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ANIMAL CARE ATTENDANT 

Interviews and Job Offers will take place the week of June 23, 2025. 

 

Interviews will be conducted in person at an Animal Shelter to give candidates a clear understanding of the working environment. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates, including those who are neurodivergent or may benefit from specific accommodations. If you require any adjustments to help you feel comfortable and supported during the interview process, please let us know when your interview is being scheduled. Our team will work with you to ensure appropriate accommodations are in place. 

In addition to the base salary, employees receive:

  • 4/10 work schedule. Work just four 10-hour days and enjoy three consecutive days off—every week. More time for you, less time commuting.
  • $850 annual uniform allowance
  • Overtime pay for working County-observed holidays
  • 37 paid days off annually
  • Enjoy full medical, dental, and vision, with other benefit options with generous cost offset; for more information please visit: Benefits

Have you ever thought about being a part of one of the most progressive Animal Shelter systems in the nation? To be a part of this superior team, APPLY NOW!
 

Animal Care Attendants perform a combination of kennel and animal care work along with a high level of public interaction at an animal shelter facility.  Duties include: cleaning kennels, animal care including assisting veterinarians with medical care, handling livestock and cleaning corrals, working with volunteers, rescue groups, data entry, assisting the public with adoptions and performing humane euthanasia. You will have the opportunity to take part in community health initiatives, including events with the Pet Health Express, our mobile veterinary clinic. Animal Care Attendants support two County shelter locations: Bonita and Carlsbad.
 
Desirable applicants will have working knowledge of various animal species; have experience socializing animals; administer medications; restrain animals for general exams, microchipping and vaccinations; observe and report animal behavior, signs of illness, disease or injury; provide exceptional customer service during public interactions and efficiently and accurately manage animal records.

 IDEAL CANDIDATE

  • Compassionate and respectful; exhibits care and concern for animals and people
  • Ability to multi-task and work independently
  • Communicates effectively and respectfully with individuals of diverse backgrounds, identities, and communication styles
  • Exercises appropriate judgment
  • Supportive of change

For more information about the Department of Animal Services, our commitment to providing quality care to shelter animals, the many services we provide to the community, and other career growth opportunities, please click here.


WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is predominantly performed in a kennel environment at an animal shelter facility, but work may be performed outside in inclement weather. Exposure to excessive noise (i.e., barking dogs); animal waste and deceased animals; dust, chemicals from cleaning agents/disinfectants; sewage and zoonotic diseases; and exposure to handling fractious, dangerous animals
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, training, and/or experience that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above. Example of qualifying education/experience:
 
1. Six (6) months of experience working with domestic animals in a veterinary hospital, humane society, or other animal facility; OR 
2.  Possession of a valid registration as a Veterinary Technician in California.
 
Note: Experience with personal pets is not considered qualifying. Volunteer experience on a ranch, farm, or with a humane society performing animal care and kennel work is considered qualifying.  
 
Please CLICK HERE for the complete job description including minimum qualifications, examples of duties, and essential functions.
 
The Department of Human Resources will remove 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.
 
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work Experience and/or supplemental questionnaire.
 
CONDITION 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 prior to 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.
 
HIRING PROCESS AND TIMELINE

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

 

  • Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after acceptance of job offer
  • Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
  • Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon 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.
 
EVALUATION PROCESS
Qualified candidates will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation contained on their employment and supplemental applications.

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.


Note: 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.
  
Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!


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 which are 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) (Download PDF reader) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.
 
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.