Kennel Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $61,935.66 - $83,024.70 Annually
Location : Throughout Riverside County
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: 25-73501-02
Department: Animal Services
Opening Date: 05/01/2025
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 seeks candidates to fill positions throughout Riverside County. A list of eligible candidates will be established to fill current and future vacancies.
The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has an opportunity for a Registered Veterinary Technician located at the Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Coachella.
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.
The incumbent may assist with the euthanasia of animals and/or the lifting of animals for disposal and impounding.
Registered Veterinary Technicians may be required to work evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
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.
Who May Apply?This recruitment is open to all applicants. Current Department of Animal Services employees interested in a lateral transfer need to apply.
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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.
Other Requirements
Possession of a valid California Driver's License and completing a series of three Rabies vaccines within 30 days of employment.
Physical exposures
This position may require working in an environment with exposure to animal smells, dander, excrement, fluids/wounds, and aggressive animals.
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
Who May Apply:This recruitment is open to all candidates.
For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Ebelyn Skinner at or 951-955-5196.
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:
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: UPE..
MEDICAL/DENTAL/VISION INSURANCE: A choice of different medical, dental and visions plan are available to elect. The County provides a Flexible Benefit Credit contribution as governed by the applicable LIUNA Memorandum of Understanding to contribute towards the cost of these plans.
Note: Employees on assignment through the Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) receive different benefits. See the list
MISCELLANEOUS RETIREMENT: County of Riverside has three retirement Tiers through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Tier I (Classic Member - Formula 3% @ 60): Applicable to current and former County of Riverside local miscellaneous employees hired prior to 08/24/2012 and did not withdraw CalPERS contributions. The employee contribution is eight (8%) percent.
• Tier II (Classic Member - Formula 2% @ 60): Applicable to local miscellaneous employees 1) hired after 08/23/2012 through 12/31/2012; 2) Previously employed with another CalPERS contracting public agency or a reciprocal retirement system, with a break in service of less than six months between the separation date with the previous employer and the appointment date with the County of Riverside. The employee contribution is seven (7%) percent.
• Tier III (PEPRA New Member - Formula 2% @ 62): Applicable to CalPERS local miscellaneous new members hired on or after the implementation of the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) which took effect January 1, 2013. Effective July 1, 2023 employee contributions are 7.25% and will increase to 7.75% effective July 1, 2024.

A new member is defined as any of the following:

1. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California Public Retirement System.
2. A new hire who enters CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was a member with another California Public Retirement System prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.
3. A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS agency after a break in service of greater than six (6) months.

CalPERS refers to all members that do not fit within the definition of a new member as "classic members".
Contribution rates are subject to change based on the County of Riverside annual actuarial valuation.
Note:
This summary is for general information purposes only. Additional questions regarding retirement formulas can be sent to or by calling the Benefits Information Line at (951) 955-4981,
Option 2.
If you have prior service credit with another CalPERS agency or within agencies, please contact CalPERS at (888) 225-7377 to determine which retirement tier would be applicable to you. CalPERS is governed by the Public Employees' Retirement Law. The Retirement Law is complex and subject to change. If there's any conflict between this summary and the law, the law will prevail over this summary.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Voluntary employee contribution with a choice between two 457 deferred compensation plan options.
VACATION ACCRUAL (Bi-Weekly Accrual):
0 < 3 year = 80 Hours (10 Days)
4 < 9 years = 120 Hours (15 Days)
10 or more years = 160 Hours (20 Days)
Maximum Vacation leave accumulation is 480 hours.
SICK LEAVE: Four (4) hours Sick Leave accrual per pay period with unlimited accrual.
HOLIDAYS: Normally 12 paid holidays per year
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE: Allowed 5 days (3 days ar...