The County of Riverside’s Department of Animal Services has an opportunity for an Animal Care Technician (ACT) who will be assigned to the Shelter Services division in Jurupa Valley. A list of eligible candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies.
The Animal Care Technician will be responsible for the daily feeding, cleaning, and disinfecting of kennels and pens, along with transporting animals throughout the shelter; will perform a wide range of duties including processing the intake of animals, assisting in the diversion of stray animals, unloading and impounding incoming animals received from Animal Control Officers and the public, and releasing animals to the public for redemption or adoption. In addition, the ACT will also be responsible for detailed records such as notes, logs, and inventories of animals, food supplies, and equipment. The department desires candidates with customer service background, verbal and written skills, compassion, empathy, and a desire to work in public service.
Competitive candidates will have experience in customer service, working directly with the public, as well as prior animal handling experience, whether through volunteer work or professional roles.
Work schedule: 5/40 with availability to work weekends, holidays, and special events to meet department needs is required.
Meet the Team!
The Riverside County Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve. The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Thousand Palms.
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• Daily cleaning and disinfecting of kennels, equipment and work areas to prevent spread of zoonotic diseases.
• Feed and water animals daily.
• Assist with humane euthanasia and disposal of animals.
• Utilize computer to enter and update animal records in Chameleon Database.
• Daily review of animal inventory; may move animals as needed within the shelter.
• Unload and impound incoming animals received from Animal Control and Licensing Officers and the public.
• Counsel owners who are relinquishing their pets by providing them information on adoptability of their animal or information regarding alternative options.
• Provide customer service to all shelter visitors and staff.
• Educate the public on age, breed, characteristics, and care/treatment of shelter animals; may respond to inquiries from the public regarding retention and disposal of animals.
• Participate in adoption events on and off-site, in and outside of County jurisdiction.
• Understand and support department policies, local city and county municipal codes/ordinances, and state laws related to animal welfare.
• Receive, load and unload supplies, materials and equipment from vendor trucks; operate forklift to move pallets; inspect for damage and quantity received against requisitions, invoices or freight bills.
• May be assigned to the care and treatment of equine, livestock and/or exotic animals.
• May assist in office by answering telephones, collecting fees and issuing receipts; may write incident reports.
Education: Graduation from high school or attainment of a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. test.
Experience: None required. Experience with animal handling and customer service is preferred.
Other Requirements:
License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License is required. Candidate may be required to transport animals to and from different locations as well as to transport animals that are being rescued throughout Riverside County.
A series of three Rabies vaccines is required within 30 days of employment.
Physical Requirements: This position will require working in an environment with exposure to animal smells, dander, excrement, fluids and wounds and the skill to safely handle animals, including frightened, injured, or aggressive ones. The ACT will lift, carry, push, and pull heavy objects that may weigh more than 50 pounds.
Environmental Working Conditions: The majority of this position will entail working outdoors in inclement weather conditions (rain, sleet and summer temperatures).
Ability to: Read, understand and follow oral and written instructions in English; utilize computer to enter clear, concise and accurate information into Chameleon database; maintain records; perform basic mathematical calculations using addition and subtraction; work courteously and effectively to maintain effective working relationships with staff, rescue groups and the public; carry out routine and repetitive duties without immediate supervision; learn cleaning and disinfecting methods; learn care and feeding of animals; learn breeds and behaviors of animals; learn safe and proper handling of animals; learn, understand, interpret, and apply basic laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations governing the impounding, release and disposal of animals.
For questions regarding this recruitment:
Please Contact Karla Medrano at (951) 955-9092 or kmedrano@RIVCO.ORG. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response to general inquiries.
