Community Services Program Coordinator - Animal Services

Overview

Are you passionate about animal welfare, community engagement, and creating programs that make a meaningful impact? Join the City of San Bernardino’s Animal Services Department as a Community Services Program Coordinator and play a vital role in strengthening our rescue, foster, and community outreach efforts. In this role, you will help develop and coordinate programs that support animal care, promote responsible pet ownership, and enhance the quality of life for both residents and the animals we serve.

As a future member of our team, you’ll be joining a city with deep roots, cultural diversity, and exciting momentum. Located in the heart of Southern California’s Inland Empire, San Bernardino is the county seat and largest city in San Bernardino County, home to more than 222,000 residents. Its rich history — shaped by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences — continues to inspire the city’s evolving identity.

San Bernardino offers access to major transit corridors, natural beauty, and a wide range of housing and lifestyle options. It’s a place where public service careers are supported by a strong sense of community and purpose — and where motivated professionals can grow, contribute, and be part of something meaningful.

The Community Services Program Coordinator plays an important role in the Animal Services Department by overseeing and advancing community-based programs that support positive outcomes for animals in the City’s care. Under general direction, this position coordinates and implements a variety of programs including rescue partnerships, foster care, volunteer services, and community outreach initiatives. The Coordinator assists with marketing and digital engagement efforts to promote adoptable animals, responsible pet ownership, and lifesaving services.

The Coordinator collaborates with rescue organizations, volunteers, community members, and other City departments to expand placement opportunities and strengthen public engagement. This position requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, relationship-building abilities, and a commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality service. Through strategic coordination and community partnerships, the Community Services Program Coordinator supports the Department’s mission to ensure animals are protected, promoted, and provided every opportunity to find safe and permanent homes.

The ideal candidate is an organized, compassionate, and community-focused professional with experience in animal shelter operations, rescue and foster coordination, and volunteer engagement. They demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate understands animal care and safe handling practices, is proficient in maintaining accurate records (experience with shelter management software such as Chameleon is desirable), and provides excellent customer service while building strong working relationships with rescue partners, foster caregivers, volunteers, staff, and the public.

• Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration, Public Administration, Community Services, or a related field.
• Background in animal shelter operations, rescue and foster coordination, volunteer programming, community outreach, or animal care services.
• Experience working within local government or a public agency.
• Experience in marketing, outreach, and community engagement.

A typical day includes coordinating volunteer and community service programs, responding to inquiries from the public, and providing guidance and support to volunteers and foster caregivers. The Coordinator plans and conducts volunteer recruitment efforts and facilitates pre-service and ongoing training to ensure program effectiveness. They assist in developing and implementing program goals, policies, and procedures, while helping resolve concerns or conflicts that may arise.

The Coordinator also meets with staff to review assignments, evaluate program needs, and ensure services are delivered…