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Entry Level Animal Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$26.82 - $35.95/hr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the entry level class in the Animal Control Officer series. This class is distinguished from the Animal Control Officer II by the performance of the more ...

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$25.03 - $33.54/hr

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the entry level class in the Animal Control Officer series. This class is distinguished from the Animal Control Officer II by the performance of the more ...

Animal Services Supervisor

Fremont, CA · On-site

$85K - $104K/yr

Police Entry Level Division: POL-Animal Services Opening Date: 12/16/2024 Description The Fremont Police Department is recruiting for the position of Animal Services Supervisor. This recruitment will ...

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Entry Level Animal information

What is an entry level animal?

An Entry Level Animal job typically involves working with animals in roles that require little to no prior experience. These jobs may include positions such as animal care technician, kennel assistant, or veterinary assistant. Responsibilities often include feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and assisting with basic care. Many positions provide on-the-job training, making them a great starting point for those interested in animal-related careers.

What are some typical daily tasks for an entry level animal care technician?

Entry Level Animal Care Technicians are typically responsible for feeding and watering animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting more experienced staff with treatments or medication. You may also be expected to keep detailed logs of animal behavior, report any health concerns, and help maintain a clean and safe environment. Most roles require collaboration with veterinarians, animal handlers, and other technicians. This hands-on work provides a solid foundation in animal husbandry and offers a gateway to more advanced positions within the animal care or veterinary field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level animal position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animal Care Technician, you need a basic understanding of animal handling, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with animal care protocols, record-keeping systems, and, in some settings, certification in animal care or laboratory safety, can be beneficial. Compassion, patience, and strong communication skills help you stand out when interacting with animals and supporting team members. These skills are critical for ensuring animals' well-being, maintaining safety standards, and working effectively as part of a care team.

How do I start to work with animals?

To start working with animals as an entry-level animal worker, gain experience through volunteering or internships at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Developing skills in animal handling, basic care, and safety procedures, along with obtaining relevant certifications like pet first aid, can improve job prospects. Entry-level roles often require patience, physical stamina, and a genuine interest in animal welfare.

How to start a career with animals?

To start a career as an entry-level animal worker, gain relevant experience through volunteering or internships at shelters, farms, or veterinary clinics. Obtain basic certifications such as animal first aid or handling courses, and develop skills in animal care, patience, and communication. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma and a genuine interest in working with animals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in California?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Animal jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Animal jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Animal jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Animal job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Animal Control Officer I/II

City of Rialto

Rialto, CA • On-site

$26.82 - $35.95/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Classification Definition DEFINITION To perform routine duties in support of the City's animal control services and operations; to provide assistance in enforcing City, County and State laws governing the care and keeping of animals in the City; to patrol assigned areas; to capture, impound, care for and euthanize animals as appropriate; and to perform a variety of duties relative to assigned areas of responsibility. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the entry level class in the Animal Control Officer series. This class is distinguished from the Animal Control Officer II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series.

Since this is typically an entry level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. HOURLY WAGE INFORMATION: Animal Control Officer I: Hourly: $24.30 - $32.56 Animal Control Officer II: Hourly: $26.82 - $35.95 *Listed amounts indicate the first and last steps of the range for each position. Essential Duties and Responsiblities ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS--Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential Functions: Patrol City streets and roads using a City owned vehicle; search for stray dogs and domestic animals

Pick up and dispose of deceased animals in accordance with established policies and procedures. Investigate reports or complaints of nuisance, stray, uncontrolled, dangerous, wild or diseased animals within the city and take appropriate action; investigate reports of animal cruelty or neglect; investigate animal bites; arrange for animal identification and quarantine as needed. Perform general office duties; receive and direct telephone calls; provide information and explain procedures; send notices; file rabies certificates and other documents.

Prepare and maintain a variety of files, records and reports; ensure all records comply with established guidelines. Receive lost and found animal reports; assist visitors in locating missing pets. Assist in enforcing City animal control laws; explain ordinance relating to keeping and caring for animals; issue citations for violations of the animal control ordinance.

Coordinate the services and operations of the City's rabies vaccination clinics; maintain related records. Impound, quarantine and euthanize animals as appropriate; provide assistance in determining whether injured animals should be treated or euthanized; contact a veterinarian to treat injured animals as appropriate. Assist in preparing laboratory specimens; submit to appropriate public agencies.

Operate variety of tools, equipment and devices including humane traps, mobile radios and related animal control tools and equipment. Marginal Functions: Maintain vehicle and equipment in proper working condition; clean and repair vehicle and equipment as necessary. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications Animal Control Officer I: Experience and Training Guidelines: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Experience: One year of experience in the care and handling of animals. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license. Animal Control Officer II: Experience and Training Guidelines: Minimum requirements as a condition of hire: Experience: Two years of responsible experience in animal control enforcement. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license. Supplemental Information Application Procedure: A City application form and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) MUST be submitted and received by the closing date. Please apply online at www.yourrialto.com

All other employment inquiries can be directed to The City of Rialto, Human Resources Department. 246 S. Willow, Rialto, CA 92376.

Telephone: (909) 820-2540. Selection Process: Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.

Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists.

The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and fingerprinting. Veterans Preference Credit Eligibility: Veterans of the armed forces, who have been discharged or released from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable (Government Code: 18540.4), shall receive an additional five (5) points to their final examination score for ranking purposes only. This preference will apply only to the first appointment to any regular full-time City appointment

A copy of your valid DD214 must be submitted on or before the final filing date in order to be eligible for Veterans Preference Credit. For more information, please see the City's Veteran's Preference Policy. E-Verify: The City of Rialto is an E-Verify employer.

E-Verify is an internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.