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Entry Level Animal Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Animal Control Officer I/II

Rialto, CA · On-site

$24.30 - $32.56/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Kennel Assistant

Tustin, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

This is an entry-level position on the patient care team and an excellent starting point for ... ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ANIMAL CARE AND HUSBANDRY * Feed, water and exercise ...

New

Manufacturing entry-level technician responsible for performing tissue preparation and processing ... Ability to handle animal tissue and perform wet processing procedures. Ability to read, comprehend ...

Police Dispatcher

Glendora, CA · On-site

$57K - $69K/yr

Dispatches, as necessary, police and animal control units in response to calls for service or ... S.T. approved entry level Police Dispatcher basic training course prior to completion of ...

Police Dispatcher

Glendora, CA · On-site

$57K - $69K/yr

... and animal control units in response to calls for service or requests from officers in the field ... S.T. approved entry level Police Dispatcher basic training course prior to completion of ...

Entry Level Animal information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$17

$28

How much do entry level animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animal in Riverside, CA is $17.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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. Obtain basic knowledge of animal care, safety, and handling, and consider earning certifications such as pet first aid to improve your qualifications.

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.

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, zoos, or veterinary clinics. Obtain basic certifications such as animal care or safety training, and develop skills in handling and caring for animals. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma and a passion for animal welfare.

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.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Entry-level animal jobs include positions such as veterinary assistant, pet groomer, animal shelter worker, and pet care technician. These roles often require basic animal handling skills, patience, and sometimes certification or training in animal care or first aid.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Animal jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Animal job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Animal job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,180 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Animal Control Officer I/II

City of Rialto, CA

Rialto, CA • On-site

$24.30 - $32.56/hr

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Animal Control Officer

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.

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: $24.30 - $32.56

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Patrol City streets and roads using a City owned vehicle; search for stray dogs and domestic animals.
  2. Pick up and dispose of deceased animals in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  3. 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.
  4. Perform general office duties; receive and direct telephone calls; provide information and explain procedures; send notices; file rabies certificates and other documents.
  5. Prepare and maintain a variety of files, records and reports; ensure all records comply with established guidelines.
  6. Receive lost and found animal reports; assist visitors in locating missing pets.
  7. 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.
  8. Coordinate the services and operations of the City's rabies vaccination clinics; maintain related records.
  9. 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.
  10. Assist in preparing laboratory specimens; submit to appropriate public agencies.
  11. Operate variety of tools, equipment and devices including humane traps, mobile radios and related animal control tools and equipment.
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.