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Animal Care Specialist

Animal Care Specialist

City of Santa Clarita, CAValencia, CA, United States
9 days ago
Salary
$28.49–$34.63 hourly
Job type
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Permanent
Job description

Salary : $28.49 - $34.63 Hourly

Location : Santa Clarita, CA

Job Type : Regular Full-time

Job Number : 2025-1

Department : Neighborhood Services

Division : Parks Planning & Open Space

Opening Date : 01 / 23 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

Description / Duties & Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Parks Administrator, this position cares for the animals of the historic William S. Hart Park, including overseeing daily health and welfare of animals and maintaining enclosures and surrounding areas.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

  • Performs daily opening and closing of Barnyard; oversees and participates in daily cleaning of enclosures, disposing of animal waste, and performing daily feedings of all resident animals; administers medications and supplements
  • Determines, schedules, and procures all necessary food, forage, medicine, and supplements; maintains adequate inventory of all products and secure storage, including cleanliness of all inventory
  • Provides and maintains a daily animal health and well-being log; recommends veterinary and euthanasia needs; handles deceased animals and orders / prepares animal for necropsy analysis
  • Performs and records daily observations of animals to detect potential health concerns and / or behavior issues; informs supervisor of any health or behavior changes or concerns.
  • Coordinates and participates in volunteer efforts concerning animal care; creates and schedules training program for all volunteer groups; oversees part-time seasonal employees
  • Answers questions about animals from the general public and creates and updates animal information signs
  • Communicates with supervisor daily and attends recurring meetings; coordinates with other divisions to schedule repairs or to support additional maintenance needs.
  • Prepares food and supplements for animals as instructed; maintains and updates approved feeding schedules
  • Maintains animal enclosures and surrounding areas in a clean, safe and aesthetically pleasing manner
  • Orders and maintains inventory of tools and supplies needed for the proper care of the animals
  • Performs medical treatment to sick or injured animals by following protocols prescribed by a veterinarian or as instructed by supervisor
  • Operates equipment, including tractors, lifts, utility vehicles, and various power tools
  • Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

  • High School diploma or GED equivalent
  • One year of experience in animal care in a zoo, sanctuary, farm, or related field
  • A valid Class C driver license
  • Experience coordinating with volunteers or overseeing seasonal staff is desirable
  • Certification or degree in animal science, zoology, or a related field is desirable
  • Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered

    • Knowledge and Abilities

  • Strong understanding of animal husbandry, safe handling, care, and feeding practices
  • Familiarity with animal care procedures, including administering medications and basic first aid
  • Understanding of animal behaviors and ability to observe subtle changes to identify signs of stress, illness, or injury
  • Knowledge of inventory management and stocking adequate supplies for animal care
  • Awareness of safety and sanitation protocols for working with animals and maintaining enclosures
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills to coordinate feeding schedules, medical treatments, and volunteer activities, etc.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to effectively engage with the public, volunteers, and coworkers
  • Leadership skills and the ability to effectively train, manage, and guide volunteers and seasonal staff
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to address animal care challenges and facility needs
  • Strong computer skills and the ability to maintain logs, create schedules, and inventory supplies
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, often with minimal supervision
  • This position requires physical labor and the ability to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment, animals, and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more
  • This position requires working in indoor and outdoor settings and work in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold
  • This position may require after hour emergency response related to animal safety and well being
  • This position may require working weekends, special events, and holidays

    • Additional Information

    This position will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will be on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

    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. Applicants that meet minimum qualifications and are selected for interviews will be required to disclose information regarding criminal convictions. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application / selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance.

    All offers of regular employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States, successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical, which may include a drug screen 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. All new employees may be required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment and during employment. Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted.

    As a City of Santa Clarita public employee, you may be called upon to work as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in the event of an emergency (in accordance with Government Code §§ 3100-3109). Before entering upon the duties of employment, all public employees, except those excluded by law, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution, declaring them to be Disaster Service Workers in time of need.

    Compensation includes enrollment in California Public Employees' Retirement System as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package. All appointments are made at step 1 of the salary range unless otherwise authorized by the City Manager.

    The City of Santa Clarita is an Equal Opportunity Employer

    The City of Santa Clarita offers CalPERS Retirement contributions as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.

    Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent? (proof will be required prior to job offer.)

    Do you have at least one year of experience in animal care or related experience? If so, please describe your experience.

    Please list any valid certifications you have that are related to this position.

    Do you have experience maintaining animal enclosures or exhibits? If so, please describe your experience.

    What interests you most about this opportunity?

    Required Question