Posting number: 26534408H
Department: Animal Care Services
Division: Animal Care Services
Job classification: Animal Care Specialist (Hourly)
Posting type: Open
Categories: Animal Services
To perform routine animal shelter/kennel maintenance and operations work along with a high level of public interaction at the animal care facility; to receive, impound, care for, administer vaccines and treatments, euthanize and dispose of animals brought to the animal shelter; assist animal shelter patrons by answering questions regarding impounded animals; perform general office work and data entry; assist the public with adoptions; back-up public counter support and to perform other related duties as assigned. May be required to work a flexible schedule, which would include weekends and holidays.
NOTE: This recruitment is for a part-time, non-benefited position limited to 919 hours of employment in a fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) with an average of less than 30 service hours per work week. Hours may vary between 0 - 16 hours per week, dependent upon the daily staffing needs of the department. Unclassified hourly employees are paid on an hourly basis and shall not be eligible for benefits nor be subject to Civil Services Rules. Although hourly employees are at-will, they are still subject to all other City policies and procedures.
Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: receive, handle and kennel animals of all species including those of unknown temperament, aggressive, sick and injured animals; update computer files when receiving, treating, moving or dispositioning animals; keeps accurate records and logs; maintain the shelter and premises in a sanitary condition and good repair; clean kennels and department vehicles; care for and feed impounded animals; assists in the procurement of animal food and supplies; identify sex, age and breed of animals in the facility; complete and maintain simple records; prepare reports as need; assist in performing medical and behavioral examinations of animals including administering medical treatment to shelter animals; assist with surgical preparation for spays and neuters; assist in identifying potentially adoptable animals; assist the public with adoptions; oversee prospective adopters in pet play area; provide information regarding the animal and its temperament; answer citizen inquiries and provide shelter information to the public; provide back-up support to the public counter; process records and applications related to assigned duties; conduct tours of the facility; present pet educational program at schools, senior center, and other off site locations; evaluate animals daily on euthanasia list; euthanize animals by injection in accordance with established policies and procedures; dispose of diseased and unclaimed animals; assist in conducting rabies clinic; issue dog licenses; receive and record payment for licenses and adoptions; relay messages and dispatches personnel by radio; responds to calls when necessary; may transport shelter animals to other facilities; perform general office work and data entry; perform related duties as assigned.
Any combination of education and/or 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 one year of experience working with animals in an animal care facility, veterinary hospital/mobile veterinary clinic, or boarding kennel and training equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in animal care.
License or Certificate: Euthanasia certificate is highly desirable.
Knowledge of: animal breeds, characteristics and diseases; animal care, feeding and handling methods and techniques; applicable laws, codes, ordinances and regulations; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment.
Ability to: properly handle and care for animals; humanely euthanize animals according to department protocols; dispose of diseased and euthanized animals; clean and disinfect shelter enclosures, cages and other related operational equipment or areas; distinguish between healthy and ill animals; recognize aggressive or frightened animals; keep simple records; operate computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work a flexible schedule, which would include weekends and holidays; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
On a continuous basis walk, stand, bend, crouch or stoop, sit for varying periods of time; use hands and fingers to grasp and use various types of animal restraints and capture equipment and tools; must be able to perform euthanasia on animals; make repetitive hand and body motions; twist and reach below and above shoulder. Communicate over a radio, or telephone; hear communications via radio, telephone or in person; respond to inquiries; use a computer keyboard. Must be able to lift with assistance and carry injured or dead animal weighing up to 125 lbs.; see in the normal vision range with or without correction; hear in the normal range with or without correction. Work is performed in both indoors and outdoors with exposure varying weather conditions when in the kennel areas. Frequent exposure to loud animal noises, odors, pet dander, diseases and dangerous animals. Daily contact with a variety of domestic and wild animals that can result in exposure to potentially hazardous or volatile situations; may be exposed to cleaning chemicals used daily to disinfect kennel areas along with exposure to animal body fluids in caring for animal needs.
Recruitment No. 26534408H
This recruitment is open until a sufficient number of applications are received and may close at any time without prior notice. Applicants are encouraged to submit a City Application and Supplemental Questionnaire as soon as possible.
Candidates whose application indicate education and experience most directly related to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. All notices will be sent via e-mail.
The City of Chula Vista is located at the center of one of the richest cultural, economic and environmentally diverse zones in the United States. It is the second-largest City in San Diego County with a population of over 276,000. Chula Vista boasts more than 52 square miles of coastal landscape, canyons, rolling hills, mountains, quality parks, and miles of trails. Chula Vista is a leader in conservation and renewable energy, has outstanding public schools, and has been named one of the top safest cities in the country.
Chula Vista means “beautiful view” and there is more to see and do here than you can imagine! Great year-round weather entices runners, hikers, cyclists, birders, and outdoors enthusiasts from the bay to the lakes. Visit the bayfront with the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge and the Living Coast Discovery Center. The Chula Vista Marina & Yacht Club awaits kayakers and boaters. Cycle the Bayshore Bikeway and see more wonders on San Diego Bay. Eastlake offers residents an area for walking or biking around the lake and Otay Lakes provides quiet picnics and boating.
Construction on the 535-acre Chula Vista Bayfront project is underway. It will feature a world-class waterfront resort, a convention center, parks, and residential housing. A new luxury RV Resort opened in 2021 on the bayfront with RV sites and vacation rentals. Plans are moving forward on the 375-acre University Park and Innovation District in the eastern section which will bring more education, jobs and businesses to the City.
Established neighborhoods, contemporary communities, start-up firms, corporations, nationally recognized entertainment venues, the nation’s only warm weather athlete training center, an award winning nature center, and a historic downtown all contribute to Chula Vista’s attraction for both families and businesses.
