Animal Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $19.83 - $26.74 Hourly
Location : Animal Care and Adoption Center - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 2526-34M
Department: Animal Care/Adoption Center
Division: Animal Center Care
Opening Date: 06/16/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
WHY JOIN #TEAMRC
The Animal Services Department is seeking an Animal Caretaker to join our team! Our mission is to create PAWsitive impact by enriching the lives of animals and people. We accomplish this by caring for thousands of animals (domestic and wildlife) annually and working to reunite them with their owners, rehome them, or transfer them to rescue and rehabilitation organizations. We also play an important role in assisting the public with their animal-related concerns. When you join TeamRC, you can expect to be working in a fast-paced environment with a dedicated and committed team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to protect and serve the animals and people in our community.
You will make a difference!
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING HERE AT TEAM RC
Animal Caretakers play a key role in daily shelter operations by cleaning and disinfecting animal housing areas, performing housekeeping tasks such as laundry and dishes, assisting with meet-and-greets and adoptions, and supporting enrichment and behavior programs. Animal Caretakers also assist the public with animal related questions and support other divisions at the Animal Center as needed.
This position might be perfect for you if:

• This position might be perfect for you if:
  • You excel in a team environment.
  • You are a matchmaker and like finding people their perfect pet.
  • You have excellent customer service and communication skills.
  • You strive for excellence and have a can-do attitude.
  • You function best in a fast-paced environment where multitasking is the norm.
  • You are compassionate and empathetic for people and their pets.
  • You are comfortable safely handling all animals, from the biggest dog to the smallest mouse, including wildlife.

Must have the ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, and on-call basis.
You'll be responsible for:

• Cleaning and disinfecting cages and interacting with a variety of animals including domestic, exotic, and wildlife.
• General housekeeping; washing dishes and laundry; maintaining a clean and orderly work environment; keeping the facilities and equipment in good working order.
• Assisting members of the public with general inquiries and finding lost and found pets (cue those customer service skills).
• Answering phone calls and assisting the administrative staff with updating records, cashier services and processing licenses, stray animals and adoptions.
• The meet and greet process and helping customers select and adopt pets (one of the most exciting parts!).
• Communicating medical and behavior needs of specific animals to potential adopters.
• Safely handling a variety of breeds and species of animals with various temperaments and needs.
• Participating in animal enrichment and socialization programs.
• Interacting with our rockstar volunteers.
• Maintaining animal inventory and supply inventory.
• Assisting with euthanasia.

For more information, please visit the job description here.
ARE YOU QUALIFIED
Education and/or Experience:
Equivalent to graduation from high school. Six months of recent experience working with domestic animals in a veterinary hospital, clinical setting, or animal services facility, is desirable.
License or Certificate:Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C or Class 3 California driver's license, and have a satisfactory driving record.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Various breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals; basic characteristics of animal behavior; care techniques; customer service techniques; procedures related to kennel cleaning and maintenance of facilities; record keeping procedures; occupational hazards and safe work practices related to animal care; safe driving principles and practices;
Operate cleaning equipment and other tools used in the maintenance of kennels; operate a vehicle observing legal driving practices; operate a cash register; administer injections and medications to all types of animals; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs; handle animals in a safe and efficient manner; learn, understand, and interpret rules and regulations governing the impounding and release of animals; recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior; prepare and maintain accurate and complete records; meet and deal tactfully and effectively with the public; respond to requests and inquiries for information regarding animal services; work independently in the absence of supervision; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish, maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE
APPLICATION PROCESS
All applicants are required to apply online at . This recruitment will run until all available vacancies have been filled
Applications must be complete and demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. Resumes may be attached to completed application form as supplemental information and will not be accepted in lieu of an official application form. Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates who best match the needs of the City will be invited to compete further in the examination process. All candidates will be notified of their application status by email throughout the recruitment process. Candidates invited to compete in the examination process, who successfully pass the examination process, will be place on an eligibility list. The candidate on the eligibility list who most closely meets the requirements of the City may be selected to receive a final offer. The City may conclude that none of the candidates, even those who meet the minimum qualifications, are appropriate for the position.
Successful candidates shall be required to:

• Pass a reference and background verification. References will not be contacted until a mutual interest has been established, and
• Provide proof of a valid California driver's license and be insurable; and
• Pass a pre-employment medical exam

If hired, candidate will be required to complete a verification form designated by Immigration and Naturalization Service to certify that they are eligible for employment in the United States of America and furnish proof certifying legal authorization to work in the United States.
The City of Rancho Cucamonga Participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In accordance, the City will provide the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information regarding E-Verify, the Federal Government's online employment eligibility verification system, please visit www.uscis.gov.
DisclaimersThe City of Rancho Cucamonga is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In addition, the City of Rancho Cucamonga abides by a nepotism policy which may preclude you from being hired if the City employs a relative. The City of Rancho Cucamonga makes reasonable accommodations for disabled persons, considering each situation on an individual basis. Please make direct requests for accommodation to Human Resources. For information on Employee Rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act, please click . There is a no smoking policy in effect in all City Offices and vehicles. Finally, please note that the provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract expressed or implied and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Questions regarding this recruitment may be directed to Human Resources at Careers@CityofRC.us. Applicants may wish to visit the City's official website at for more information.
No benefits
01
How many years of professional animal handling experience do you have?
02
Are you available to work weekends?

• Yes
• No

03
Please tell us about any experience you have performing pet adoption counseling.
Required Question