Tri County Animal Rescue Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $57,851.04 - $69,630.08 Annually
Location : Southern Santa Clara County, CA
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 26-V58-A
Department: Agriculture and Environmental Management Department
Opening Date: 07/23/2026
Closing Date: 8/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 03
Description
Under general supervision, to provide care for animals and to maintain County Animal Services Center(s).
The Consumer Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA) is currently recruiting for two (2) part-time positions. The hours for these opportunities may be alternate shifts and/or days outside of the typical 8 AM-5 PM, Monday-Friday work schedule, including weekends and holidays. Once established, the list will be used to fill vacancies as they occur.
* * * * * * * * * * * * IMPORTANT * * * * * * * * * * *
EXAMINATION DATES: Applicants who meet the employment standards will be invited to take an online written examination tentatively scheduled for the week of August 31, 2026. Qualifying candidates will be notified with examination instructions via the email address included on their application.
Typical Tasks
The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Feeds, waters, and provides basic treatment and care for all impounded animals, including small animals, exotics, barnyard animals, large livestock, equines, and any other animals impounded at the County Animal Services Center;

• Cleans and disinfects animal enclosures, equipment, and other animal accessible areas of the Animal Services Center;

• Visually conducts inspections and monitors animals to identify and document potential medical issues, abnormal behaviors, and/or temperaments, and notifies Veterinarian staff of any issues;

• Processes animals entering and leaving the Animal Services Center and maintains related records;

• Under the direction of the Veterinarian, prepares dosages and administers medication to animals, administers IV fluids, draws blood, and obtains laboratory samples for testing;

• Facilitates placement suitability by acquainting pets with potential adopters; provides information on the animal, counsel prospective pet owners on common behavioral issues, pet rehoming, advice to prevent pet surrender, and additional resources available after adoption;

• Provides behavioral and recreational activities for housed animals;

• Maintains records and case files, including but not limited to information regarding pick-up and release dates, quarantines, adoptions, disposals, and the status of all animals assigned to the Animal Services Center;

• Under direction of a Veterinarian, quarantines animals, as needed;

• Issues animal licenses, collects fees, and issues receipts for services provided;

• Conducts animal euthanasia, as directed by a Veterinarian;

• Performs basic grooming for animals, such as bathing, clipping hair, and trimming nails;

• Transports housed animals for veterinary care to foster homes, off-site adoption events, and between animal welfare organizations;

• Administers vaccinations and implants microchips in housed animals;

• Prepares lost and found reports from information received from the public and assists in reunification of lost pets with their owners;

• Answers inquiries regarding laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to animal control and animal services in a courteous and professional manner;

• Handles deceased animals, disinfectant chemicals, and sharps;

• May be responsible for operation of the Animal Services Center in the temporary absence of a supervisor;

• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required*;

• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities.
Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to a high school diploma
and
Six (6) months of experience working in an animal shelter, animal hospital, boarding facility, animal training facility, rescue facility, refuge facility, or closely related facility handling, caring for, and treating a large number of animals. (Private ownership of animals is not considered qualifying experience.)
Special Requirements

• Veterinarian Assistant Controlled Substances Permit (VACSP) issued by the State of California Veterinary Medical Board and Euthanasia by Injection Certification must be obtained during the probationary period.

• Euthanasia by Injection Certification must be obtained during the probationary period.

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• Care and feeding of animals;

• Cleaning and disinfecting methods for animal cages, pens, and enclosures;

• Physical and behavioral characteristics of domestic animals;

• Techniques for administering medications and treatments to various animals;

• Common computer systems and applications;

• Customer service principles, including maintaining a professional, courteous demeanor;

• Basic record keeping;

• Basic math.

Ability to:

• Work independently;

• Work with and handle animals safely, properly, and humanely;

• Learn symptoms of common animal diseases;

• Perform animal euthanasia;

• Learn rules and regulations governing animal control and explain them to the public;

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;

• Understand and accurately follow written and oral instructions and procedures;

• Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;

• Perform monetary transactions;

• Maintain accurate manual and computerized records.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more
The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.
In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.
Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.
Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.
Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.
Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.
Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.
Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.
NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.
Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01
Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun.
Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Name of employer
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Number of hours worked per week
e) Job duties performed
A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Vague, incomplete, or non-responsive answers could result in no or low scores in a Competitive Rating process. Do you understand this requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03
How much work experience do you have working in an animal shelter, animal hospital, boarding facility, animal training facility, rescue facility, refuge facility, or closely related facility handling, caring for, and treating a large number of animals?NOTE: Private ownership of animals, regardless of the number of animals, is not considered as qualifying experience.

• 1 - 5 months
• 6 - 11 months
• 12 - 23 months
• 24 months or more
• No experience

04
Describe your work experience working in an animal shelter, animal hospital, boarding facility, animal training facility, rescue facility, refuge facility, or closely related facility handling, caring for, and treating a large number of animals? Be detailed and specific in your response. Include the name of employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and job duties. If no experience, type N/A.Note: Private ownership of animals, regardless of the number of animals, is not considered a qualifying experience.
05
Describe your work experience interacting with the public. Be detailed and specific in your response. Include the name of employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and job duties. If no experience, type N/A.
06
Describe your work experience in conducting animal behavior assessments. Be detailed and specific in your response. Include the name of employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, number of hours worked per week, and job duties. If no experience, type N/A.
07
Which of the following best describes your experience working with Chameleon Software?

• No significant experience
• Beginner