Animal Care Specialist (Hourly)

City of Chula Vista•Chula Vista, CA

4d•$26 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

This is an hourly, part-time, non-benefited position limited to 919 hours of employment in a fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) with an average of less than 30 service hours per work week. Hours may vary between 0 - 16 hours per week, dependent upon the daily staffing needs of the department. Unclassified hourly employees are paid on an hourly basis and shall not be eligible for benefits nor be subject to Civil Services Rules. Although hourly employees are at-will, they are still subject to all other City policies and procedures. The role involves performing routine animal shelter/kennel maintenance and operations work along with a high level of public interaction. Responsibilities include receiving, impounding, caring for, administering vaccines and treatments, euthanizing and disposing of animals. The position also involves assisting animal shelter patrons with inquiries about impounded animals, performing general office work and data entry, and assisting the public with adoptions. Back-up public counter support is also a duty. May be required to work a flexible schedule, which would include weekends and holidays. Effective July 10, 2026, the hourly range will increase to $25.59 - $31.11.

Requirements

One year of experience working with animals in an animal care facility, veterinary hospital/mobile veterinary clinic, or boarding kennel.
Training equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in animal care.
Knowledge of animal breeds, characteristics and diseases.
Knowledge of animal care, feeding and handling methods and techniques.
Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, ordinances and regulations.
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of computer equipment and software applications related to assignment.
Ability to properly handle and care for animals.
Ability to humanely euthanize animals according to department protocols.
Ability to dispose of diseased and euthanized animals.
Ability to clean and disinfect shelter enclosures, cages and other related operational equipment or areas.
Ability to distinguish between healthy and ill animals.
Ability to recognize aggressive or frightened animals.
Ability to keep simple records.
Ability to operate computer equipment and software applications related to assignment.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Ability to work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

Nice To Haves

Euthanasia certificate is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Receive, handle and kennel animals of all species including those of unknown temperament, aggressive, sick and injured animals.
Update computer files when receiving, treating, moving or dispositioning animals; keep accurate records and logs.
Maintain the shelter and premises in a sanitary condition and good repair; clean kennels and department vehicles.
Care for and feed impounded animals; assist in the procurement of animal food and supplies.
Identify sex, age and breed of animals in the facility; complete and maintain simple records; prepare reports as needed.
Assist in performing medical and behavioral examinations of animals including administering medical treatment to shelter animals.
Assist with surgical preparation for spays and neuters.
Assist in identifying potentially adoptable animals; assist the public with adoptions; oversee prospective adopters in pet play area; provide information regarding the animal and its temperament.
Answer citizen inquiries and provide shelter information to the public; provide back-up support to the public counter; process records and applications related to assigned duties.
Conduct tours of the facility; present pet educational program at schools, senior center, and other off site locations.
Evaluate animals daily on euthanasia list; euthanize animals by injection in accordance with established policies and procedures; dispose of diseased and unclaimed animals.
Assist in conducting rabies clinic; issue dog licenses; receive and record payment for licenses and adoptions.
Relay messages and dispatches personnel by radio; respond to calls when necessary.
May transport shelter animals to other facilities.
Perform general office work and data entry.
Perform related duties as assigned.