Lab Animal Care Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Do you have the desire to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant and diverse community? Join a collaborative workforce committed to serving the City of Irvine.

Pay Range:

About the Opportunity:

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS IS SEPTEMBER 9, 2026, AT 11:59 P.M.

Understanding that people are the foundation for success, the City of Irvine offers a workplace culture that embraces Humility, Innovation, Empathy, Passion, and Integrity. Apply your passion for public service in the City of Irvine, nationally ranked for safety, educational institutions, business enterprises, and quality of life, by joining our One Irvine team!
The Senior Animal Care Specialist position is an exciting opportunity for an experienced animal care professional to provide daily oversight of the kennel area staff and Animal Care Center operations.

Your Impact

• Examines animals entering the facility to assess health and temperament; conducts general health checks; takes and records vital signs. Performs intakes and routine follow-up exams, including visual, as needed and reports findings to Veterinarian or Senior Registered Veterinary Technician.

• Under the oral or written direction of a licensed Veterinarian, and in compliance with written medical protocols for the Animal Care Center and related laws and regulations, provides medical care and treatment to animals by conducting physical examinations, administering medications and immunizations, observing for clinical symptoms; and by assisting with admissions, discharges and surgical releases, checking incisions and checking and applying splints, and other actions, such as de-worming, bathing, grooming, flea and tick removal, ear flushing, FeLV/FIV testing, skin scrapes, and lab work.

• Assists Veterinarians during surgery by administering anesthesia, ensuring that correct equipment and instruments are at hand and that ensuring that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, monitors, scopes, and breathing apparatus are operable. Monitors animals during surgery and after surgery. Assists Veterinarians in administering medical treatment to shelter animals, including exotic animals; restrains and manages a variety of species.

• Provides first aid and emergency treatment to animals in the absence of a Veterinarian and determines the need for immediate Veterinarian treatment. Handles and restrains animals during examinations and laboratory procedures. Performs compassionate and humane euthanasia for impounded animals as directed

• Monitors the feeding, care and physical condition of animals under veterinary care.

• Prepares and maintains animal health and related records; may monitor and maintain inventory of medications, equipment and clinic supplies.

• May transport animals off-site for specialized veterinarian appointments.

• Maintains effective relations with other shelter employees and others contacted during the course of work.

• May provide technical guidance and support to other clinic support staff.

• May administer special animal care related programs such as the foster care program, as assigned.

• Cares for and maintains surgical instruments, materials and hospital equipment; cleans and sanitizes exam areas, clinic cages, surgical areas and necessary equipment, instruments

• May assist with training programs for the Animal Care Center by providing instruction in basic animal health matters.

• Provide guidance, technical support, and training for Animal Care Attendants/Specialists and volunteers working in the Animal Care Center facility.

• Oversee staff's and volunteer's fulfillment of daily care, feeding and enrichment strategiesof animals as directed.

• Complete initial and daily physical and behavioral assessment of animals.

• Provide excellent customer service and completeadoption counseling with interested adopters.

• Find additional information in theSenior Animal Care Specialistjob description.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent

• College coursework or training in animal health, behavior, or animal care.

• Three years of animal shelter experience or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Some experience providing leadership to other staff.

Best Fit

• Possession and maintenance of a current and unrestricted certification as a Registered Veterinary Technician issued by the California Veterinary Medical Board.

• Neonate experience

• Associate degree in veterinary technology or a closely related field, with one (1) year veterinary assistant experience

• Two years of experience working in an animal shelter environment preferably in a supervisory capacity.

• Experience with Chameleon software.

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekend and evening shifts.

Your Team

The Mission of the Employees of the City of Irvine is to create and maintain a community where people can live, work, and play in an environment that is safe, vibrant, and aesthetically pleasing. We are one team that exists to serve our community in the continual pursuit of a City that offers an exceptional quality of life. The City of Irvine's five values of Humility, Innovation, Empathy, Passion, and Integrity reflect the interests and needs of the community, and the level of service they expect and desire. We are One Irvine by embracing a team-oriented approach and living our values every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. To contact Human Resources, please call 949-724-6067 or email recruitment@cityofirvine.org.

E-Verify

The City of Irvine participates in E-Verify. In compliance with federal law, all employees must provide verification of identity and employment authorization at the time of hire. For additional information, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices.