Assistant Director of Animal Services

County of Riverside•Jurupa, CA

About The Position

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services invites applications for an inspiring leader to join its executive team as the Assistant Director of Animal Services (Administrative). Under the general direction of the Director of Animal Services, the Assistant Director serves as a chief administrative executive, providing strategic leadership and executive oversight for one of California's largest municipal animal services organizations. This position is responsible for organizational leadership, fiscal stewardship, policy implementation, personnel management, operational oversight, and execution of the Department's long-term vision. The Assistant Director leads through experienced managers, supervisors, and technical professionals, partnering with the executive team and shelter leadership to strengthen organizational culture, ensure operational consistency, and advance department priorities. The position provides executive oversight of customer-facing intake operations and outcome programs, ensuring services are delivered with professionalism, compassion, efficiency, and consistency. The Assistant Director champions a customer-focused approach that enhances the experience of pet owners, adopters, rescue partners, and community members while supporting positive outcomes for animals in the Department's care. The Assistant Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Department's administrative functions, fostering exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and a collaborative workplace culture. This role builds strong partnerships across divisions, promotes open communication, and aligns administrative practices to ensure consistent, high-quality service for both internal and external customers. Working closely with department leadership, the Assistant Director oversees key administrative operations, supports staff development, and ensures employees have the training, tools, and resources needed to succeed. The position drives continuous improvement by streamlining business processes, strengthening customer service delivery, improving organizational effectiveness, and identifying innovative solutions that support the Department's mission. As a collaborative and service-oriented executive, the Assistant Director cultivates a positive, accountable, and high-performing work environment that values professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will help ensure the Department delivers responsive, compassionate, and efficient services that meet the needs of the community while advancing excellence in animal care and organizational performance. This class has been designated At-Will by the Board of Supervisors, in accordance with the provisions provided under Article 6, Section 601E (2) of the County Management Resolution and serves at the pleasure of their respective Department Head. This class has been deemed eligible for the Performance Recognition Plan as set forth under Article 3, Section 311(B) of the County Management Resolution. Program eligibility requires employees to be in a leadership position, manage other employees or programs, and have significant influence on the achievement of organizational objectives. Meet the Team! The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity. The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one 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.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in public health, veterinary medicine, environmental health, public administration, or a related field to the assignment.
Four years of professional experience at a managerial or supervisory level in a public or private organization involved in animal services, public health, law enforcement, code enforcement, healthcare, or closely related field, which must have included responsibility for directing the activities of subordinate staff, managing programs and budgeting.
Knowledge of principles and practices of governmental management.
Knowledge of budget principles.
Knowledge of office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment.
Knowledge of techniques for dealing effectively with the public, in person and over the telephone.
Ability to select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Ability to plan, coordinate, assign, and review the work of subordinate staff.
Ability to investigate and resolve disciplinary issues.
Ability to monitor and interpret budgets and other financial documents.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with others.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to interpret and summarize a variety of data and information.
Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality of information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, staff, volunteers and the public.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in public or environmental health, or public administration may substitute for two years of the experience.

Responsibilities

Provide administrative oversight for departmental operations, programs, and strategic initiatives.
Inspire, mentor, and support staff while promoting a positive and cohesive organizational culture.
Direct managerial staff to ensure productivity, culture alignment, and positive morale.
Develop strategies that strengthen team performance and ensure clear understanding of expectations.
Create and implement communication strategies that promote collaboration and alignment across all shelters and units.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and exceptional public service.
Oversee budget development, fiscal stewardship, and long-range resource planning.
Support implementation of Board priorities and Department strategic initiatives.
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Director and executive leadership team.
Collaborate with the executive team to ensure fiscal responsibility, process improvements, and effective resource allocation.
Represent the Department effectively with elected officials, partner agencies, and the public.
Perform other related duties as assigned.