PTS Animal Keeper

The City of Santa Clarita is currently recruiting for a part-time, temporary, seasonal (PTS) Animal Keeper in the Parks division of the Neighborhood Services department. This position will assist in the care of the animals of the historic William S. Hart Park, including assisting in the daily feeding and maintenance of enclosures and surrounding areas.

This position is expected to work 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work schedule may vary based on operational needs.

• Assists with the daily operations of the Hart Park Barnyard, including feeding and enclosure maintenance
• Performs daily feeding of animals and refills water containers based on the established schedules
• Assists in the daily cleaning of enclosures and the disposal of animal waste
• Assists in the maintenance of animal enclosures and surrounding areas to maintain a clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environment
• Informs the Animal Care Specialist of any observed health or behavior changes or concerns of animals
• Assists in the routine preparation of food and supplements for animals as instructed
• Operates equipment, utility vehicles, and various power tools
• May assist in routine park maintenance tasks, including restocking supplies and conducting trash inspections
• May lead the work of volunteers
• Performs other duties as assigned
• This position may require working weekends, special events, and holidays

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Possession of a valid Class C California driver's license and safe driving record
• Six months of experience in animal care in a ranch, zoo, sanctuary, farm, or other related field
• Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered
• Knowledge of basic animal care practices, including feeding, cleaning, and handling techniques
• Awareness of safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols and standards for working with animals and maintaining enclosures
• Strong communication skills and the ability to verbally communicate professionally and tactfully with the members of the public, volunteers, and City employees
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and established procedures for animal care and barnyard operations
• Ability to recognize signs of illness or distress in animals and report concerns
• Strong work ethic and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and make sound decisions
• Ability to lead the work of volunteers
• Knowledge of practices and principles of general maintenance and use of equipment
• Ability to perform physical labor, including the ability to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment, animals, and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more
• Ability to work in indoor and outdoor settings and work in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold

Final date to receive applications:
Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon). An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position. All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected. The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews that may be conducted in person and/or via video conferencing.

If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance. All offers of employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States and successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical which may include a drug screen and Physical Abilities Test, negative TB test on file, and Department of Justice fingerprinting.

Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm work authorization of newly hired employees. As…