animal services, animal control, or a closely related field?
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year but less than 2 years
- 2 years but less than 3 years
- 3 years but less than 5 years
- 5 years or more
- None
05
The following license and certifications are required at the time of application. Please indicate which of the following you currently possess and that are valid as of the date of your application. Verification Requirement: Applicants must attach copies of the required certifications to their application for verification. Failure to provide documentation verifying a required certification will result in the application being considered incomplete. (A copy of your California driver's license is not required to be attached to your application.)
- Valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record in accordance with the City of Rancho Cordova's Driving Policy
- Certificate of Completion of Arrest, Search, and Seizure (Penal Code 832)
- Certificate of Completion of an Animal Law Enforcement Basic Academy or equivalent
- I do not currently possess one or more of the required items listed above
06
The following certifications are required for this position but may be obtained within the specified timeframe after appointment if not already possessed. Please select all statements that apply to you. For each certification below, select the statement that accurately reflects your current status.
- I currently possess a valid Certificate of Completion of Euthanasia by Injection and have attached a copy of my certificate to my application for verification.
- I do not currently possess a Certificate of Completion of Euthanasia by Injection, but understand and am willing and able to obtain one within six (6) months of appointment.
- I currently possess a valid Certificate of Completion of CalAnimals Officer Academy Advanced and have attached a copy of my certificate to my application for verification.
- I do not currently possess a Certificate of Completion of CalAnimals Officer Academy Advanced, but understand and am willing and able to obtain one within six (6) months of appointment.
- I am currently designated as a Certified Animal Control Officer in the State of California and have attached documentation verifying my current designation to my application.
- I am not currently designated as a Certified Animal Control Officer in the State of California, but understand and am willing and able to obtain the designation within six (6) months of appointment.
- I currently possess a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate and have attached a copy of my certificate to my application for verification.
- I do not currently possess a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate, but understand and am willing and able to obtain one within one (1) year of appointment.
- I am unable or unwilling to obtain one or more of the required certifications within the specified timeframe.
07
Requirements
This position requires flexibility and field availability to maintain Animal Services operations. Please indicate your understanding and ability to meet each of the following requirements:
- I understand and am willing and able to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and provide emergency response, on-call, or field shift coverage as required.
- I understand and am willing and able to perform the duties of subordinate classifications during staffing shortages, emergencies, major incidents, or other operational needs.
- I understand and can meet the requirement to reside within a 45-minute commute from the work site.
- I understand and am able to tolerate the euthanasia of animals as required in the performance of Animal Services duties.
- I have reviewed the Physical Working Conditions and Environments outlined in the job bulletin and understand and am able to meet the requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- I am unable to meet the requirements listed above.
08
Please select each area in which you have professional experience:
- Animal services field operations
- Animal law/ordinance enforcement
- Potentially dangerous or vicious animal investigations
- Animal cruelty or neglect investigations
- Animal seizures and impoundments
- Evidence collection and case documentation
- Administrative hearings and/or criminal or civil enforcement proceedings
- Responding to significant or emergency animal incidents
- Reviewing reports, citations, investigations, or enforcement actions
- Developing or implementing operational policies and procedures
- Public education and community outreach
- Animal licensing programs
- Budget or expenditure monitoring
- Working with law enforcement, prosecutors, veterinarians, shelters, rescues, or other partner agencies
- None of the above
09
Animal Services operates in a fast-paced field environment where supervisors may simultaneously be managing staffing needs, employee issues, community concerns, and complex or high-risk incidents. Please describe a specific professional example in which you had to lead staff through a difficult, sensitive, or high-pressure operational situation. Briefly explain the situation, your role, how you directed or supported staff, the decisions you made, and the outcome.
