Job Description

Posting number: 2026-07153

Department: OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Job classification: PET RESOURCE ASSISTANT

Posting type: Open

Categories: Animal Services

Are you looking for a position with a work/life balance? Do you want to earn four weeks off during your first year of employment? Do you want low and no cost health insurance options? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to complete your application now. Work for the city you love!!!

Animal Care and Protective Services is actively seeking a Pet Resource Assistant.

Did you know as a City of Jacksonville employee, you would also have 12 paid holidays and a personal leave day as well? In addition, to health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and flexible spending plans are also available. City of Jacksonville employees are also eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after 10 years of public service and on-time payments.

This is technical work in providing community members with resources and support to help them keep their pets, thereby reducing pet surrenders to the shelter. Work involves scheduling intake based on adoptability, shelter capacity, and appropriate pathways. This role will also handle and coordinate stray intake following shelter best practices to reunite pets with their owners before they enter the shelter. Work requires knowledge of the applicable laws, techniques, methods, and procedures, as well as the use of specialized skills which are acquired through a combination of training and on the job experience. Work schedule involves flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work involves differing situations requiring the use of judgment in search for solutions or new applications within ones’ known experiences. Operates standard office equipment such as personal computers. Work is performed in office and in the field, including direct interaction with pet owners and their pets and exposure to various weather conditions during community outreach activities and events. The physical demands are moderate and consist of lifting animals and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Work is performed under general supervision where the work assignments are varied and, although subject to standard procedures, practices, and the worker is permitted some latitude to set own priorities subject to supervisor’s approval.

Examples of duties

• Provides community members with resources, guidance, and support to assist them in keeping their pets in their homes.
• Assesses situations where pets must be surrendered to determine the most appropriate intake scheduling based on adoptability, shelter capacity, and available pathways.
• Coordinates and schedules pet intakes, working closely with shelter staff to manage capacity and optimize outcomes for the animals.
• Collaborate with other departments, including animal care, veterinary services, and adoption teams, to facilitate smooth transitions for incoming pets.
• Maintains accurate records of all interactions, resources provided, and intake schedules in the shelter management system.
• Assists in the development and distribution of educational materials and resources related to pet care, behavior, and retention strategies.
• Provides excellent customer service to community members, addressing their needs and concerns with empathy and professionalism.
• Participates in community outreach events and activities to promote the resources and services of the Pet Resource Center.
• Reports to work location during emergency circumstances such as actual and anticipated natural and man-made disasters.
• Performs euthanasia as taught by the FACA (Florida Animal Control Association) approved class and in compliance with the ACPS euthanasia protocol.
• Operates standard office equipment such as personal computer using word, spreadsheet, database and other related software, two-way radio, and euthanasia equipment.
• Maintains accurate records of outreach activities, contacts, and event outcomes; ensure data is properly documented and utilized for future planning.
• Operates a motor vehicle.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville’s competencies.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of animal care, behavior, and welfare issues, including strategies for pet retention.
• Knowledge of standardized work routines and procedures used to handle, care for, and identify a variety of animals.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written communication.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records, data entry for reporting.
• Ability to pay attention to details, organize and follow through on assigned tasks.
• Ability to provide compassionate service to diverse community members.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively using strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to perform euthanasia as taught by the FACA (Florida Animal Control Association) approved class and in compliance with the ACPS euthanasia protocol.
• Ability to remain patient and professional in dealing with customers and volunteers.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as personal computer using word, spreadsheet, database and other related software, two-way radio, and euthanasia equipment.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Supplemental information

• One year of education and/or experience in an animal field, social service, or customer service field.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

• Euthanasia Technician Certification must be obtained prior to completion of probation and must be maintained.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license during employment in this class.
• Must qualify for, obtain, and maintain a City of Jacksonville public driver certification for employment in this class.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• The probationary period for this class is six months.
• This classification performs safety-sensitive functions and is subject to pre-employment, random and other drug/alcohol testing programs as set forth in the City of Jacksonville’s Drug Free Workplace Policy (0401).
• ACPS is part of the City of Jacksonville’s emergency response operations. When pet friendly emergency shelters are open, all full-time employees are required to report and carry out duties as assigned for the duration of the emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.

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Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and the family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, in employment and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

If claiming veteran's preference, you must attach a DD-214 (Member Form-4 copy) or military discharge papers, or equivalent certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs listing military status, dates of service and character of discharge. You must also attach the Veterans Preference Certification Form and if applicable, the additional forms as noted here: http://www.coj.net/departments/employee-services/veterans-preference

If a candidate believes he or she was not afforded veteran’s preference, he or she may file a written complaint, within 60 calendar days upon receipt of notification of the hiring decision, requesting an investigation to:

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
Attention: Veterans’ Preference Coordinator
11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311-K
Largo, FL 33778-1630
Email:VeteransPreference@fdva.state.fl.us