Animal Rescue Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $41,204.80 - $52,624.00 Annually
Location : Siskiyou County, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Job Number: 2026-02136
Department: Agriculture/Animal Control/Air Pollution
Division: Animal Control
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 6/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: IG
Description
The County of Siskiyou is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer
We welcome applicants of any race, religion, or ancestry.
For exact salary information please refer to the current salary schedule,
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, to perform a variety of Shelter, general support, telephone, office, computer and domestic animal care for the County Animal Control Division; to greet animal shelter visitors and answer the telephone, return calls, provide information, , adopt animals to new owners, research to identify owners of lost animals, and refer visitors/callers to others; dispatch calls to officers in the field via phone and radio; work in mandated low-cost rabies clinics; operate and use computers and office equipment; clean kennels/pens, feed, water and give care to domestic animals, provide vaccinations, routine health tests, medical care and maintain shelter cleanliness; assist in or perform euthanasia; and do related animal control work as required and instructed.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single position classification for providing general daily management in the County Animal Control and Care Shelter and assistance in the daily duties of the Animal Control Department and Animal Control Officers. The incumbent has responsibility for performing a variety of domestic (including livestock) animal care functions, Shelter, office and general support work which requires previous background and experience in these environments. Incumbent oversees humane animal custodial and remedial care, admissions, adoptions and euthanasia; ensure the safety, sanitation, and upkeep of the facility; prepares operational reports and educates the public about responsible pet ownership and County animal regulations and laws Maintains close contact with DA's office regarding status of affected animals. This classification is a for cause, non-exempt position.
REPORTS TO
Chief Animal Control Officer
CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED
This is not a supervisory class; however incumbent may provide lead direction to paid Shelter employees or volunteers working with the animals housed in the Shelter. Volunteers may be members of the public or juvenile and/or adult inmates.
Examples of Duties
Essential functions:

• Identifies animals for possible euthanasia and reports those findings to the Chief Animal Control Officer
• Performs or assists in euthanasia
• Ensure that files, records and statistics are properly maintained including: animal intake, disposition, adoption, euthanasia, medical care and procedures of shelter animals and controlled substances
• Maintain a working relationship with established rescue groups to effectively utilize space and systematically respond to seasonal influxes of animals.
• Maintain the AC Departments "No Kill" Philosophy, by maintaining a live release rate of 90% or more. Manage the pet spay/neuter and adoption program to ensure interested and acceptable individuals are quickly united with adoptable pets.
• Perform daily inspection of shelter facilities to monitor the general health of shelter animals and insure proper medical care is rendered in a timely, humane, safe and efficient manner.
• Recognize sickness and disease (including infectious disease) in shelter animals, take steps to reduce continued exposure to other shelter animals and to humans entering and working in the shelter
• Implement Shelter Best Management Practices, - including health, behavior and general care for Shelter animals individually and collectively.
• Administers vaccines, medications and preventative care to Shelter animals
• Perform in-house testing and medical treatments
• Regularly inspect shelter property for needed repairs and maintenance and report findings to Chief Animal Control officer if repairs are needed to maintain buildings and grounds.
• Prepare reports on the operational statistics and shelter activities.
• Respond to and resolve sensitive inquiries and complaints from other animal care providers and the general public.
• Interpret and convey ordinances, state statutes, regulations and County policies to the general public.
• Help ensure that appropriate fees are collected from pet owners.
• Monitor shelter supplies.
• Maintain a comprehensive public relations program to ensure all web and printed information reflects a consistent message.
• Implement training modules for the volunteers to increase their knowledge of the shelter.
• Identify clear work functions and daily assignments for volunteers and inmates that increase accountability and ensure a high level of professional customer service to the community.
• Meet and greet the public and answer questions regarding animal shelter operations and policies.
• Assist ACOs in the field as needed.
• Assist in the training of additional Shelter staff paid or volunteer.

Knowledge of:

• All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential function of the job.
• Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
• Knowledge of state and local laws, regulations, codes and ordinances relating to proper treatment of sheltering animals.
• Principals and techniques for properly handling and caring for injured animals.
• Principals and techniques for properly handling fractious animals.
• The hazards and safety precautions involved in operating an animal shelter.
• Customer service skills and techniques.
• Principals and techniques for properly handling/caring for infectious animals

Desired skills:

• Work in an environment which contains fumes, disinfectants or airborne particles.
• Handle animals which are sick, injured, frightened, dangerous or vicious animals which may display unpredictable behavior.
• Manage the mental and emotional stress that may accompany the injured and/or euthanasia of animals.
• Work in all types of weather conditions.
• Work in a noisy environment.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl to inspect shelter enclosures.
• Handle needles and give injections, treat gruesome injuries, clean up vomit and diarrhea

Additional skills:

• Interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with policies, procedures and regulations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Effectively responds to calls for service and dispatches information to the ACOs.
• Recognize normal and abnormal animal behavior.
• Handle potentially dangerous animals in a safe manner.
• Work weekends, evenings, holidays and special events as needed and required.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Assist in planning and coordinating special County and volunteer events for the Animal Shelter.
• Implement and maintain programs to promote the adoption of shelter animals.
• Exercise good judgment and self-restraint when operating in stressful situations.
• To define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
• Work on multiple projects and assignments simultaneously.
• Use persuasion and diplomacy to achieve consensus and cooperation, especially on difficult or divisive issues.
• Exercise initiative, ingenuity and good judgment in decision-making and in solving problems, including problems of a sensitive or political nature.
• Remain flexible in adapting to changes in priorities, assignments and other interruptions which may impact pre-established timelines and courses of action for completing projects and assignments.
• Lead by positive example by promoting positive, collaborative and professional working relations among staff and outside agencies.

Typical Qualifications
Typical Qualifications:
Any combination of training or experience that would provide the knowledge and skills to successfully perform the listed duties is qualifying. A typical way, but not required, to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:
-Prior experience with domestic animals and livestock is highly desirable.
Special Requirements:
-Possession of a valid driver's license.
-High School Diploma or equivalent
-Euthanasia Certification. Applicants who do not possess the Euthanasia Certification may be appointed to the position, but the required coursework must be taken and the certificate obtained at the discretion of the department head.
Supplemental Information
TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, communications radio equipment, calculator, copiers, and FAX.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office environment of an animal shelter; continuous contact with animals, other staff, and the public. Working conditions are subject to animal noises and shelter odors.
NOTE:
Various bargaining units may have benefits that alter from this general summary. This summary of benefits is not a binding document and is provided as a courtesy. Refer to labor agreements (MOUs) for specific benefit information.
THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES
Holidays:
12 paid holidays (96 hours) per year, plus 3 floating holidays
Vacation:
Two (2) weeks per year during the first five (5) years of service;
Three (3) weeks a year - five (5)- ten (10) years of service;
Four (4) weeks a year - Ten (10) plus years of service;.
Note - accrued vacation leave may not be used until after six months of employment.
Sick Leave:
Sick leave shall accrue from the date of initial employment at the rate of 3.7 hours per pay period (which is equivalent to 96 hours per years) for regular full-time employees with no maximum accrual. Unused sick leave may be converted to PERS service credit upon retirement.
Health Plan:
Siskiyou County contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance.
Effective 1/01/2024, the County will contribute 90% of the Region 1 CalPERS Gold health plan.
Effective 1/01/2025, the County will contribute 85% of the Region 1 CalPERS Gold health plan.
Dental Plan:
Effective 1/01/2024 the County contributes 90% of the dental premium.
Effective 1/01/2025 the County contributes 85% of the dental premium.
Vision Plan:
Effective November 2022 the County provides vision insurance for employees and their
dependents.
Life Insurance:
The County will maintain life insurance for $50,000.
Retirement:
The County is in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) coordinated with Social Security.

• 2% at 55 years of age and single highest year calculation for final compensation (generally for employees hired prior to 11/02/12)
• 2% at 60 years of age and highest three year average for final compensation (generally for employees hired between 11/02/12 - 12/31/12)
• 2% at 62 years of age and highest three year average final compensation (generally for employees hired on or after 1/01/13)

Member contribution:
Employees hired prior to November 2, 2012, pay the required seven percent (7.0%) member contribution, on a pre-tax basis.
Employees hired after November 1, 2012, who are not classified as a new member pay the required seven percent (7.0%) member contribution, on a pre-tax basis.
Employees hired after December 31, 2012, who are classified as a new member will
pay one half of the total normal cost as determined annually by CalPERS on a pre-tax basis.
Miscellaneous:
• Deferred Compensation plans available through specified companies.
• IRC Section 125 plan available for pre-tax payroll deductions for contributions towards un-reimbursed medical expenses and dependent care.
SISKIYOU COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Any information on this page or links is subject to change without notice.
Siskiyou County Personnel
1312 Fairlane Road, Suite 1
Yreka CA 96097
(530) 842-8005
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