Commander of Field Services

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) has an exciting opportunity for a Commander of Field Services to join their team. The headquarters for this position is located at the Riverside County (West) Animal Shelter in Jurupa, California; however, regular travel throughout Riverside County is required to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

The Commander of Animal Services plays a vital leadership role in supporting all animal shelters across Riverside County. This position oversees community outreach initiatives, collaborates with city partners, and directs field services to ensure effective operations and compassionate animal care. The Commander assists with major animal cases, serves as a team leader, and works closely with law enforcement to uphold public safety and animal welfare standards.

We are seeking a candidate who can make data-driven decisions to advance the department’s life‑saving efforts, while demonstrating strong leadership, collaboration, and commitment to serving both animals and the community. An essential responsibility of this role is training and guiding staff to ensure compliance with policies and procedures in the field, reinforcing accountability and consistency across all operations.

Additionally, the Commander of Field Services will report to the Deputy Director II of Field Services, direct compilations of budget data and control of expenditures, recommend divisional policies and procedures, schedule major activities to assure most effective use of personnel and equipment, and represent the department at meetings, Board of Supervisors meetings, conferences, seminars, hearings and professional associations. The incumbent will also recommend divisional policies and procedures;

interpret applicable laws, rules and regulations pertaining to divisional functions; evaluate pertinent legislative and impending changes. Additional duties include representing the Field Services Division with the Deputy Director II and Director of DAS on legislative matters as a spectator and/or witness on Bills that are being heard at the State level in Sacramento related to the animals of Riverside County.

The schedule for this position may require overtime, weekends, evenings, and on-call availability, especially during an emergency.

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each 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.

• Plan, organize, direct, evaluate, and coordinate the work of a major division of Field Services.
• Develop, organize and implement animal services field related programs, including animal rescue, ordinance enforcement, disaster relief and recovery, animal cruelty and neglect investigations, and education and outreach programs.
• Direct and evaluate work of area office supervisors for compliance with department's goals, policies and procedures.
• Recommend divisional policies and procedures; interpret applicable laws, rules and regulations pertaining to divisional functions; evaluate pertinent legislative and impending changes.
• Direct compilation of budget data and control of expenditures.
• Schedule major activities to ensure the most effective use of personnel and equipment.
• Provide direction and assistance on complex, controversial or politically sensitive Field Services cases; direct the preparation of detailed and comprehensive technical reports.
• Coordinate the work of the division with other divisions of the department, other departments of the County and public and private agencies.
• Represent the Field Services Division as requested on legislative matters as a spectator and/or witness on Bills that are being heard at the State level in Sacramento related to the animals of Riverside County.
• Represent the department at meetings, Board of Supervisors meetings, conferences, seminars, hearings, and professional…