Animal Care Center Program Assistant Apprentice

City of Irvine•Irvine, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

One Irvine Workforce Presents: Irvine Animal Care Center Program Assistant Apprenticeship (Limited Term). This position is full-time, at-will, and budgeted for 14 months with the approximate program period of late October 2026 through December 2027. Post-program employment opportunities may be available, but are not guaranteed. The Irvine Animal Care Center Program Assistant Apprentice plays a pivotal role delivering high quality services and administrative support that advance animal welfare and community engagement at the newly refurbished Irvine Animal Care Center. If you are passionate about serving both people and animals, possess strong communication, administrative, and customer service skills, a Program Assistant Apprenticeship could be an excellent opportunity for you! The One Irvine Workforce Apprenticeship Program is funded through the California Volunteers Youth Service Corps grant. In addition to employment, apprentices receive specialized professional development and mentorship, and participate in innovative trainings, all while supporting some of Irvine's most important initiatives. An apprenticeship is a great way to gain on-the-job training, experience the benefits of public service, and invest in your future.

Requirements

Participants must be between 18-30 years old on their first day of service, estimated to be October 2026.
Priority will be given to Irvine residents who meet at least two of the following: Are unemployed or out of school, Are low-income, May have difficulty finding employment, Are first generation college students, Were in or are transitioning from foster care, Are or were engaged with a mental health or substance abuse system, Are or were justice-involved, Are experiencing or have experienced housing instability, Have not participated in an AmeriCorps program.
Community college coursework in business, office practices, or related field.
Four years of increasingly responsible customer service, clerical and/or administrative support experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Ability to exert moderate physical effort, typically involving stooping, kneeling, crouching, twisting, bending, and crawling; ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time; along with the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. in the performance of daily job duties.
Ability to multi-task in a busy animal shelter environment with exposure to a variety of domestic and wild animals, peanut butter, grass, hay, dander, fur, feathers, and zoonotic diseases.
Requires certification in First Aid/CPR/AED within three months of employment.
May require evidence of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test completed within the previous two years.
Must possess a valid California driver's license and evidence of a good record.
Ability to use a computer and related software programs such as Windows, MS Word, Excel, Chameleon, Civic Rec, Workday and other city platforms.

Nice To Haves

Exceptional interpersonal skills and a passion for customer service.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently while multi-tasking and contributing to an overall team environment.
Ability to take direction with humility and a desire to invest in professional growth.
Ability to handle sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality.
Willingness to learn computer programs and departmental systems and engage in mentorship opportunities.
Willingness to think innovatively to develop new ways to perform tasks and engage with your team.

Responsibilities

Support the administrative and customer service functions of the Irvine Animal Care Center's front counter, prioritizing tasks and projects to support the center’s daily operations.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with participants, volunteers, community groups, partner organizations, City staff, and the public while providing exceptional customer service.
Provide assistance and information to internal and external parties in a professional, timely, and customer-focused manner; enforce policies and procedures to ensure safety and welfare of participants, and respond to emergencies as needed.
Conduct research, compile and analyze data, create reports, and present findings to support recommendations; enter and review data in complex systems; and assess division projects and services while assisting with the development and planning of upcoming projects and initiatives.
Ensure compliance with the City’s pet license ordinance. Identify issues with pet licensing procedures and either resolve them or elevate them to the supervisor as appropriate.
Compile, calculate, balance, and post a variety of fees. Collect and account for funds and reconcile payments and receipts in accordance with City policies.
Support operations of a multi-use facility. Conduct facility tours, review application requests, prepare permits, maintain complex scheduling, and coordinate logistics.
Provide operational support for special events.
Support facility operations, including identifying maintenance and safety concerns, submitting work orders, procuring supplies and equipment, and coordinating with Facilities Maintenance, Landscape Maintenance, and other contractors.
May assist with a variety of program-specific responsibilities, including community engagement, creating marketing materials, conducting needs assessments, supporting billing and accounting tasks, maintaining records and files, and scheduling meetings or program activities.
Act as a backup to the department receptionist, maintaining a professional and welcoming environment for employees and visitors.