Temporary Animal Care Technician

The County of Riverside's Human Resources Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) is seeking a Temporary Animal Care Technician to support the Department of Animal Services facilities in San Jacinto, Thousand Palms, Jurupa Valley and Blythe. Applicants with previous experience working with animals are preferred.

Under general supervision, this entry‑level role performs daily tasks to maintain sanitary conditions at animal shelters and off‑site events, feeds and cares for impounded animals, assists with adoptions and reunifications, and counsels the public on responsible pet ownership and animal retention. Animal Care Technicians also receive training and certification in animal care, customer service, animal handling, humane euthanasia and animal disposal, and facility and equipment maintenance.

This classification differs from the Animal Control and Licensing Officer series, which may assist in shelters but also performs fieldwork and enforces animal control regulations.

• Maintain clean, sanitary conditions at the shelter and all off‑site event locations.
• Provide daily feeding, monitoring, and general care for all impounded animals.
• Support animal adoptions and assist with reunifying lost pets with their owners.
• Educate and counsel community members on responsible pet ownership and animal retention.
• Perform routine maintenance of shelter facilities, grounds, and equipment.

Important:
Applicants should be aware that extensive cleaning and physically demanding work are essential functions of this position and will comprise a significant portion of the daily duties. Candidates should be comfortable working in an animal shelter environment and performing repetitive cleaning and sanitation tasks around animal waste, odors, and other conditions associated with animal care.

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services 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.

The Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) recruits and hires temporary employees for all County departments. TAP assignments are a great way to learn about working for the County while working on a temporary, at‑will basis.

TAP Benefits: (PDF guide available)

• Daily cleaning and disinfecting of kennels, equipment and work areas to prevent spread of zoonotic diseases.

• Feed and water animals daily.

• Assist with humane euthanasia and disposal of animals.

• Utilize computer to enter and update animal records in Chameleon Database.

• Daily review of animal inventory; may move animals as needed within the shelter.

• Unload and impound incoming animals received from Animal Control and Licensing Officers and the public.

• Counsel owners who are relinquishing their pets by providing them information on adoptability of their animal or information regarding alternative options.

• Provide customer service to all shelter visitors and staff.

• Educate the public on age, breed, characteristics, and care/treatment of shelter animals; may respond to inquiries from the public regarding retention and disposal of animals.

• May be specifically assigned and act as point of contact for rescue groups (i.e., adoption partners), coordinating the adoption…