Kennel Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $83,024.70 Annually
Location : Throughout Riverside County
Job Type: Per-Diem
Job Number: 26-73498-01CM
Department: Animal Services
Opening Date: 01/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
For questions regarding this position, please contact the Recruiter listed in the Supplemental Information section.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The County of Riverside's Human Resources Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) is seeking a Registered Veterinary Technician - Per Diem to support the Department of Animal Services for our Jurupa Valley and San Jacinto locations.
Although incumbents may be placed in one location, you must be comfortable traveling to all locations, as needed.
The Registered Veterinary Technician will be responsible for performing routine animal checkups and providing support during emergencies.
Duties include communicating with pet owners to determine changes in their pet's health and well-being, for example, changes in activity levels and/or diet, checking an animal's weight, heartbeat and other vitals to record in patient files, drawing blood samples or administering medications.
Responsibilities will also include preparing instruments and medical supplies for Veterinary Surgeon's use, preparing animals for sterilization surgery and assisting with anesthesia and monitoring animals during surgical sterilization, observing animals after surgery to detect any post surgical complications and documenting/elevating as necessary.
A Registered Veterinary Technician may be required to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
The Registered Veterinary Technician is the first professional level classification in the Registered Veterinary Technician series and reports to a Supervising Registered Veterinary Technician.
Meet the Team!
The Riverside County has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity. The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve. The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Thousand Palms.
About TAP
The Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) recruits and hires temporary employees for all County departments. TAP assignments are a great way to learn about working for the County while working on a temporary, at-will basis.
Click here to learn more about TAP:
TAP Benefits:
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Assist a Veterinary Surgeon in the administration of physical examinations to determine surgical fitness of animals by handling animals during the examination.
• Prepare instruments and medical supplies for Veterinary Surgeon's use; prepare animals for sterilization surgery and assist with anesthesia procedures.
• Provide the Veterinary Surgeon with supplies needed during the sterilization surgery of animals; provide support for any emergencies that might arise.
• Monitor animals during surgery as needed; observe animals after surgery to detect any abnormal behavior or physical symptoms and report findings to the Veterinary Surgeon.
• Clean and prepare surgical packs and instruments for sterilization prior to surgery; provide general care for and feed animals.
• Under direction, render first aid, medical treatments, and therapy as required for hospitalized animals.
• Assist with the admittance and discharge of animals to and from clinic.
• Assist in training clinic personnel; order necessary materials and medications required by the Spay and Neuter Facility and Shelter.
• Assist with filling prescriptions; assist spay and neuter staff with daily operations.
• Observe general shelter population for illness and/or injury.
• Assist veterinarians in treating shelter animals, including a variety of exotic animals, through the restraining and managing of many different species.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Successful completion of the education necessary to obtain the required certification issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board.
Experience
One year of paid or voluntary experience working in a kennel, veterinary or animal shelter facility.
Certification
Possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Veterinary Technician issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board.
Knowledge Of
Safe, humane and efficient methods for the care and treatment of small animals, particularly dogs and cats; equipment and procedures used at a veterinary clinic; physical and behavioral characteristics of small animals; substances and methods used to clean and disinfect animal habitats.
Ability To
Care for small animals; recognize abnormal behavioral and physical symptoms in small animals; safely handle and maintain clinic medical instruments and equipment; deal tactfully and effectively with the public; maintain simple records and prepare reports as necessary.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Other Requirements
License/Certificate: Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required.
Possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Veterinary Technician issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board.
Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis may be required within 30 days of employment.
What's Next? Open to All ApplicantsThis recruitment is open to all applicants.
For questions regarding this recruitment
Please contact Cindy Mendez at 951-955-3528 or at For general inquiries, please allow up to 2 business days to receive a response.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Veteran's Preference
The County has a Veterans Preference Policy applicable to new hires. To qualify, attach the required documents to your job application. Documents include a copy of your (or your spouse's) Member-4 Form DD-214 indicating dates of service. For spousal preference, and as applicable, the following documents: a copy of your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, a letter of spouse's disability and/or letter of service-related death (if available) from the U.S. Veteran's Administration. For privacy reasons, it is recommended that you remove your social security information from the document(s). A Human Resources Representative will review the materials and determine if you qualify for veterans' preference. For complete details and documentation requirements, please review the Veterans Preference Policy, C-3 here:
Reasonable Accommodations
The County of Riverside is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter for the position noted above. For additional information and/or to obtain the appropriate form for requesting a reasonable accommodation, please visit the Disability Access Office web page located at:
Work Location and Telework
In-person attendance is the standard work expectation for County of Riverside assignments. Certain assignments may be eligible for a hybrid telework schedule; however, telework arrangements are subject to management approval, operational needs, and/or may be modified or discontinued at any time. Employees who telework are expected to be able to report to their assigned worksite on short notice or as operational needs require. Unless otherwise specified for a particular position, employees are expected to reside in California following appointment. Limited exceptions may apply. Applicants should contact the assigned recruiter for additional information regarding work location expectations, telework eligibility, and residency requirements.
Proof of Education
If using education to qualify or when requested by the recruiter, upload a copy of any license(s), official/unofficial transcript(s), degrees, and/or related employment documents to your NeoGov account at the time of application and before the closing date. Official or unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
If your education was completed outside of the United States, you will need to provide a copy of your Foreign Education Equivalency evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () or Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. ().
Work Authorization Requirement
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. The County of Riverside does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The County of Riverside is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the County of Riverside to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, or any other non-job-related factors.
Pre-Employment
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment). A pre-employment physical examination and background check may be required.
Probationary Period
As an Approved Local Merit System, all County of Riverside employees, except those serving "At Will," are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, County Resolution, or Salary Ordinance. Temporary and Per Diem employees serve at the pleasure of the agency/department head.
General Information
Current County of Riverside and/or current employees of the hiring department may receive priority consideration. Qualified candidates may be considered for future County vacancies.
Job postings may close without notice based on application volume. Submit your complete application by the recruitment close date; no late applications are accepted. Ensure all relevant experience/education is reflected on your application/resume, as a failure to demonstrate position requirements may disqualify applicants. A description of job duties directly copied from the job classification or job posting will not be considered.
Please read and follow any special application instructions on this posting. Click the 'Apply' link located on this page to submit your application. For additional instructions on the application process, examinations, Veteran's preference, pre-employment accommodation or other employment questions, please refer to our web site,
If you are experiencing technical problems, you may contact the governmentjobs.com applicant support desk Monday through Friday, 6 am to 5 pm Pacific Time at support@governmentjobs.com or toll-free 1-855-524-5627.
BENEFIT PROGRAM: TMP
Temporary employees participate in the 401(a) Temporary and Part-Time Employees' Retirement Plan and are required to contribute 3.75% of salary to the pension plan. The County contributes a matching amount. A list of benefits for employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) is available
01
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law?

• No
• Yes
• I am in the process of obtaining authorization.

02
Are you currently 18 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

03
Select the answer that best describes your current driver license status:

• I have a valid California Class C license.
• I am able to obtain a valid California driver license.
• I currently have a valid out-of-state driver license, and am able to obtain a valid California driver license.
• I do not have and/or I am not able to obtain a California driver license.

04
I am willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the position, as stated in the job posting, complete a series of three Rabies vaccines within 30 days of employment.

• Yes
• No

05
I am willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the position, as stated in the job posting, working in an environment with exposure to animal smells, dander, excrement, fluids and wounds.

• Yes
• No

06
I am willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the position, as stated in the job posting, independent body mobility to sit, stand and/or move including lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling up to 50 pounds in weight with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Yes
• No

07
Are you available to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays?

• Yes
• No

08
Have you completed the education necessary to obtain the required certification issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you possess a valid certificate as a Registered Veterinary Technician issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board?

• Yes
• No

10
How many years of professional experience do you possess working in a kennel facility?

• No Experience
• One year, but less than two years
• Two years, but less than three years
• Three years, but less than four years
• Four or more year